Every Bride Has Her Day

by Janice Thompson

  “She knows we’re not getting married at the Gaylord, but she doesn’t know any of the particulars about the wedding yet. I’m actually on my way to the store now. Brady and I are going to tell her together. In fact, we’re going to tell everyone. We’re going to gather the troops just before opening the store.”

  “Great idea. Now maybe they’ll all leave you alone and let you make your own choices.”

  Pop snorted.

  “Well, I have to go, Mama. Can’t wait to see you at Jasper’s wedding.”

  “I’ll be happy to be back home in Fairfield, honey. It’ll be nice to see everyone again.”

  We ended the call and I breathed a sigh of relief. After all of my fretting, Mama had taken the news in stride. Hopefully the others would too. Especially Nadia.

  I arrived at the store before nine o’clock. Since we weren’t due to open until ten, I knew that I had time to grab a cup of coffee and check my emails. As I walked past all of the wedding gowns and into the hallway just beyond, I saw Nadia come out of the studio door. She took one look at me and an easy smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Hey, you.”

  “Hey, yourself. Did you have a good weekend?”

  “I did. Busy, but good. I just got off the phone with Bridget Pennington. Looks like she’ll be coming back in tomorrow. She talked me through her ideas, and I’ve already started sketching.”

  “Really? What do you think, Nadia? Did you like the Martina McBride idea?”

  “Oh, I loved it.” Nadia’s eyes sparkled with obvious delight. “I adored the simplicity of the design on Martina’s CMA dress. It served as the perfect foundation. Want to see the sketches?”

  “Yes!” I followed her into the studio and gasped when she pulled out the sketches. “It looks just like she described! I love that off-the-shoulder look, and the train is magnificent.”

  “I agree. She’s getting married in July, so Dahlia and her team will have their hands full getting it made and fitted, but I’m sure it will be perfect for her outdoor event.”

  “Has she mentioned anything about her father?” I asked. “Did he ever come around?”

  “She did say that he’d reconciled himself to her ideas, but I have a feeling there’s still a bit of resistance there. I’ve been giving some thought to calling him myself. We used to be friends. Maybe I could come up with something to say to win him over. You know?” As she spoke the words, Nadia’s brow wrinkled.

  “Something wrong?” I asked.

  “Katie, all of this reminds me that I owe you a huge apology.”

  “O-oh?”

  “Yes. Not for anything work related. I wanted to say that I’ve had time to think about my, well . . . zealous behavior over the past few weeks. I owe you an apology for getting too heavy-handed with my suggestions. I was out of line.” Her eyes brimmed with tears, which really threw me. “Please forgive me.”

  “Nadia, I do. Of course. You’re just excited.” I gave her a hug.

  “I am, yes. What mother wouldn’t be excited about her only child’s wedding? But there’s more to it than that, Katie. When Brady’s father and I got married, we were poor as church mice. We had nothing. I never had the big wedding. Everything was so simple. It was sweet, but I always wished I could’ve done more. So I guess in some small way I’ve been trying to create the wedding that I wish I’d had myself. Does that make sense?”

  “It does. And one of these days you’ll have that wedding, Nadia. I know you will.”

  “Me?” She shook her head. “Honey, I’m married to my business. I pity any man who would take me on as a wife. I work seventy hours a week and I love it that way. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  “Well, when he does come along, he’ll love that about you. And the two of you will have the best wedding the Gaylord has to offer. I’ll be right there in the center of it all.”

  “Hopefully rocking a baby or two.” She gave me a little wink.

  “Oh, now you’ve got me tending to a houseful of children?” I chuckled. “We’ll see how that goes.”

  “Well, one or two would be nice. Before I get too old to play with them, okay?” She gave me a hopeful look. Just as quickly she pinched her eyes shut. “There I go, telling you what to do. Again. Forgive me?”

  This time I laughed out loud. “It’s okay, Nadia. You love me. It’s clear you do. And I love you too. I wouldn’t expect anything less from the woman who’s going to be grandmother to my children.”

  At that, she shivered. “Ooh, grandmother. Sounds so old. Do you think the children could call me Nonny? I’d be Nonny Nadia.”

