River's Song - The Inn at Shining Waters Series (24 page)

"Welcome back," she called as he hopped out of the pickup.

"Anna!" He looked as if he too was caught off guard. "I didn't even recognize you just now. I thought you were a girl— someone who'd been hired to help out around here."

"I'm the hired help, all right, but the pay is meager." She laughed as she brushed dirt from her knees. "I was just working in the garden. It's really coming on now."

His looked intently at her, his deep-blue eyes shining brightly. "It's
so good
to see you, Anna. It feels like it's been a lot longer than a week and a half."

"I know." She glanced down at her dirt-encrusted fingernails, then shoved her hands into her pockets.

"So, are you full up with guests now? Is there a room available or will I need to pitch a tent this time?"

"Of course you can have a room. Unfortunately, I don't have any guests at the moment." As they walked toward the house, she told him about her friend's recent visit. "But she and her daughters just left yesterday."

"Oh." Clark nodded in a way that suggested he felt uneasy about something.

They were by the house now. "So go ahead and make yourself at home. Your old room is empty and waiting."

"Are you sure you want me to stay here?"

Now Anna felt confused. Had she misunderstood? "You did come back to work on the other cabins, right?"

"Of course."

"Oh, good." She smiled.

"It's just that, well, I'm not sure about staying here alone with you, Anna."

She frowned. "Oh?"

"I, uh, I just wouldn't want it to look like, well, I wouldn't want it to seem—I mean your reputation—I hadn't even considered how it might appear."

"Oh." She nodded as a slow realization washed over her. This was a valid concern since folks on the river did like to talk. And a widow living out here alone with a divorced man would definitely cause some tongues to wag. It might even hurt business for the inn. But did this mean he'd be leaving again? Gossip or not, she didn't know if she could bear to see him go.

"I guess I didn't think this through." He set his bag down on the porch.

"I don't know what to say, Clark." She was truly embarrassed now. "When your mother was here, and Marshall . . .well, it was different then, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was." He rubbed his chin and sighed. "I hadn't planned it like this, Anna, but . . . oh well, why not?"

"What?" She felt puzzled again.

Clark took in a deep breath, then reached into his shirt pocket and cleared his throat. "I wanted to plan something more special, Anna, something old-fashioned and memorable." To her stunned surprise, he now removed a small, blue velvet box and got down on one knee, looking up at her with the most sincere expression she had ever seen. "The truth is I knew from the start that I would do this, Anna, I just had no idea how soon I would actually do it."

Anna felt slightly faint and a bit dizzy as she stared down at him. What on earth was he thinking? Why was he doing this?

"Anna, I love you." He looked directly into her eyes. "I know, you're probably shocked by this—I wouldn't blame you if you turned me down, but I love you, Anna. I love you so much that every day spent away from you was pure misery. I had no idea I could love someone this much, but I do. You don't have to answer me right now, because I can tell by your face you're in complete shock. But, I still have to ask you.
Dear Anna, will you marry me?"

Her hand flew up to her mouth, but no words came out.

He looked worried now. "I know, I know. I'm doing this all wrong." He slowly stood, still holding the small box in his big hands. "I didn't mean to do it like this. I'm not usually the impulsive type. Not that this is an impulse, Anna. It certainly is not."

So many things were racing through her mind now. She had sworn she'd never jump hastily into marriage again. And she had promised herself she would never leave this river. But as she looked into his eyes, all she could think was that she loved him too.

"Oh, Clark," she finally said. It was all that would come out.

"I know my eagerness has probably overwhelmed you." He started to open the little, blue box now. "But since I've gone ahead and plunged right in, I might as well finish it. I really did have a plan . . . of sorts."

He opened the box and held it out for her to see. Anna's eyes grew large as she stared down at the biggest pearl she'd ever seen with a smaller diamond next to it. Set in what appeared to be platinum, the ring was beautiful. "
Oh, my!"
was all she could mutter.

