Part 4

Trixie got to her feet, keeping her eyes on Laura. “What do you want?”

“I see you still get to the point,” Laura said.

Trixie had an uneasy feeling as she looked at Laura. She knew she couldn’t be trusted.

“Well, I’ll follow your example,” Laura said, taking a step forward. “You shouldn’t be marrying Jim.”

“And why not?”

“You don’t deserve him.”

“You have no right to make judgments about either of us because you don’t know us.”

“I know my cousin.”

“You do not. He only knew about you after you tried to impersonate his real cousin.”

Laura took another step toward her. “You are the one assuming you know Jim, but you don’t. You left Jim behind, and five years later, you came back, begging for him to take you back into his life.”

“I didn’t come back here planning to get back into a relationship with Jim. It just happened.” Trixie shook her head quickly. “Why am I telling you this? It’s none of your business.”

“It is my business. Jim’s future is my business.”

“Jim takes care of himself. He doesn’t need anyone looking after him. Especially not you.” Trixie looked at her watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a wedding to get ready for.”

Trixie started past Laura, knowing she needed to get home. Laura grabbed her arm, turning her around.

“Let go of me!” Trixie yelled, pulling her arm away. “And don’t ever touch me gain.”

“Your wedding won’t happen,” Laura said matter-of-factly.

“It will go on as planned,” Trixie stated. “Jim and I love each other, and nothing will ever change that.”

“You don’t deserve each other.”

“We deserve each other more than you will ever know.”

Trixie walked past Laura and headed for the Jeep. She got in and headed for Crabapple Farm. She knew she wasn’t going to allow anything to stop the wedding.

* * * * *

When Trixie arrived home, her brothers were finishing breakfast. She sat down and ate something, knowing it would be hours until the reception.

“Trixie, you need to finish up so you can get ready,” Helen said.

“I’m almost done,” she replied.

“Are you nervous at all?” Mart asked.

“Not really. I’ve known for a long time that Jim loved me.”

Brian looked at his watch. “We’re going to head to the Manor House to get ready. Honey should be down in a few minutes to help you.”

Trixie swallowed her juice. “I better get cleaned up then.”

“Your dress is already in your room,” Helen said.

“Thanks, Moms.”

Brian and Mart got to their feet. Brian said, “We’ll see you in a little while.”

“Okay.”

As her brothers left the house, Trixie went up to her room and got cleaned up. After showering, she slipped on her bathrobe and made her way back to her room. Upon entering, she saw a white box with a blue ribbon on her dresser. She moved to the dresser and fingered the ribbon. She saw a folded piece of paper and picked it up.

Opening the paper, she immediately looked to see who the sender was. It was Jim.

Trixie smiled as she set the card next to the box. She picked up the box, moved to the bed and sat down.

As she was about to open it, there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

The door opened, and Helen came into the room, closing the door behind her. Helen moved over to the bed and sat down.

“Trixie, I don’t want to pry, but I’m concerned.”

Trixie looked at her mother confused. “Why?”
 

“Well, you left the house so quickly this morning, not saying where you were going. I just want to make sure everything is all right.”

“Everything’s fine.”

“Are you all right?” Helen asked straightforwardly.

Trixie was puzzled. “Moms, what’s going on?”

“Trixie, honey, I’m just concerned that...” Helen couldn’t finish the sentence.

But Trixie immediately understood. “That I may be pregnant?” Trixie asked. Helen remained silent. “Oh, Moms, I’m not. Honestly, I’m not.” Trixie took Helen’s hand in her own. “Jim and I have only been holding one another and kissing. We’ve talked about it, and decided that we both want to wait.”

Helen’s face softened. “I’m sorry, Trixie. With the way you left and not saying where you were going, I jumped to conclusions.”

“It’s all right, Moms.”

“So,” Helen said, nodding toward the gift on the bed between them. “What’s in the box?”

“It’s something from Jim.”

“Are you going to open it?”

Trixie nodded. She slid the bow off the box and hooked it on the bed frame. Lifting the lid off the box, she saw there was a lot of white tissue paper. Pushing the paper away, she stopped quickly, as if bitten by a snake, but all she felt was something metal.

Moving the last piece of paper aside, she saw a silver tiara with several stones placed around it. She picked the tiara up and stared at its beauty.

“That tiara is exquisite,” Helen said.

“I can’t believe Jim got this for me!” Trixie exclaimed.

“He loves you so much. I think it’ll be a perfect fit with your dress.”

“How did he find something like this?” Trixie asked, still in awe at the magnificent gift, fingering the stones.

