Bouquet Toss Read online

  “Oh my God!” she yells as she strokes his shoulders and abs. He turns away from her, still supporting himself on his knees, and places her hands on his ass. Morgan giggles, but moves her hands playfully, even placing her fingers inside the back pockets of the pants. As she does, Diego pulls the pants apart with his fingers and Morgan jumps back to see the dancer wearing absolutely nothing but a g-string.

  He smiles again at her, mouthing, “Thanks, baby” and walks to another area of the stage where another group of women are waiting in anticipation for the Latin lover to dance for them. More dollar bills are stuck into bras, laughter and screaming fill the stage as Diego is eventually wearing nothing at all. He moves to each corner of the stage, swaying and thrusting for his adoring patrons. When the song ends, he quickly collects his money and exits the stage, blowing kisses to all of his new fans.

  The night continues in this manner. After Diego, we are graced by Tommy the Surfer followed by Rick the Policeman. Finally, we meet Dylan the Fireman (my personal favorite) who is tall and lean with short, jet black hair and rock hard abs. He is introduced and climbs with all of his heavy gear onto the stage. He wastes no time at all stripping down to his skivvies. Drawn to this dancer, I decide to approach the stage, dollar bills poking out from each bra strap. He looks down at me and smiles, wearing nothing but his g-string, he slides down onto his belly and retrieves the money with his teeth while placing my hands on his abs. Alcohol is coursing through my veins and I can’t stop smiling at the adorable dancer. He turns me around and wraps his arms around me as Morgan takes our picture with my camera.

  “You’re a very sexy fireman,” I yell into his ear, “You’re definitely my favorite!”

  “Aw, thanks, darling,” he smiles as he continues to shake his hips and sway next to me, stroking my hands up and down his back. He smells of body spray and soap. “You know, I’m very good at lap dances.”

  “Oh really?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at the scantily clad young man before me.

  “Yep, they’re my specialty. I highly recommend you get one.”

  “I’ll have to think about that,” I smile, knowing full well I have no intention of receiving a lap dance. “Our bride will be receiving one later. We’ll have to see who she chooses. Maybe it’ll be you, Mr. Fireman,” I flirt.

  “I sure hope so,” he replies and in an instant, he is on his feet, swaying towards another group of ladies who are waving money and dancing to the techno music blaring through the speakers.

  “So, who’s it going to be, Morgan?” I ask the now incredibly drunk Bride-to-Be. But, she has no idea what I’m talking about.

  “What do you mean? Do I get to keep one?” she asks, cracking herself up.

  “No, silly, who is going to give you a lap dance? I’m fully prepared to pay your favorite dancer his required fee.”

  “Daphne, are you serious? I can’t do that, Matt will flip out!”

  “No, he will not. I already received his blessing. He knows I am here watching out for you. He said no private lap dances, but if it is out in the open, he is fine with it. Come on, who’s it going to be? Are you in the mood for a little Latin love? Or have you been a bad, bad girl and need to be punished by the law? Or is there a fire in your pants?” Susannah, Julie and the other bridesmaids are laughing hysterically as I do my best to entice Morgan with the performers.

  “Hmm, I definitely choose the fireman. Oh, I love a good fireman,” Morgan nods. Secretly I am thrilled that she has chosen my favorite. I can live vicariously through the sexy dance she is about to receive. Dylan is standing near the stage chatting with another bride, but smiles seductively and tilts his head back slightly to acknowledge my presence as I walk to him.

  “Well, hello there, Red,” he says referring to my hair.

  “Hello, Mr. Fireman. We need your help. It appears my friend, Morgan, has a fire in her pants. She is badly in need of some assistance.”

  “Oh, I think I can help. Lead me to her, please,” he says playing along.

  Dylan follows me to our table, wearing nothing but a g-string, but holding his fake ax in his hand and wearing his protective headgear.

  “Morgan?” Dylan asks after I lead him to the exuberant (and quite drunk) bride-to-be. “I’m going to need you to take a seat over here, Miss. It’s time we took care of that fire.”

