Wishing in Wisconsin (At the Altar Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

beautiful!" Cissie told her, coming forward to hug her.  Normally Cissie would have said something sarcastic like, "Small children won't run away screaming."  It showed how well her friend knew her that she chose that moment to compliment her.
    Lachele smiled, wiping a tear from her eye.  "Put your arms around each other.  I need to get a picture," she said, digging out her phone. 
    There was a knock on the door, and Lachele frowned.  "That better not be Stephen again.  That boy is making me crazy," she mumbled under her breath as she went to the door.
    A moment later the door was opened wide and Cissie's parents came in.  Mr. Rivers walked over to Cindy and put his hands on her shoulders.  "Looks like one of my little girls is all grown up.  I'm not sure how I feel about this."
    Cindy laughed, a tear escaping her eye, as she rushed into his arms.  "I'm glad you could come back for the wedding."  The older couple was spending summers in Canada, complaining that Wisconsin summers were just too hot.
    Mrs. Rivers pushed her husband out of the way to hug Cindy as well.  "We wouldn't have missed this for the world.  Are you sure this man is safe?  I don't know how I feel about you marrying a stranger."
    Cindy glared at Cissie over Mrs. Rivers's shoulder.  Her friend should have known better than telling her worrywart mother.  When it was Cissie's turn to walk down the aisle, she knew she'd be making a phone call.  "I'll be fine. Lachele checked him out for me!"
    Mrs. Rivers turned to Lachele.  "Are you Lachele then?  What are you thinking by encouraging this?  There are scary men in this world!"
    Lachele smiled, offering her hand.  "I'm Dr. Lachele Simpson.  I'm a relational psychologist.  I assure you, I've investigated the groom thoroughly, and he's safe." 
    Mrs. Rivers wrinkled her nose.  "Maybe he's just hiding things from you."
    Lachele sighed, shaking her head.  "I really don't think so.  I'm a very good judge of character, and I spent twelve hours interviewing him."
    Mr. Rivers walked over, putting his hands on his wife's shoulders.  "Even so, we'll be staying around town for at least a couple of weeks to make certain she's all right."
    "I think that's wonderful.  Everyone needs to have someone to look out for them."
    There was another knock on the door then, and Lachele groaned.  She opened it just a bit.  "Sam!  You're supposed to be keeping an eye on you know who!"
    "It's time for the wedding to start, you crazy woman!  Past time!  So stop your lollygagging, and let's get this show on the road."
    Lachele glared up at her husband.  "I'm not crazy!  I prefer the word eccentric!"  She smiled at Cindy, hurrying over to hug her close.  "You ready?"
    Cindy nodded.  "I think so."  She put her hand over her chest as if to try to slow down her rapid heartbeat. 
    Cissie left before Cindy, who stayed in the bride's room with Mr. Rivers. Once they were the only ones left in the room, Cindy smiled at the man.  "Thank you for agreeing to give me away.  With my grandfather gone, you're the only man who I would have wanted beside me."
    He took her hand and placed it on his arm, patting it gently.  "I wouldn't have let anyone else do it.  You're as much our child as Cissie is."
    Cindy smiled, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.  "Thank you for always treating me like a daughter."
    Lachele came back to the room, sticking her head in.  "It's time.  Stop being all sentimental and get out here."
    Cindy laughed.  "We're coming!"
    Lachele's hair looked more purple than usual that day, and Cindy wondered absently if she'd just dyed it again as she followed the older woman to the back of the church.  She loved Lachele's hair, wishing she had the guts to do strange color with hers, but she knew she never would.
    She looked around the church almost as if she was seeing it for the first time.  Cindy knew her grandparents, and her parents had been married in the same church before her, and she was