  “Anything you like.” I paused to think something through, then dared to voice the question on my heart. “Do you mind if I ask why you decided to talk to me about this? Did Brady ask you to apologize or something?”

  “No.” She looked stunned by this notion. “We did talk, and it didn’t take me long to realize I’d overstepped my bounds. But my conversation with Bridget really drove the point home.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes. When I realized how traumatized she was over her wedding plans, when she told me that her father had tried to take control, I realized that I’d sort of treated you the same way. Not exactly the same way, maybe, and not to the same effect, but I know when I’ve gone too far. I want you guys to be free to choose what you want to do and where you want to do it.”

  “We already have. I don’t know if Brady told you, but we’ve definitely set our plans in motion. Not just the where and when parts, but the rest too.”

  “He refused to give me details. Just told me I’d have to wait until 9:00 a.m. to hear with everyone else.” She glanced at the clock on the desk. “And it’s 9:00.”

  “So it is. I’d better get out there. He’s probably waiting on me.”

  I found Brady at the register with all of our workers clustering around him. To his right, Alva and Eduardo had locked lips.

  “Hey, no PDA, you two,” Brady hollered.

  “PDA?” Eduardo looked perplexed.

  “Public displays of affection,” everyone else said in unison.

  “Well, pooh on that.” Alva threw her arms around Eduardo’s neck and gave him another big smooch. We all erupted in laughter.

  “Okay, okay, enough kissing,” Eduardo said as he untangled himself from my aunt’s tight embrace. “This morning is all about Brady and Katie, not us.”

  “Ooh, wedding plans!” Twiggy rubbed her hands together. “I can’t wait!”

  “Yeah, are you guys gonna tell us, or what?” Hibiscus asked.

  “Can you make it quick?” Dahlia glanced back toward the studio door. “I have a bride coming at ten straight up for a fitting, and I still have some work to do on her gown.”

  “It’s okay if you need to leave before we’re done,” Brady said. “But Katie and I wanted to let you guys know that we’ve settled on a plan for our wedding.”

  “At the Gaylord?” Twiggy asked.

  “No.” Brady shook his head.

  “Cowboy themed, like I suggested?” Twiggy tried.

  “Not that either,” my sweetie responded with a firm smile.

  “Did you read all of my ideas that I left on your desk?” Hibiscus asked. “Because I had some good ones. Of course, I totally understand if you don’t want to use my starlight idea. It might’ve been a little far-fetched. But what about my idea of the Parisian theme? Little Eiffel Towers on every table?”

  “Puh-leeze.” Madge rolled her eyes. “You’ll be happy to know I offered no ideas, Katie. Did you notice? There was nothing from me.”

  “I noticed.” I gave her a thank-you smile and then nodded. “While I appreciate all of your great ideas—really, there were some doozies—Brady and I have decided to do the following.” I reached to take his hand and gave it a squeeze as I spoke to our friends and loved ones. “We’re getting married on Saturday, August 13th, at 6:00 p.m. at my church in Fairfield. The reception afterward will be held outdoors on the courthouse lawn. It’s going to be the sw
eetest thing you ever saw. Twiggy, you’ll be happy to know it’s going to take place at sunset.”

  “Well, that’s good, anyway.” Still, she didn’t look convinced about the rest.

  “Interesting,” Dahlia said. “Very interesting.”

  From the looks on all the faces in front of me, I could tell they hadn’t quite caught the vision. No problem. Give us just a few minutes to explain, and we’d win ’em over.

  13

  If You Don’t Know Me by Now

  I heard a definition once: Happiness is health and a short memory! I wish I’d invented it, because it is very true.

  Audrey Hepburn

  Okay, so you’re getting married at the church and having the reception outdoors at sunset.” Twiggy put her hands on her hips and stared at me, her brow wrinkled in obvious confusion. “Sounds sweet. But I still can’t figure out your theme.”

  “I guess you could say we’re creating our own,” Brady explained.

  “We’ll call it ‘quaint and old-fashioned.’” Joyous feelings swept over me, just thinking about it. “Picture lemonade stands, possibly an ice cream area with a variety of toppings—all of the things you might equate with a small-town social gathering from days gone by.”