  “Yes, sir.” Morgan replies, looking sheepish yet terribly excited. She is blushing from ear to ear as she quickly takes a seat in a chair. All of her friends and I gather around. Dylan gives her one hell of a show as he slides up and down, bending over to show his backside, grinding on her lap and bouncing up and down. The rest of us can’t tear our eyes away as we are enjoying the show almost as much as Morgan. She stares wide-eyed at the dancer, her eyes never leaving him as he dances, shakes and swivels his hips on her body. When Dylan finishes his dance, Morgan looks a bit like a deer in headlights. She thanks him for the performance, and I guide her towards the door as she giggles continuously.

  “I can’t thank you enough for tonight, Daphne. Seriously, that was an absolute blast.” Morgan says, sipping her strawberry martini. Everyone else has gone home, but Morgan has asked me to join her for one last cocktail at a martini bar near our neighborhood.

  “You’re so welcome. Do you think your friends all enjoyed themselves?”

  “Are you kidding me? They had a blast. It was the best bachelorette party ever. And you know I’m going to repay you someday,” she raises an eyebrow, tilting her head towards me. I know exactly what she’s hinting at.

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Don’t get me wrong. I would like nothing more than to plan a future with Tanner, but I don’t know if he’s there just yet. It has taken a lot of time for us to move past all of the Mayson baggage. And even though he says it is alright if I continue my friendship with Cece, I worry that it may bring us trouble in the future.”

  “He is absolutely crazy about you. Anyone who spends a bit of time with the two of you can see that.”

  “Thanks, I know he loves me, and I love him. We’ll wait and see on the marriage stuff.”

  Morgan shrugs, “I see you together. I see it happening. That’s all I’m saying. And from what I know about Tanner, if he tells you that he has made peace with your relationship with Cece, then it’s the truth. He’s really one of the most honest people I’ve ever met. Hold on to that one,” she says, taking another sip of her drink, a silly grin spread across her tipsy face. She’s so adorable.

  “And how about you? Your big day is just a few weeks away. Are you getting nervous?” I ask, trying to move the attention of the evening back to where I feel it should be, on the bride.

  “Oh yeah. It’s been a lot of work, almost like a second job. But, I’m excited to be Mrs. Matthew Renbeck. For all of my feminist talk and all of my independent woman behavior, I’m a softy at heart. I’m ready to settle down and be his wife.”

  “That’s the way it should be, Morgan. Matt is so in love with you. You two have a very bright future ahead.”

  “Thanks, Cuz. It will feel weird when I have to move away from you. I’ve loved living so close to you these last couple of years.”

  “That will be strange, I know. But, Matt’s place is probably best. You don’t even have room in your current place for all of your shower gifts.”

  “You’re right. Matt’s condo is much bigger and there is a spare bedroom and an actual basement for storage. But, it’s not the same.” She places her head on my shoulder as I lean my elbows on the bar.

  “I know, Cuz. I’ll miss you, too.”

  Chapter 38

  Bride

  Morgan looks positively stunning as the last buttons are fastened on her gorgeous lace wedding gown. She presses the fabric down with her palms as my Aunt checks the bodice and skirt for any imperfections. It’s almost time for the ceremony and Morgan’s anticipation shows in her slightly pink cheeks and serious expression.

  The clock reminds us that it’s time to head to the back of th
e church so that the bridesmaids can lead the way down the aisle. Morgan and I walk hand in hand and stand together as the organ begins to play. The bridesmaids slowly take their turns walking down towards the nervous groom, who wipes his brow continuously with his handkerchief. It’s now my turn, I squeeze Morgan’s hand and whisper, “knock ‘em dead” before heading down the velvet carpet. Looking straight ahead, I receive smiles from Matt, Evan and another groomsman, my Tanner. I feel beautiful in my gorgeous plum cocktail length dress as I stroll confidently down the aisle. Sneaking in one last glance at Tanner, he blows a tiny kiss and I give him a satisfied smile.