“I don’t know. But what I do know is that it is perfect for you.”

“I have to thank him.”

“You can thank him by wearing it at the ceremony.”

“You’re right.”

Helen got to her feet. “I’ll be back when Honey and Di arrive to help you get ready.”

“All right,” Trixie said, not taking her eyes off the tiara.

Once she was alone, Trixie wondered if Jim had found the gift she had delivered to the Manor House. She hoped he liked his gift as much as she loved hers.

* * * * *

Two hours before the ceremony, Honey and Di arrived to help her get ready. As Di worked on Trixie’s makeup, the three of them talked about how it was finally true that Jim and Trixie would marry.

“It’s about time this happened,” Di said.

“I agree,” Honey said. “You two have loved each other for so long. It’s time you two committed to each other.”

“We have played games,” Trixie admitted.

“But in the end, you two are together,” Honey said.

“I know.”

“Are you nervous at all?” Di asked, as she stepped back to look at her work.

“Maybe a little,” Trixie answered, looking in the mirror. “Even though I’ve known Jim for so long, part of me wonders if we’re doing the right thing.”

Honey moved behind Trixie and put her hands on her best friend’s shoulders. “Don’t even think about that. All that matters is how much you love each other. That’s the one thing you have to remember. Nothing will ever change that.”

Trixie smiled at her best friend.

Knock, knock.

“Come in,” Trixie said.

The door opened and Helen walked in, but she wasn’t alone. Madeleine Wheeler was with her.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Madeleine said. “But I wanted to see you before the ceremony.”

Terror crashed into Trixie, as she immediately began thinking the worst. “Is everything all right? Is Jim all right?”

“Jim is fine,” Madeleine said with a chuckle as Trixie let out a breath. “I just wanted to let you know that I can see how much Jim and you love one another. I knew there was something special between you two when we arrived in Autoville so many years ago. I hope you two will be happy.”

“Thank you,” Trixie said.

“Well, I’m going to head downstairs,” Madeleine said. “The other guests should be arriving soon.”

“Mrs. Wheeler,” Trixie said, making her stop before leaving the room. Madeleine looked at her. Trixie continued, “Thank you for coming by.”

Madeleine smiled and left the room, but not before Trixie could see the tears already in her eyes.

“We need to get you into your dress,” Helen said. “The ceremony will start soon and we can’t have the bride missing it.”

“Let’s get going then.”

Helen took the dress off the hook behind the door. Helen and Di helped slip it over Trixie’s head. She stood still as Di smoothed out the skirt, and Helen buttoned the back of her dress.

As Helen stepped around to look at her, there was a knock on the door. Honey asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s Jim.” Trixie stared at the closed door. “I need to talk to Trixie.”

“You can’t see Trixie before the ceremony,” Honey said.

“I’ll talk to her through the door,” Jim said, sounding desperate. “But I need to talk to her.”

There was something about Jim’s voice that made Trixie realize that she had to listen to him.

“Moms, Honey, Di, let me talk to him,” Trixie said.

“All right,” Helen said. “We’ll come back up when you two are done.”

Trixie nodded and stepped behind the door so Jim couldn’t see her when it opened. The three of them left the room closing the door behind them. She moved to the door. “Jim, what is it? Is something wrong?”

“Trixie, I...” Jim began, then stopped.

“Jim, please.”

“I’m sorry, Trix.”

“About what?” Trixie was confused.

“Part of me wishes we had eloped.” Trixie smiled. “This wait is driving me crazy.”

“You held out this long and it’ll only be a little longer.”

“Trix.”

“Jim, I love you so much, and in a matter of minutes, we will be married. But that will only happen as long as I can finish getting ready.”

“All right,” Jim laughed. “But don’t make me wait too much longer. I’ve missed you and want you beside me.”

“It won’t be long. I love you, Jim.”

“I love you, Trixie.”

“Could you send Moms and the girls back up?”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon.”

As Trixie listened to his retreating footsteps, she realized she was just as anxious as he was. She hoped all the guests were there when she finished getting ready. She wanted to become Jim’s wife even more than ever before.

Glancing in her mirror, she saw herself smiling with bright cheeks. She knew she loved Jim and nothing would ever change that.

Within moments, Helen, Honey and Di were back in the room. Trixie slipped her shoes on, then turned to the bed where the box from Jim was still resting. As she lifted the tiara out of the box, she heard a gasp from Honey and Di. Turning to her friends, she saw them staring at the tiara.

“It was my wedding present from Jim.”

“It’s exquisite,” Honey said.

“It sure is,” Di said.