  “Cotton candy?” Twiggy asked. “Checkered tablecloths?”

  “Um, no.” I directed my answer to Nadia, who looked concerned. “We’re not going that far. It’s going to be gorgeous. I want it to be summery but classy, if that makes sense. Beautiful round tables with soft-colored linen cloths and sweet centerpieces.”

  “It’s going to be great,” Brady said. “A step back in time. Oh, that reminds me, we’re hiring a band to do the music. Old-timey music.”

  “Old-timey music?” Nadia looked perplexed.

  “I’ve never heard of a wedding like this before.” Twiggy’s nose wrinkled. “But I guess if that’s what you want, Katie.”

  “It’s not just what she wants, it’s what I want too.” Brady slipped his arm over my shoulders in a show of support. “We loved the idea of the picnic because it brings people together. Just the idea of it makes people happy. People lay down their differences and gather around the table to celebrate.”

  “Oh, and speaking of the tables, we decided to use beautiful hand-painted picnic baskets for centerpieces. They’ll be opened with gerbera daisies peeking out. Cute, right? And we’ll string lights all over the place, so it will be well lit when the sun goes down.”

  “Well, I for one think it sounds amazing.” Jane gave me an admiring look. “You won’t hear any arguments from me, Katie. And I’ll be the first to line up to help. I saw some great picnic baskets at a hobby store the other day. Reasonably priced too. And I happen to know someone who’s great at painting.” She nodded in Eduardo’s direction.

  “Ah, I do enjoy painting as a hobby. A picnic basket will make an unusual medium, but I could give it a try, if you show me a sample.”

  “And I know a wonderful florist,” Dahlia added. “I’d be willing to bet she can get you a great deal on the daisies.”

  Eduardo grinned. “And if you’re looking for old-timey costumes for the vendors—the person manning the lemonade stand and the ice cream area—I have some connections.”

  “Thank you all. And most of all, thanks for understanding. This is our big day and it’s going to be perfect. The thing that will really be the icing on the cake will be having you all there.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Katie,” Dahlia said. “It’s going to be great.”

  “Now, tell us about the bridesmaids.” Twiggy twisted her hands together as if anticipating my response. “And what they’re wearing.”

  I chose my words carefully. “Well . . . Lori-Lou will be matron of honor and Alva will be maid of honor.”

  “Ooh, I love that idea.” Madge sighed.

  “But what if Alva and Eduardo get married between now and then?” Dahlia asked. “Then what?”

  Every person in the room turned to Eduardo, who turned all shades of red. Alva cleared her throat and gave him an imploring look.

  “Then I guess I’ll have two matrons of honor, which would be fine with me. As for the bridesmaids, they will be Crystal, Dahlia, and Twiggy.”

  “Whew! I’m in!” Twiggy giggled.

  I turned to the other girls in the room, hoping no feelings were hurt. “I’d like to ask Hi and Jane to serve at the reception, if they’re willing.”

  “I’m willing,” Jane said.

  “Me too,” Hibiscus echoed. “Sounds like so much fun.”

  “But you didn’t answer the important question. What are we wearing?” Dahlia asked. “Colors and styles, I mean.”

  Spoken like a true fashion designer.

  “If we’re going with pastel daisies for the bridesmaid bouquets, the gowns will complement. Soft yellows and blues and pinks and—”

  “Lavender?” Alva clasped her hands together. “Ooh, my favorite color ever!”

  “Okay, lavender,” I said. “But nothing bright or startling. Just pretty. Summery. And I’m not thinking floor-length. Since it’s summer, why not pick gowns that are calf-length. Or knee-length, even.”

  “Merciful heavens, have you seen my knees?” Alva groaned. “They’re as knobby and ugly as bedposts. Can we please say calf-length?”

  “You’re my maid of honor, Auntie. Your dress can be completely different from the others. And even their gowns don’t have to be the same style, as long as they all work together.”

  “So, something off the rack, or something we design?” Dahlia asked. “We need to know pretty soon if we’re going to be making all the gowns from scratch.”