  Hours later, Mr. and Mrs. Renbeck are swaying in one another’s arms on the dance floor. Leaning against my boyfriend, I watch them in awe. Their happiness, their contentment is everywhere in this banquet hall. My aunt hasn’t stopped crying exuberant tears since the ceremony when her daughter was pronounced Mrs. Matthew Renbeck. The bridesmaids and groomsmen are happily chatting along the sides of the dance floor. The bride gazes at her husband with such happiness, such admiration, it’s downright contagious to anyone who catches a glimpse of her.

  Tanner wraps his strong arms around me and squeezes each of my shoulders. A gentle peck is placed atop my head and he breathes a large sigh into my loose up-do. I feel his body straightening and I lean back into him, so content in this joyous moment. My cousin is now a happily married woman, and for the very first time, I’m positively certain that I’d like to be next.

  Two hours later, my heart beats rapidly in my chest as the DJ announces it’s time for the bouquet toss. For the first time in my life, I feel like this tradition means something to me, something real and true and wonderfully scary. So desperately, I want this moment to be the very first in my future with Tanner Finley. So nervous, so anxious, I walk as calmly as possible out onto the dance floor, positioning myself in the spot that has always been lucky for me, about eight feet behind the bride with just a couple of steps to her left. I’m not taking any chances.

  The music plays and Morgan grins from ear to ear before tossing her bouquet of lilies out into the sea of single ladies. But, my lucky spot has proven to be so very unlucky. The bouquet goes nowhere near me as she tosses it to her right. It lands in the hands of my second cousin, Charlotte who jumps, screams and hollers, “Finally! Finally!” as she runs back to her family.

  Stunned, I turn and walk off of the dance floor with empty hands. Tanner is waiting for me at the edge of the dance floor, a cautious look upon his face. Like a zombie, I walk right past him and he follows close behind. Choosing a random chair from the plethora of tables before me, I plop myself down, searching the table for alcohol.

  “Sweetheart,” Tanner says cautiously. Doing my best not to make eye contact for fear I will cry and not be able to stop, I stare at my hands.

  “Daphne, what’s the matter? It’s about the bouquet, isn’t it?” My eyes betray me and tears erupt within milliseconds of his questions. I muster a nod.

  “It’s just a tradition, my love. Sooner or later your curse or your gift—whatever you want to call it, had to come to an end. Did you expect to be seventy years old and still catching that thing?” he teases gently.

  “No. But, I finally found you. I finally found the man who I envision an actual future with. I know I’m probably scaring the crap out of you by saying these things, so please feel free to walk away, get a drink, hang out with Evan and the other groomsmen. I’ll be alright.” Tanner hands me a napkin from the table. Dabbing at my eyes, I finally look at him. His smile is warm and I know he isn’t going anywhere.

  “Hmmm,” he says, sliding into the chair next to mine, “maybe we need to think of this differently then, Miss Harper.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, do you ever remember ‘Opposite Day’ as a kid? The little girls in my class always drove the boys nuts with that. ‘It’s Opposite Day, so I don’t like you today’, they’d always say to us. This little girl Mandy broke my heart on Opposite Day,” he shakes his head, staring at his feet dramatically and I’m finally able to laugh, enjoying the levity that only Tanner can bring to my heart.

  “Okay, so you’re saying today is my Opposite Day?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Most women never catch the bouquet, so when they finally do….”

  “But, I always catch it…” the light bulb forms figuratively above my head. But, it’s not enough. My heart is still sinking.

  “What is it? You still look upset. Your brow is still furrowed up so very tight,” he says, leaning in to kiss the deep creases above my nose.

  “You’re a guy, you wouldn’t understand.”

  “Try me,” he says confidently.

  “I really thought it would be nice to catch Morgan’s bouquet. I had hoped that if things worked out with us, I’d have it, you know, as a memento.” My head hangs in shame, again avoiding eye contact with Tanner for fear of scaring him away. Instead, he chuckles softly to himself as he stands.

  “Come take a walk with me. I think you could use some fresh air to take your mind off of all this bouquet stuff.” Rising out of my chair, I gladly accept Tanner’s extended hand. Placing my fingers in his warm palm, I feel at peace once again as he wraps his hand around mine.

