Waiting and Watching (23 page)

Wednesday—December 24, 1986

Connie felt the Christmas Eve rehearsal dinner had been a success. The group travelled through rural farmland until they came to the old brick structure that housed The Golden Lamb. Attached to the restaurant was an inn built in 1803.

Everything was right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The inn was stately, charming and decked to the hilt with holiday decorations. Connie's guests were seated in a room with a freshly cut Christmas tree that smelled of pungent evergreen. They dined on braised lamb shanks, butternut squash and Sister Lizzie's Shaker Sugar Pie. The food was delicious and everyone ate heartily. The evening set a festive tone for the celebration ahead.

Andrew's mother seemed to be enjoying herself and Connie watched her grin adoringly at her son all night. It was obvious that she was proud of him.

Connie couldn't believe Sylvia, nor could the rest of the guests. She entertained everyone with her hilarious stories, which got more risqué as the evening wore on.

During dinner, Connie leaned over to Julio and said, “What's up with Earl? He hasn't said a word. He's just sitting there with a weird look on his face. Do you think he's upset that we sat him next to Sylvia? He hated Nola. Maybe he's annoyed by Sylvia, too.”

“My guess would be that Earl is somewhat dumbfounded by Sylvia. She often has that effect on people. It's either that or his way of being on his best behavior.”

“Really? I hope you're right. I've never seen Earl at a loss for words before. It pains me to look at him. He's either awestruck or constipated."

“Well, let's not read too much into this. Besides, spitfires like those two would eventually lock horns.”

“Just keep an eye on Sylvia and the wine. She'll be dancing in the cornfields before we know it,” Julio said smiling.

“I'm so glad you brought her. She's adorable and she definitely livens things up. It's sad to think her daughter abandoned her.”

“Well, they didn't quite abandon her. They stopped in Florida on the way to the Bahamas and took her out to dinner.”

“I know,” Connie said, "but her daughter doesn't realize how lucky she is. I wish you and I could have had a few more years with Mom and Dad. Oh look, Lily's reading Sylvia's palm.”

“You've got a strong love line, Sylvia," Lily said.

“My husband and I were very much in love.”

“It looks that way. But love may not be over for you.”

Connie smiled as she turned toward Sylvia and whispered, “I'm a little concerned about Earl. I've never seen the man so quiet.”

“You mean he talks?” Sylvia barked.

“Of course he talks. In fact, he's usually a talking machine.”

“He hasn't said boo, shit or die to me—not a word!” Sylvia replied.

“Maybe he's a little intimidated by you. Why don't you try to engage him in conversation and get him to relax?”

Sylvia turned around and looked directly at Connie. “Now, don't take this the wrong way, but you young kids are all the same. You see two old people and you immediately want us to fall madly in love and go off in our matching Barca Loungers and live happily ever after. You remind me of a young girl in my building who wanted me to go out to lunch with her grandfather. After lunch she said, ‘What do you think?' And I said, ‘I think he needs a living will and then life support.' I was afraid if I said anything humorous, he'd pee, poop and cough-up a lung at the same time. Other than that, the tuna and tiramisu were great. That's what I told her and I know she was disappointed, but give me a break. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. It's just that my Frankie was the best. I loved him like you love Andrew, Connie. I remember that old feeling when I see you both looking at each other.”

“Now don't get me wrong. There are plenty of widows in Coral Gables who will settle for a guy just because he occasionally opens his wallet and has a penis—working or not—but I'm not one of them. I'll see what I can do with Earl, though,” Sylvia said with a mischievous smile on her face.

Thursday—December 25, 1986

It was Christmas morning, and the day of her wedding. Connie woke up knowing it was going to be the most wonderful day of her life and she wanted to savor every moment of every minute. She glanced out the window to a soft blanket of snowflakes gently covering the front lawn of the inn. It was picture perfect and the morning newspaper predicted a light snowfall on and off throughout the day and night. She hoped the weather wouldn't interfere with her two girlfriends coming to the wedding.