Turning to the mirror once again, Honey took the tiara from Trixie’s hand and placed it on top of her head. Helen came over with the veil and put it in place. Stepping back, looking at her, Helen said, “You are so beautiful.”

Trixie smiled at the compliment.

“I think it’s time for a wedding,” Honey said.

Trixie looked at her. “I completely agree.”

“We’ll have your father come up with your bouquet.”

“Thanks, Moms.”

Honey and Di left the room. Trixie looked at her mother. “Moms, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. I’m not sure we would have pulled this off if you hadn’t helped.”

“You should know that I will always be here for you. I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you too, Moms.”

Helen wiped her eyes. She reached for Trixie’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll get your father.”

Trixie nodded and was left alone. She looked at her reflection in the mirror again and realized she made a beautiful bride.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

The door opened and her father walked in. He stopped quickly when he saw her. “When did my little girl turn into such a beautiful woman?”

“Dad,” Trixie grinned.

“I’m serious. You’re beautiful.” He handed her the bouquet of red roses.

“Thank you.”

“Are you sure you want to marry Jim? I mean, you could still call this off and maybe find someone else.”

Trixie looked at her father with love in her eyes. “There will never be anyone else. I love Jim, and nothing will ever change that.”

“If you’re sure?”

“I am.”

“Then I guess we should go so the ceremony can start.”

“We should.”

He offered Trixie his arm and they made their way out of the room. They started down the hallway and he said, “Let the music begin.”

Trixie heard the wedding march begin as they made their way down the stairs. Peter squeezed her hand as he tightened his hold. She knew he was having a hard time seeing his only little girl getting married.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Trixie said, “I will always love you, Daddy.”

He smiled and they made their way into the living room. Trixie heard gasps, but she didn’t see anyone but Jim.

She smiled as she looked at him. He looked dashing in his tuxedo. She could see his eyes were wide as he stared at her with a smile on his face. Trixie slowly made her way to Jim on her father’s arm. She saw Jim reach up and adjust the sleeves on his jacket. He touched the cufflinks discreetly and she felt he enjoyed his gift as well.

When they reached Jim and Pastor Marcus, Peter kissed her cheek before putting her hand in Jim’s. They turned to Pastor Marcus, ready to begin the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to unite Jim and Trixie in holy matrimony. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

“Her mother and I do,” Peter said, a slight tremble in his voice.

Pastor Marcus focused on them. “Jim, Trixie, please hold hands.”

Trixie handed Honey her bouquet, then turned to face Jim. They held each other’s hands.

Trixie looked up to Jim. Her heart was pounding. She loved how handsome he looked. She knew he would soon be her husband. Her head began to swim and dots appeared in front of her eyes as she looked at Jim’s face. She tried to take a deep breath, but couldn’t. She felt herself falling backward and everything went dark.

* * * * *

“Trixie. Come on, Trix. Open your eyes.”

The voices sounded familiar to her. She felt something cool on her wrists and forehead. Forcing her eyes open, she had to blink a couple times to bring everything into focus. She found four pairs of eyes were staring back at her.

“Trix?” Jim asked, taking her hand in his.

“What happened?” Trixie asked softly, looking at Helen, Peter and Brian.

“You fainted,” Helen said, wiping her forehead with a cool cloth.

“What?” She looked around and realized she was in the guest room at Crabapple Farm. Her veil was no longer covering her face.

“You did, Trix,” Jim said.

She looked at her husband-to-be and saw his pale face. She knew he was scared. “How long have I been out?”

“About 10 minutes,” Brian said. “How are you feeling now?”

“Foolish,” Trixie admitted.

“Do you feel sick or anything?” Helen asked. “Maybe we should take you to the hospital.”

“I’m all right,” Trixie said, sitting up slightly. “Could I get some water?”

“Sure.” Peter left the room and came back a moment later with a cup. He handed it to her.

As she sipped the water, she noticed the four pairs of eyes were still staring at her. “I’m all right.”

“We just want to make sure, sweetie,” Helen said.

“I am.” She let out a breath and looked at Jim. “Can I have a minute with Jim?”

“Sure.”

Helen, Peter and Brian left the room, pulling the door closed behind them.

Trixie looked up at Jim. He reached up and caressed her cheek with his hand. She could see he was still worried. She reached up and put her hand on top of his.

“Stop worrying. I’m okay.”

“What happened? It’s not like you to faint.”

“Even though it’s cool outside, I just started to feel really warm. I was so excited to be marrying you, that I guess I passed out.”

“And you’re not excited now?” Jim teased.

“I’m more excited than you’ll ever realize.”

“Are you ready to get the ceremony going?”