"I was inspired by your grandparents' story. Thinking about how John couldn't find the right pearl for Pearl reminded me of another story. The story of a man who found an amazing pearl—the most magnificent pearl in the world—and he went home and sold everything he owned just so he could go back and purchase the incredible pearl. Well, Anna, that's how I feel about you. When I found you, I knew you were amazing, incredible, wonderful. I knew I would give up everything, I would sell everything, I would do anything just to have you say yes to me."

"Oh, Clark," she spoke quietly, looking from the pearl to his eyes, knowing that she was going to throw her earlier resolve to the wind. "I love you too. My answer is yes, Clark, most assuredly yes."

He wrapped his arms around her and, pulling her close, he kissed her solidly—and she kissed him back, intensely and with all the longing that had been building in her. It was a long wonderful kiss—and like a perfect pearl, she knew she would treasure it forever.

"Oh, my!" she exclaimed when he finally released her. She honestly thought she was seeing stars and her head felt light. Now he took her hand in his and, ignoring her dirty fingernails, he slid the beautiful ring in place. "I had to guess at the size, but we can get it adjusted."

"It's perfect," she murmured, still feeling slightly dizzy and totally stunned. Was this a dream?

He kissed her again and this time it was an even longer kiss. Finally, he released her, grinning as he picked a piece of grass out of her hair, then stroked his fingers down her cheek. "How about if you clean up a bit and let me take you to dinner in town—and we can discuss this new development further."

She just nodded and, still feeling slightly off balance, dashed up the stairs and into the house. Part of her still felt worried, fearful, and unsure—but it was only a tiny part of her. The rest of her was happy, excited—
alive—
for the first time in years. She felt truly and fully alive. As she quickly showered and changed she realized that even if Clark wanted to get married tonight, she would eagerly agree. So much for her earlier reserve.

However, as they lingered over a candlelight dinner, they came up with a better plan. The wedding date would be soon, but to Anna's relief, Clark didn't suggest they elope tonight. Instead, they decided on the second Saturday in September. It gave them less than two weeks, but since Anna only wanted a simple but meaningful ceremony with just a few close friends and family, it would probably be sufficient. In the meantime, to protect Anna's reputation, Clark would take lodging elsewhere.

Once they got back to the inn, Anna called Babette, sharing the good news. Of course, Babette wasn't the least bit surprised and immediately offered to take Clark in during the interim." And, chérie, you must let me be your mama for the wedding!" Babette went on to explain how she'd always dreamed of planning a wedding and how she would not accept no for an answer. So it was settled.

Clark kissed Anna good night, then got into the motorboat and headed down the river toward Babette's. Anna just stood there on the dock, soaking in the river sounds, and watching the running lights on the boat getting smaller. Finally, she looked up to see the stars shining brightly over the river and she realized that this day might very well have been the happiest day of her life. She hoped there would be many more to look forward to.

True to her word, Babette handled most of the wedding preparations. At first Anna tried to reel in her enthusiastic friend, pointing out how time was short and how neither Clark nor Anna particularly wanted this to turn into the event of the season.

"But eet ees good advertisement for the inn," Babette explained. "We will have your picture in the newspaper and perhaps others will want a wedding here too."

"I suppose that does make sense." Anna held out her hands, turning in a circle, so that Babette could see the fit of the dress. Babette had taken Anna's measurements and arranged with her friend Lois, a dressmaker in town, to sew the wedding garment. Anna had insisted on something simple, and Babette had given Lois a photo of a dress Audrey Hepburn had worn in a film. The result was a classic-looking design of creamy white taffeta with three-quarter length sleeves, a boat neckline, and full skirt that went nearly to her ankles.

"I like it,"Anna proclaimed as she admired how the skirt swished back and forth in Lois's three-way mirror. "I feel like a princess." She giggled. "A middle-aged princess."

"Oh, phooey," Lois told her. "You aren't even close to middle-aged yet."