  I looked Nadia’s way. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about the Ever-After line you designed in Paris. So simple and elegant. Those dresses could be done in soft pastels, couldn’t they?”

  “Of course. I have the most luscious crepes in all the colors you’re talking about: mint green, baby blue, peach blossom, cotton-candy pink, lemon chiffon, linen . . .”

  “And lavender?” Alva asked.

  Nadia nodded. “Well, technically it’s called African violet, but it’s similar, yes.”

  “We’ll use the same pastel flowers on the cake,” I said. “Multi-tiered for sure, since we’re expecting lots of people. Not too fussy in design. I know everyone these days is going with that messy look with the burlap ribbon, but that’s not really what I’m thinking. I like traditional.”

  “But not fussy,” Nadia interjected.

  “Right. And flowers in those same pastel colors.”

  “All of this talk about mints, cotton candy, peaches, and lemons has me hungry.” Alva rubbed her stomach. “Wish I hadn’t skipped breakfast.”

  “I have breakfast tacos in the studio,” Eduardo said. “If we want to move this party back there, I’m happy to share with everyone.”

  “Sounds great,” Brady said. He whispered in my ear, “That went well,” and I nodded.

  Everyone headed down the hallway toward the studio, but I remained in the front of the store, breathing a huge sigh of relief. A couple of minutes into my “thank you, Lord” prayer, Nadia appeared beside me. She patted me on the arm.

  “Katie, I just wanted to say that I hope you’re not going with my design on the bridesmaid dresses just because, well, you know . . . because you feel pressured to do so.”

  “Not at all, Nadia.” I gave her what I hoped would be a reassuring look. “You know more about bridal fashions than anyone I’ve ever known in my life. It just makes sense that I’d choose something from one of your lines. Besides, you already did my gown, and I want everything to have a similar feel.”

  “The dresses in the Ever-After line will be perfect with your wedding gown, Katie. They’re soft and flowing and very much in keeping with that whole stylish but simple look. Nothing too froufrou.”

  “Right. I’ve never been a froufrou kind of girl. Well, except when I was little and ran around in Lori-Lou’s ballet tutu.”

  “Lo
ri-Lou took ballet class?”

  “Oh yes. She was the pride and joy of Fairfield’s ballet studio and the first in our family to go en pointe.”

  “Who would’ve guessed?”

  “Yes. She traded in her pointe shoes for receiving blankets.” I laughed. “I think she’ll look so pretty in one of those pastel colors. I just love how muted the colors are.”

  “Me too. They’re pearlized. Lovely.”

  “I’m thrilled that peach is an option, color-wise. You know I was Peach Queen my senior year in high school, right? Lori-Lou was too—a couple of years ahead of me, of course.”

  “We’ll put Lori-Lou in peach then, if that’s okay with you.”

  “It’s perfect, Nadia. She’s going to be tickled pink. Er, peach.” I laughed again. “I guess we’ll let the other girls decide which colors they like best.”

  We headed down the hallway and into the studio, where we found the others laughing and talking. And eating breakfast tacos. Aunt Alva and Eduardo giggled as they fed one another.

  “I guess we’ll need to talk about Alva’s gown,” I whispered to Nadia. “It’ll have to be different from the others.”

  Nadia quirked a brow. “You know what’s going to happen there, right?”

  “Eduardo?”

  Nadia nodded. “Yes. He’ll want to design her gown. With your permission, I’ll let him. He’ll come up with something in keeping with the Ever-After line. I know he will.”

  “Perfect.”

  “Ooh, speaking of perfect, I just love your outdoor picnic theme.” Twiggy’s voice sounded from my left. “And as for worrying about what others think, why bother? If I were you, I’d just plow forward with my own plans and forget what everyone else thinks.”

  “You? The one who created a Pinterest account for me? The one who told me I should keep everything Texas-themed? You would just tell everyone that you didn’t care what they thought?”

  She sighed and plopped into a chair. “Okay, okay. I get it. I’ve been a little pushy. But if you want the truth—and I’m just being honest here—I guess I got excited about your wedding because I’m just so excited about planning my own. Eventually. If your brother proposes.”