“Absolutely.”

Jim offered Trixie his hand and helped her to her feet. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “That is for being so beautiful.”

Trixie blushed. “Thank you.”

Keeping hold of her right hand in his, he placed his left at the small of her back, and they made their way back into the living room to continue with the ceremony.

As they reached Pastor Marcus, he asked, “Shall we continue?”

“Please,” Trixie said.

They took each other’s hands once again.

“Today, Jim and Trixie will speak their own vows they’ve prepared.” Pastor Marcus looked at Jim. “Go ahead.

Jim took a breath and fingered her hand. “Trixie, you became a part of my life when I was having a hard time seeing the future. You stood beside me and helped me find a family that I can truly call my own. We have had lots of adventures in the past 10 years and I know our future will be filled with many more.

“Trixie, you are my heart and soul. If I hadn’t met you, I would be lonely, because without you, I’m not whole. I love you, Trixie, and I will forever.”

Trixie wiped her eyes as the tears started to form, knowing Jim was speaking with his heart.

Pastor Marcus turned to her with a smile. “Your turn, Trixie.”

She took a breath. “Jim, not a day has gone by since that day we met that I haven’t dreamed of this moment. I had feelings for you since the first time I saw you. When I was gone those five years, my feelings for you never wavered. I loved you then and I will always love you.

“Jim, you always treated me with kindness and courtesy. You made me realize I am beautiful, in my eyes and everyone else’s.” Trixie could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks, no longer wanting to stop them. “I don’t expect us to ever be apart. We were destined to be together and now it is just the start.”

Jim reached up and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

“Now, Jim, please repeat after me.”

“I, James Winthrop Frayne, take you, Trixie, as my lawfully wedded wife,” Jim said. “To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, in good times and in bad, until death do us part.” Jim squeezed her hand.

“I, Beatrix Belden, take you, Jim, as my lawfully wedded husband,” Trixie said, not taking her eyes off of Jim. “To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, in good times and in bad, until death do us part.” Trixie realized her dream was coming true.

“Can we have the rings please?” Pastor Marcus asked.

Trixie watched as Honey and Brian handed their wedding bands to Pastor Marcus. He turned to face them.

“Jim, take Trixie’s ring, slide it on her finger and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

Jim lifted the ring and slowly started to move it over her knuckles. “With this ring...”

“Don’t finish that statement,” a voice said behind them.

Everyone turned. Trixie let out a gasp, seeing Laura standing in the doorway to the living room. Laura pushed through the guests making her way toward them.

“Why did you interrupt the ceremony?” Pastor Marcus asked.

“Jim shouldn’t marry her. He doesn’t deserve her.”

“How would you know?” Trixie asked. “You’ve been in jail for years.”

“You don’t deserve Jim. He deserves someone better.”

“You?” Trixie asked.

“Of course.” Laura said with a smile.

“It’ll never happen,” Jim said, putting his arm around Trixie. “Trixie and I belong together. Nothing will ever change that.”

“But Jim,” she said in a whiny tone.

“There are no buts,” Jim said. He looked at Pastor Marcus. “Let’s continue.”

Trixie and Jim turned back to the minister. Trixie could see Jim was angry that Laura had barged into their wedding. She could see it in his eyes that he wanted to get the ceremony over with so that they could deal with Laura.

“Jim, slide the ring on her finger and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

Jim squeezed her hand. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Trixie, take Jim’s ring, slide it on his finger and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

Trixie took Jim’s ring from Pastor Marcus and tried to will her hand from shaking. She slid the ring on his finger, and said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“May those who have been joined together never be broken apart,” Pastor Marcus said. He looked at Jim. “You may now kiss your bride.”

“With pleasure,” Jim said. He leaned toward Trixie, cupping her face in his hand. He tilted her head up and softly said, “I love you, Mrs. Frayne.”

“I love you, Mr. Frayne.” Their lips met.

The guests started applauding as they leaned back from one another.

Pastor Marcus said, “I would like to present, Mr. and Mrs. James Winthrop Frayne.”

The guests started clapping as Trixie took hold of Jim’s arm, retrieved her bouquet from Honey and moved to the guests. Glancing around the room, she realized Laura had disappeared.

They talked to the guests for a little while before additional pictures were taken at the farm. The guests made their way to the Manor House for the reception.

As the guests were on their way, Jim turned to Trixie and gave her another kiss. “I love you being my wife.”

“I love you being my husband,” Trixie replied.

Jim pulled Trixie close and she closed her eyes. She felt safe in Jim’s arms and knew that their life together would be wonderful because they loved each other so much.