Connie dressed and went downstairs to have an early breakfast, hoping to have a few moments alone with Andrew. She had spent her last night as a single woman alone in the Bridal Suite out of respect for the bridal tradition and Andrew's Mom. She spotted Andrew at a window table having breakfast with Julio, Andrew's mother, and Aunt Viv.

A leisurely breakfast, special chats with each of her guests, a meeting with Andrew and Father Fowler and soon it was time for the bride to get dressed. The car service was to pick up Connie and Julio a half hour before taking everyone else to the church. Connie didn't want Andrew to see her in her gown before the ceremony. Bad Luck, she thought, and Connie wasn't about to tempt fate, not now. Besides, she wanted Andrew to be surprised and hopefully dazzled when he saw her walking down the aisle.

Her gown was an off-white, strapless silk shantung dress with a matching shrug-like jacket to cover her shoulders for the wedding. They were being married in the Episcopal Church around the corner, and she thought it proper that her shoulders be covered for the ceremony. The jacket would come off for a sexier look at the reception.

The ceremony would be a candlelight service starting at four-thirty in the afternoon, just as the winter sun was fading into dusk. The mass of winter red and white poinsettias on the altar would glow in the soft light of the candelabra. Holly leaves full with red berries were to drape the main aisle and the scent of fresh cut pine boughs would grace the bottom of the stained glass windows.

Father Fowler talked with both Connie and Andrew prior to the ceremony. He discussed religion and family as well as what each of them had endured surrounding the murder of Connie's parents. He had baptized them when they were younger and knew that Andrew could never have been responsible for the murders. In fact, Father Fowler remembered Andrew as a bright, compassionate and talented child. He and his wife Harriett were so pleased to be a part of this union.

Connie was taken by surprise when Sylvia volunteered to help her with her hair and make-up. Looking at Sylvia's self-styled coif, she could imagine herself as the Bride of Frankenstein. Somehow she convinced Sylvia she wasn't the makeup type and that's how Andrew liked her. However, she did accept the thoughtful loan of a small linen handkerchief handed down in Sylvia's family, as something borrowed. Connie wore an antique pearl ring of her mother's as something old, and Julio gave her the something new, a gold Tiffany bracelet. Lily completed the tradition with the gift of a blue garter.

The only moment of sadness for Connie was when she thought about how her father wasn't here to walk her down the aisle and how happy her mother would have been to see her marry Andrew. Thinking about her parents brought a few tears rolling down her cheeks. It was at that moment of melancholy that Lily waltzed happily into the room to see if she could do anything more for Connie.

Seeing the tears on Connie's checks, Lily asked, “What's wrong?”

“Oh, you are so sweet to ask,” Connie said, attempting to hold back a barrage of tears. “I was just thinking of my parents and how perfect everything would be if my father were here to walk me down the aisle. I loved him so much. He used to call me his best girl, his one and only. As a teenager, I dreamed about being a bride and having my father proudly walk me down the aisle. Everyone loved him, Lily. He was so handsome, smart and funny. My father authored three research books on psychiatry. They must still be used at some medical schools. Julio and I receive royalties. The down side of success meant he was away from home a great deal. He always had a big private practice, and his work with patients often kept him late at the office.”

“Well, at least you have fond memories of your father,” Lily said. “I never knew mine. My mother was the only parent I ever had. I always dreamed that my father would come back into my life and walk me down the aisle.”

“Lily, I'm so sorry. That must have been so hard. When did you lose your mother and what happened to her?”

My mother died of a broken heart. The man she loved deserted her. I lost her around the same time your parents were killed. When she died, I took some time off from school to bury her and figure out how I was to live. It was a terrible time for me, so I didn't hear about your family until much later when I picked up a newspaper and read about the murders.”

“We have a lot of sadness in common, Lily. I know someday you'll find a man as wonderful as Andrew and find the happiness you deserve,” Connie said, giving her a big hug.

“Well, who's the psychic now? Does your crystal ball show Andrew with any brothers?” Lily said, in an attempt to lighten their mood.