"But that ees not all." Babette smiled mischievously at Lois." You have the other things ready too, no?"

Now Lois brought out several other items of clothing, holding them out for Anna to see. "A suit for your honeymoon," Lois said as she held up a sky-blue jacket and skirt. "And something to wear for a special night out." She pulled out a simple yet elegant black dress. "I don't know where you're going, but you could wear something like this anywhere."

Anna just stared at the lovely clothes. "I don't know what to say."

"Do not say anything," Babette told her. "Just try them on!"

After the fitting, Babette took Anna to lunch. "I am having so much fun with your wedding, chérie. I think your mama, she ees looking down from heaven and clapping her hands."

"I will never know how to thank you for all you're doing."

"No, no." Babette held up her hands. "We are family."

"Speaking of family, Clark and I have a final count on who we think is coming for sure. Clark only has nine guests, including Hazel and Marshall. I only have eight, including Lauren and her boyfriend and Dorothy and her family."

"So your mother-in-law, she ees not coming?"

Anna shook her head.

"I tell you she would not come."

"Even so, I feel better knowing that she was invited."

Babette opened her little notebook and took out a pencil." That number combined with neighbors I've invited from the river and friends een town—eet ees about sixty guests." She smiled brightly. "Exciting, no?"

"Sixty!"Anna was shocked. "Who all have you invited?"

"Trust me, chérie. Some are old friends. Some are new. You will not be disappointed."

"Oh, Babette." Anna just shook her head. "Are you sure?"

Lauren had been a bit shocked to hear her mother was getting married. But after a couple of phone calls, she seemed to adjust to the idea. Not only that, she began to confide in her mother in a way she'd never done before. Most of it had to do with Donald—and how much in love she was with him— but Anna was trying to be open-minded. In all fairness, she barely knew the boy. Perhaps he was all that Lauren believed him to be. Anna was looking forward to meeting him at the wedding.

"You have nothing to worry about. Nothing. Your mama- Babette, she ees taking care of everything. You only must be sure your rooms are ready for your overnight guests. That ees all I ask."

The big day came quickly, and to Anna's dismay it started out as a gray one. Babette's plan had been to have the ceremony outside. Chairs and tables had already been delivered, an arbor was in place, and the weather forecast had been for sunshine.

"You know what they say," Hazel told Anna as she got off Henry's boat that morning. "Rain on your wedding day is good luck."

Anna laughed as she gave the older woman a hand. "Babette promised the sun will come out in time for the ceremony."

The two women hugged and Hazel put her hands on each of Anna's cheeks, looking deep into her eyes. "This is a very happy day for me, daughter-to-be!"

"Thank you. It is for me too—whether it rains or not."

"Don't you fret, Anna," Henry called out as he set someone's bag on the dock. "It's already clearing up out on the ocean. By the time I bring out your next set of guests, it'll be nothing but blue skies."

"How many trips are you making today?"Anna asked him.

"I got two more groups and Arnold Gasby's bringing the last bunch on his boat around four."

"And some guests will come in their own boats." Anna gauged the length of the dock as she went over to greet Marshall. He was helping Henry with the bags. "Would you mind overseeing the boats and the dock?" she asked him. "To make sure there's room for everyone."

"No problem." He made a slightly shy smile. "And in case you didn't hear, I was pretty excited when Dad told me his plans to propose to you." He chuckled. "I even got to go with him when he picked out the ring."

Anna hugged him. "I feel like the luckiest woman in the world right now."

"Looks like that's it for now." Henry was getting back on his boat, while the other guests gathered their bags.

"You won't be late for the wedding, will you, Henry?"

He winked at her. "You know I won't, Anna."

As Henry's boat pulled out, Hazel introduced Anna to the other members of their party, a small combination of family friends and relatives. Everyone seemed happy and congenial and Anna, delighted to play hostess, showed them to their rooms.