  We walk slowly to the patio, the brisk March air pierces my skin, but before I can even react to the weather, I feel Tanner’s tuxedo coat wrap around my shoulders.

  “Thank you.”

  “Daphne, sometimes things aren’t as they seem. Remember that, alright?”

  “What do you mean? You’re sounding cryptic.”

  “I was attempting to be, but I guess you see right through me, don’t you?” he laughs, pulling me towards his chest. “What I’m trying to say is that there is a reason you did not catch the bouquet tonight. I wanted tonight to be different. I had no idea you would take it the way you did. I thought you would understand…” his voice trails off. My heart begins to race for I still have no idea what he’s trying to tell me.

  “I asked Morgan to aim the bouquet as far away from you as possible. I didn’t realize you’d be so heartbroken. She tried to warn me, but I didn’t really listen. I was too busy with other things.”

  “Wait, I’m confused. You asked Morgan to not throw the bouquet my way? Why would you do that?”

  “Like I said inside, I wanted this to be your Opposite Day. I wanted you to see that you didn’t catch it for a reason. You didn’t need to catch it, my sweet. And I hope that when I give you this, it will be all you ever need as a memento from this night.” He reaches into his pocket as he kneels on the patio below. My heart leaps from my chest as the man I love pulls a small velvet box from his pants pocket.

  “Daphne Jane Harper, I’ve been in love with you from the moment we first started our witty banter at Henry and Elise’s dinner party. You’ve set up a place in my heart and I can’t imagine, nor do I ever want to imagine, you not being there. I want you forever in my life.”

  Choking on my tears as he speaks, my heart continues to expand with every word.

  “And so I kneel before you, asking you to be my wife. Would you please, please marry me Daphne Jane and make me the happiest man on the planet?” Tanner’s eyes are glistening as he holds the ring between his fingers. It is exquisite, just like Tanner.

  “Yes! Yes, of course I will marry you, Tanner. Of course!” He places the ring upon my finger, stands and pulls me into his arms. I am his, completely his. No more baggage, no more ghosts, no more lies. I want Tanner and no one else.

  We stroll, arm in arm, back into the reception in order to tell my parents our big news. They pretend to be surprised, but judging by their terrible poker faces, Tanner has already asked for their permission and blessing. As I’m finishing a long hug with my elated mom, the bride pounces on me.

  “Is it official? Did he ask you?” Morgan practically screeches.

  “Yes, he did. Did you know about this, Mrs. Renbeck?” I pretend to chastise her for her involvement.
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  “Guilty, I know. I almost lost it the night of my bachelorette party. I was still coming down from my drunken haze at the martini bar and I was terrified that I would somehow tip you off! Your fiancé had just asked me to help him find the perfect ring.” God, I love that word, fiancé, especially when it is in reference to Tanner.

  “So, you knew then? I had no idea!” I laugh, loving all of these revelations, first my parents and now Morgan. Within an instant, I recall Morgan’s confidence that Tanner was as emotionally invested as I was and that she would someday return the favor of a bachelorette party.

  “Yes, I did. And, I have something for you. I’ll be right back.” She scurries off, dragging her gorgeous lace skirt behind her. Matt approaches to congratulate Tanner and me. It is clear that he is in on the secret, as well. Perhaps I am the only one who did not know, I think to myself, as I watch Evan smile and pat my fiancé on the back. I seem to be the only one who is, at all, surprised that this proposal has taken place.

  “Here you go, sweet cousin of mine,” Morgan says, tossing a large bouquet gently into my hands, as she continues to stroll towards me. Luckily, my reflexes act quickly and I’m able to catch it before it hits the floor. It’s different than the bouquet that she tossed earlier this evening. It’s larger, fuller and much more elegant; orchids and calla lillies gathered together and tied with a satin ribbon at the base.

  “I tried to warn that man of yours that you would need this. You’ve gotten very used to catching these things. It felt cruel to send it in the opposite direction. So, I asked the florist to make this for you. It’s the last bouquet you will ever ‘catch.’ Now you can look forward to your bouquet. The one you will hold as you walk down the aisle.”