Read Online If the Stick Turns Pink... by Carla Cassidy - Free Book Online Page B

baby’s breath and daisies tucked into the coils.
    â€œYou look beautiful,” her mother said, and turned her around to face her.
    Melanie wrinkled up her nose with a rueful grin. “I look as beautiful as a freckle-faced, redheaded woman can look.”
    â€œNonsense,” Marybeth said. “You look absolutely beautiful.” With tears sparkling in her eyes, she hugged Melanie. “I’m so happy for you, dear. I just know you and Bailey are going to be so happy together. The whole town has known for years that the two of you were meant for each other. We’ve just been waiting for the two of you to realize it.”
    Guilt swept through Melanie as she returned her mother’s hug. She swore that once this particular lie was finished and over, she’d never do anything likethis again. In the end her mother would forgive her the broken marriage if Melanie presented her with a new grandbaby.
    â€œI’m going to check to see that everything is ready. I’ll be right back, dear.” As her mother left the small room, Melanie turned back to face the mirror.
    There was nothing Marybeth Watters loved more dearly than her grandchildren. Her bout with cancer a year before had made Melanie realize how short life could be and had driven into a frenzy Melanie’s desire to have a child.
    And now it was finally going to happen. Her cheeks pinkened as she thought of the night to come. She moved away from the mirror and to the window, where dusk was cascading with purple hues to claim the last of the day’s light.
    In just a few minutes she and Bailey would be married, and tonight, after the reception, they would go to his house and she would crawl into his bed. They would have sex and hopefully make a baby.
    Before the shiver that had started at the base of her spine worked its way fully to her shoulders, her mother opened the door. Eyes shining with the tears Melanie knew she would shed during the brief ceremony, she simply said, “It’s time.”
    Melanie picked up her bouquet from the counter and drew a deep, steadying breath. She didn’t know why she suddenly felt so nervous.
    It was Bailey, for crying out loud. Bailey, who had reluctantly dressed up like a sheep to play oppositeher Bo Peep one Halloween, Bailey, who had taken her on her first roller coaster ride. He was her very best friend. As quickly as the nerves had stretched taut inside her, they relaxed. It was just good old Bailey, and everything was going to be fine.
    As Melanie stepped out of the rest room and into the hallway, she heard the swell of the organ music playing the bridal march.
    The group inside the sanctuary would be small. Both Melanie and Bailey had insisted that only immediate family members be allowed into the church. However, Melanie suspected most of the entire town would turn out for the reception following the ceremony.
    Her father awaited her, and with a gentle smile he took her arm in his. “You look gorgeous, pumpkin,” he said softly.
    â€œThanks, Dad.” She squeezed his arm tightly and then the two of them began the slow walk up the center aisle of the church.
    Her heart pounded in her ears, and nervous tension made her feel a slightly suffocating sensation. Then she saw Bailey. He stood next to the preacher, tall and handsome in the black tux. His yellow bow tie was slightly crooked, and he had a look of sheer panic on his face as his gaze darted around the room as though seeking a quick exit.
    Then he saw her and his eyes widened slightly as if in surprise. Melanie fought against an impulse to giggle. She couldn’t believe they were actually doingthis and knew he was feeling the same sort of surreal disbelief that she was.
    As her father gave her hand to Bailey, she winked at him. One corner of his lips curved up in a half smile and he winked back. Within five minutes they were officially man and wife.
    The kiss that sealed their union was the kind Melanie was