Love You Moore Page 16

  “I bet you say that to all the brides” Abby teased.

  “I have only said it one other time and until today it was true. You look so much like your mother Abby, so beautiful. You are such a wonderful person, I am honored to have been your father and help you to become the woman you are today.” He wiped away more tears.

  “Dad, I love you.” Abby reached to give her father a hug. “I’m going to miss you.” Abby’s tears were mixed. Happy ones and regretful ones. Her father handed her his handkerchief.

  “This was your Great-Grandmothers handkerchief, I know she would like you to use it today, you can count it as your something old.”

  “So that makes everything then, my something borrowed is Mom’s veil. Everything is complete.” There was another knock at the door, it was her mother.

  “It’s time Honey.” Her mother kissed her on the cheek. She gave her husband a reassuring look, kissed him as well and left the room.

  “Ready to go, Baby, you know you can back out it’s not too late.” This made Abby laugh.

  “Thanks Dad. Let’s go.” He lowered her veil and she wrapped her arm though his and walked out of the room.

  The ceremony was going to be held in the garden and it was absolutely gorgeous. All the colors of fall overflowed everywhere. The chairs were adorned with cream colored silk covers tied with a bow in the back. The garlands were filled with flowers of every color of the fall, burnt orange, deep red, golden yellow and chocolate browns, Abby had never seen anything more beautiful. As Abby and her father were getting ready to walk down the aisle, Holly turned around right before it was her turn to go; they had stayed up most of the night before talking and reminiscing. They made plans to see each other as often as possible and cried because they knew it would not be often enough.

  “Abbs,” Holly was crying. “I know all of these years you felt it was you that was the lucky one to have me as a friend, but it’s not true, I am the lucky one. From that first day in Mr. James’ class when you told me you liked my silly puffy dress, I knew you were someone special. I love you Abby, for the rest of my life you will be my best friend.” Both girls were blubbering now. Abby’s father was doing his best to clam them both down mentioning that they were going to smudge their make-up seemed to do the trick. They both had one last teeth, nose and eye check and Holly turned around and proceeded down the lace runner covered grass aisle.

  Abby walked slowly with her father glancing from side to side at all the friends and family. What she also noticed were all the celebrities on Jimmy’s side. Movie and Television stars, rock stars and rock legends. Abby had to take a double take a couple of times just to make sure she was really seeing who she thought she was seeing.

  “Dad.” Abby whispered.

  “Yes Honey.”

  “Did you see all who was here? There are some really famous people here.”

  “Really? Should we stop so I can take a look?”

  “Funny, no keep walking.” Then her attention was on Jimmy, he was so handsome standing at the end waiting for her, she forgot about everyone else that was there.

  When they reached the end, her dad raised her veil, gave her a kiss on the cheek and handed her over to Jimmy. It was the hardest thing he had ever done. Abby and Jimmy took a step closer to the front where Pastor Godley was waiting for them. Pastor Godley had been Abby’s minister for as long as she could remember. She remembered asking her father when she was about six years old.

  “Daddy, don’t you think it’s funny that Pastor Godley’s name had the name God in it and he’s a man of God. I don’t think it’s funny ha ha but funny strange.”

  “Well, what other job would a man have with a name like Godley, I think it’s perfect.” Her father questioned her, humoring his daughter.

  For awhile after that, Abby had assumed that your profession was tied to your last name. She realized one day that it wasn’t true when her neighbor, the Carpenters were not in fact carpenters but a nurse and a mechanic.

  Pastor Godley started the ceremony, Abby was oblivious to anyone but her and Jimmy, only when she heard her name did she pay attention to what was being said or asked of her. Before she knew it he was announcing them husband and wife and telling them they could finally kiss. Jimmy gently raised her veil and just stared at her for a brief moment, then slowly leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

  “Forget this” Abby thought, she threw her arms around him, grabbed him tight and kissed him as passionately as she could. The applause from the audience was as thunderous as their laughter. They both turned to face their guests and were announced as Mr. and Mrs. James Douglas Riley.