Sylvia and Julio knocked on the door. “Wow!” Julio said and his face lit up as he took in the vision of his sister in her wedding gown. “We have just enough time for a quick toast before this beautiful bride needs to leave for the church.” Julio passed out glasses and poured champagne. Sylvia noticed that her glass was only half filled and she gave him a nasty look, which Julio ignored. He raised his glass and toasted, “To the happiness of my sister and my beloved brother-to-be, Andrew.”

“And here's to absent parents. I know their spirits are here and celebrating with us,” Lily whispered.

The limo arrived to pick up Connie and Julio. Father Fowler's wife, Harriet, was waiting for Julio and Connie at the church and quickly ushered them in a side door. Sylvia and Lily were dispatched to make sure Andrew didn't see Connie leave for the church. After that, they gathered Andrew, his mother, Earl and Aunt Viv so all were ready when the limo returned to pick them up.

At four-thirty the candles were flickering in the sanctuary and the small wedding party was seated. Lily, Connie and Julio waited in the vestibule until Mrs. Fowler began the traditional wedding march on the organ. Father Fowler and Andrew faced the congregation just as Lily headed down the aisle first. When she reached the front pew, Julio and Connie dramatically entered the sanctuary. There were smiles and tears as everyone saw the look of awe and love on Andrew's face as he watched Connie—so beautiful in her wedding gown—walk happily and proudly down the aisle.

Father Fowler, regal and dignified in his ceremonial vestments, conducted the marriage ceremony. Connie and Andrew each spoke their own personal vows, declaring their devotion and commitment to each other. When they walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Leader, the feel of their affection for each other filled the empty sanctuary with warmth and love.

The limo took everyone back to the Tilden Park Inn for the wedding dinner.

The small private room Connie had reserved for the reception was decorated for Christmas. Each window was graced with a simple pine wreath. There was one long table set elegantly with candelabras. Christmas floral arrangements decked out the fireplace mantle, and a blazing fire burned in the hearth. A staff member and friend of Lily's stood ready to pass around trays of champagne and appetizers.

Connie was giddy with emotion. She made a special point of spending time with her two high school girlfriends who couldn't stay for dinner. Since it was Christmas day, they had children and husbands to get back to. Both Paulette and Jody said they were honored to be invited and wouldn't have missed it for anything.

After they left, Connie turned to Andrew and his Mother. “Mrs. Leader. I'm so happy you're here. I know it was a difficult trip for you to get back to Cincinnati, both physically and emotionally.”

“I'm too happy for you and Andrew to think about anything ugly or unpleasant today. And Connie, now that you're my daughter-in-law, would you please call me Doris and maybe someday you'll feel comfortable enough to call me Mom. I don't mean to take that away from your Mother, but if I could ever have a daughter, it would be you. Mr. Leader was also very fond of you, and I know how happy he would be to see you two married.”

“Thank you and I'd love to call you Mom.”

"Connie, quick. Look at Sylvia and Earl,” Lily said.

Connie looked over to see the two of them holding hands. Earl was beaming at Sylvia who was talking a mile a minute to Julio.

Connie laughed. “Well, at least Julio should be relieved to know he's no longer the only man in Sylvia's life.”

Later that evening, the wedding party reluctantly broke up. The bride and groom said goodnight to everyone and went up to their suite. Neither wanted the night to end. They fell happily into bed together, kissing and laughing and made passionate love for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Leader.

Just before midnight, Andrew finally fell asleep. Connie couldn't sleep. She was too excited about the wedding, her new life in New York and now being Mrs. Leader. Not wanting to disturb Andrew, Connie retreated to the sitting room in their suite. She sat in the dark, looking out at the fallen snow and reflected on what a wonderful day it had been. As she sat there, she heard the creak and groan of the old wooden floorboards as someone walked down the hallway. The noise stopped outside her suite door.

Was it her imagination? Or was someone lingering outside her door again?

She had the uncomfortable memory of this occurring the first time she and Julio had stayed at the inn. It was an eerie feeling to think someone might be trying to scare her. Or spy on her, and if so, why? It made no sense.