By noon, the skies, as Babette and Henry had predicted, began to clear. It was around one when Anna put out a simple buffet lunch for the guests. It was the only thing that Babette had allowed Anna to do, and when it was time to clean it up, others jumped in and told Anna to go take a nap. Of course, Anna felt anything but sleepy today. Plus she was anxious to see Lauren. But after Babette promised to get her when Lauren arrived, Anna agreed to retire to her room, where she dozed off.

The wedding was scheduled for five and Lauren arrived with the last group at a little past four. "I can't believe how much this place has changed," Lauren told Anna as they dressed for the wedding in Anna's room. The plan was for Lauren to be Anna's maid of honor. Marshall would stand with Clark. "It's really nice now, Mom."

Anna beamed at her daughter. "I'm so glad you like it—and so glad you made it finally."

"Grandmother wasn't too pleased," Lauren said as she pulled layers of pale blue taffeta over her head and into place.

"Yes, she communicated that to me." Anna helped fasten the back of Lauren's gown.

"No talk of that woman," Babette said firmly. "This day ees for happy only."

"Oh, you look beautiful,"Anna told Lauren. "That color is lovely with your eyes."

Lauren smiled. "Donald likes me in blue, too."

Anna just nodded.

Now Babette insisted that Anna tell Lauren the story about her great-grandparents and the pearl. And after Anna finished the tale and showed her daughter the ring Clark had given her, Babette pulled out a lovely strand of pearls and matching earrings—ones that Anna had seen her wear off and on over the years.

"Oh, Babette!"Anna shook her head. "No, no—I can't wear your pearls!"

"Oh, Mom, they're so perfect with your dress," Lauren told her as she admired the pearls. "You have to wear them."

"Remember they say something old, something new," Babette told her. "The pearls will be something borrowed . . .at least for today."

So Anna agreed and Babette fastened them around her neck.

"But what about something blue?" Lauren asked.

Anna hugged her daughter. "You are my blue. Your eyes and your dress." And, Anna thought, she also had the river for blue . . . and Clark's eyes.

"Perfect!"
Babette proclaimed.

The wedding ceremony was perfect too. Anna knew it wouldn't be everyone's ideal of perfect. Someone like Eunice would surely turn up her nose at the homey gathering alongside the Siuslaw, the string quartet of high school kids playing slightly off-key, the flowers from local gardens along the river, or old Henry Ackerman wearing a crooked bowtie walking Anna down the "Aisle."

But to Anna everything was absolute perfection. And when she and Clark exchanged vows, with the sparkling river stretching out beyond them, they both had tears of joy in their eyes. The dinner of salmon and roast beef was delicious and the wedding cake, baked by Dorothy's mother, was a bit lopsided, but very tasty. Everything about the wedding and reception was so delightful and so wonderful that Anna felt slightly guilty for not enjoying it more.

However, all she could think about on this special day was that she had just become Mrs. Clark Richards—a man she loved with every fiber of her being. A man who loved her equally—perhaps even more than equally. Clark loved her so much—and he loved her river so much—that he had chosen to relocate his life to her river. Their river now. And he'd assured her, again and again, that he was thrilled to do so.

After guests made a final toast to the happy wedding couple and after the couple changed into traveling clothes, they were paraded by their guests down to the motorboat, which Lauren and some of the others had decorated with streamers and balloons, and Henry, acting as their captain, welcomed them aboard. Waving goodbye to their family and friends, the couple was now transported down the shining river as the sun slowly set, painting the sky in shades of pink and coral and lavender.

"Thank you for sharing your life and your river with me," Clark told her as he held her close in the back of the boat.

"Thank you," she told him, "for being the man I wanted to share it with."

"You know that you've made me the happiest man in the world, my Anna Pearl."

"That makes us a perfectly matched pair."

"Listen," she quietly told him, "And you can hear the river singing its song."

He pulled her closer.

He paused to listen, then smiled. "I think the river is happy too."