  The reception was held under a huge tent set up on the garden grounds just a few feet from the ceremony site. Inside the tent looked like a beautiful woodland forest. The centerpieces were each three feet tall with a multitude of colorful fall flowers and branches in crystal vases. Hanging from each branch was different sized crystals that were illuminated buy tea light candles lit on the tables. Chocolate and cream colored silk linens covered the tables. White Christmas lights were strung from one end of the tent to the other, it gave the illusion they were dining and dancing under a star lit night. The cake was a six tier masterpiece. The same fall flowers in the centerpieces, adorned the cake over the off white vanilla butter cream. A crystal cake topper in the shape of the initials A&J sat at the top. The white cake with lemon filling was Abby’s favorite and soon became one of Jimmy’s as well.

  . Every friend Jimmy had in the industry was there and they all got up on stage at one point or another, either to sing one of their hit songs, or to assist in the backup or duets with other singers. The dancing, the food, the guests and the decorations all made this night a night Abby would never forgot. She also wouldn’t forget it because of one guest that arrived. Mrs. Robinson, Mitchell Robinson’s mother was there, staring at her from the tent entrance. Abby excused herself from the guest she was speaking with and approached Mrs. Robinson.

  “Mrs. Robinson, it’s so nice to see you.” She went to give her a hug and Mrs. Robinson stopped her.

  “Don’t” she said holding up one hand, “I did not come here to congratulate you Abby, I came to remind you that a wedding like this is something my son never got to have, because of you.” She pointed a bony finger right in Abby’s face.

  Abby tried to get her outside of the tent before anyone could hear her.

  “I’m sorry Mrs. Robinson, but how do you feel it’s my fault your son died?” Abby panicked thinking Mrs. Robinson remembered she was the one driving the Jeep in the accident.

  “If you hadn’t let your Uncle get behind the wheel the accident would never have had happened.” She spat “You should have let him get arrested if that was his fate, but no, you wanted to save your poor Daddy’s reputation and try to fix the situation, well you didn’t fix anything Abby did you, in fact things ended up a lot worse didn’t they?!”

  Abby was freaking out, she needed to get Mrs. Robinson away from here before Jimmy hears any of this. She was able to catch her father’s eye and he came directly out.

  “Everything ok here” He asked

  “NO Tom everything is not alright, your daughter gets to have this fabulous wedding and live a glamorous lifestyle while my son gets what, nothing because he’s dead and it’s all her fault.” She was again pointing her skeletal finger at Abby.

  “Amanda, I think you have had a bit too much to drink and you are not thinking clearly, here let me help you to a waiting car to take you home.” Tom Moore tried to guide Amanda Robinson to a cab that was waiting.

  “Get your hands off of me.” She screamed. “I am not going anywhere until everyone knows the truth, that you are a murderer Abby Moore.” Abby’s blood ran cold.

  Tom motioned to Zane that was close between the entrance and the bar. Zane came over fast as he could tell there was an incident happening.

  “Yes Sir, can I help you with something?”

  “Yes Zane, please assist Mrs. Robinso
n to a cab, she has had a bit too much champagne.”

  “No I haven’t and you can’t make me leave, please I need to get in there.” She was very belligerent at this point.

  “Ma’am I think its best we just get you home.” Zane practically carried her to the cab and placed her inside of it. Tom Moore had already given the driver Mrs. Robinson’s address. She was still yelling as the cab drove away.

  Abby turned to her father with a horrified look on her face.

  “Dad, this is all going to end isn’t it, this is all going to fall apart.” Abby sobbed

  “No, this too shall pass. Unfortunately this is a big event for a small town and it has been getting a lot of attention. I think it just became too much for her. Once all the hype is over and you and Jimmy are out in LA you will no longer be in the forefront of her thoughts. Go back inside Honey, dry your tears and go be with your new husband. I’m going back in, I think I saw Jimmy Buffet.” Abby smiled at her father, he always could make her feel better, she was going to miss him.

  Abby and her father walked back into the tent and rejoined the party. Abby tried to put Mrs. Robinson out of her head but she feared this encounter wasn’t going to be the last, it was only the beginning.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 19

  After the reception, Abby and Jimmy said their thank yous and good-byes, changed out of their wedding attire and headed to the airport. Before they left, Abby had another teary good bye with Holly and Abby’s parents. This part was the most difficult. On the happiest day of her life, it was also the hardest. Holly promised to come out and visit as soon as she could, she had to walk away or she would have let Abby go, she would have chained herself to her if she could. Abby’s mother and father hugged their daughter.

  “We are so proud of you, we are going to miss you but we know you are going to have an exciting new life and Daddy and I will come out to see you and you know you can always come home.” Her mother had always been reassuring.

  Jimmy said their Honeymoon destination was going to be a surprise but made sure she packed appropriately.

  “You will need a bathing suit and some sunscreen and that’s all really.” Jimmy told her.

  “Really? I think I may need a little more than that.” Abby laughed.

  “Well then pack for warm weather days and hot nights.” He winked at her.

  So with one small suitcase in tow she and Jimmy boarded his jet and headed out into the unknown. Abby had fallen asleep on the plane, the excitement of the day had caught up with her. When she awoke she looked out the window and saw the sun setting over crystal blue water. It was amazing. The most magnificent sunset she had ever seen. She turned to Jimmy.

  “Where are we?”

  “Turks and Caicos, the island of Parrot Cay, very secluded.” Jimmy winked at her again.

  “I know what you have been up all night thinking about” Abby laughed.

  Jimmy laughed at that too and shrugged his shoulders. Abby laughed at him again and turned to look out the window as they were getting ready to land.

  The island and the resort were exquisite. Abby had never seen such clear blue water and white sand beaches. She and Jimmy spent two amazing weeks at the resort. They were pampered and spoiled, Abby hated to leave but was also excited to get to LA and set up her new home. Plus she wanted to see Margret and Charles again.

  Abby hadn’t spoken to Holly for almost a week. She had texted her and call her from the island but since Holly was in school she had to leave messages on her voice mail and wait for a call back. They had been playing phone tag for a few days. On the car ride from the airport to Jimmy’s LA home Abby had tried to call Holly again.

  “Ugh this is so frustrating, I hate not talking to her, I want to know how school is going and what’s going on with her.” Abby pouted.

  “I am sure she is fine, Abby.” Jimmy comforted her. “She is probably feeling the same way you are.”

  “I’m going to try her again.” Abby tossed her phone onto the seat after getting Holly’s voice mail again.

  “We have to make a quick stop before we head to the house is that ok?” Jimmy asked.

  “Sure, where are we going?”

  “I told a friend I would check out his new real estate investment. He is a very conservative person and wants to make sure he is investing wisely. He just wants a second opinion. Do you mind if we look at the property first?”

  “Not at all.” Abby stated. She looked out the window and was amazed at all the houses. “Holy Smokes, Jimmy, look at all of these homes. Where are we?”

  “Calabasas, Kingston Court.” I think

  The car pulled in to the drive way of this palatial estate. Abby’s mouth hung open as she got out of the car. “OMG” she said quietly to herself.

  There was a man waiting by a Black Mercedes. Jimmy walked over to him.

  Mr. Craney, good to see you again.” Jimmy shook his hand.

  “Always a pleasure Mr. Riley.” The man replied back.

  “Meet my wife Abby, Abby this is Mr. Craney, my friend’s Real Estate agent. He is here to show us the property.”

  “Nice to meet you” Abby reached out her hand.

  “A pleasure” Mr. Craney gently shook Abby hand “Shall we go in?”

  “Mediterranean Perfection! The finest custom estate in guard gated Mountain View Estates! Approximately 10,000 square feet. Ideal location at the very end of a quiet cul-de-sac with unobstructed views!” Mr. Craney started. Abby just looked around in amazement.

  The door opened and they walked into a grand foyer, cream colored marble. Two grand pillars stood on each side of the room that led up to a wining stair case. The house had professional theater, gym, steam room, poker room and separate bonus room. They walked thru the Chefs kitchen. It had everything imaginable a kitchen could have, Dishwasher, Freezer, Disposal, Refrigerator, Trash Compactor, Central Vacuum, six Burner Cook top, Gas Range/Cook top, Double Oven, Microwave Oven, Range Hood. The back yard was breathtaking, amazing yard with infinity pool, spa and guest house. Mr. Craney took them down into the finished basement, although Abby wasn’t sure she could call it a basement it was a whole other living area. As they walked down the stairs Abby noticed a blue glow coming from the bottom of the stairs. There was a glass wall that looked right into the pool in the backyard. A sliding glass door opened up to a stone pathway that led back up to the backyard. Abby had to catch her breath, never had she seen such grandeur. The sub level, as Abby came to call it in her head, had a game room, the theater was down here and it also had a recording studio.

  They went back upstairs to tour the second floor. On the left side it was the oversized master retreat. There were two walk in closets, a his and a hers. A dressing room, humongous bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, steam shower and marble everything. There was an attached office. A large balcony spanned the whole side of the house that overlooked the backyard. Abby could see for miles, mountains and the ocean. The views were spectacular, Abby could only imagine what it looked like at night with the lights of the city all around. They continued the tour, the upstairs had three bedrooms not including the master suite. Each bedroom had its own private bath. The house had a total of seven bathrooms. There was also fourth and fifth bedroom downstairs. Abby assumed for the home staff. Her head was spinning form it all as they headed back outside to the stone tiled driveway.

  “So what do you think?” Mr. Craney direct at Abby.

  “I think your friend would be a fool not to buy this place. It’s unbelievable.” Abby stammered.

  “Abby,” Jimmy softly got Abby’s attention. “I have something for you.’ He handed her a black velvet box.

  Abby looked at Jimmy and back at Mr. Craney, Abby was surprised that he would give her a gift now. Abby opened the box. It was a key, a house key. Abby looked at Jimmy confused and then it hit her. This wasn’t a house for a friend it was for her. Abby started to hyperventilate.

  “Abby, I heard you telling Holly you were concerned about moving into
my house. I want you to have only good memories of our home together. We will make our own here.”

  Abby had tears streaming down her face.

  “You didn’t need to do this, it’s too much, I don’t want you to feel like I wouldn’t have been happy in your home with you, I would be happy in a cardboard box with you.”

  “I didn’t want you to feel like you we coming into my home versus our home. This is our home Abby, yours and mine.”

  Abby hugged Jimmy “I love you.” She whispered and kissed him.

  “Oh my gosh, I have got to call Holly, excuse me Mr. Craney, thank you very much.” Abby walked away to use her phone. Jimmy and Mr. Craney shook hands, Mr. Craney got into his car and drove away. Abby walked back to Jimmy with a sullen look on her face.

  “No luck?” Jimmy asked.

  “No, I just don’t get it, why is she not calling me back?”

  “Don’t worry,” Jimmy comforted her. “I am sure everything is fine, like I said before she is probably busy with classes, maybe she has met a boy.” He looked at her with a persuasive expression.

  “Well that would be all the more reason to call me to fill me in, this just isn’t like her.”

  “Come on, let’s go back into the house and look around.” Jimmy took her hand and led her back to the house. When they got to the door Jimmy picked up Abby to carry her over the threshold.

  “What are you doing?” She laughed.

  “This is a tradition and we are going to start our new life off right.” He opened the door and set her down onto the marble floor. “You know what else is tradition?” he asked with a peculiar look on his face.”

  “What.” Abby was a bit afraid to ask.

  “Well I hear it’s good luck to christen every room of a new home.” He took her into his arms.

  “Oh really? I think I may have heard something about that too.” Abby said playfully

  Jimmy closed the door to their new home and led Abby up the stairs.