“No doubt. How’s that going?”
She shrugged. “She’s an adorable little girl, just feisty. Summer’s just starting, so I have three months to keep her entertained before school starts. Grateful for Crystal, though. She’s really taken a liking to her.”
“Well, I’m glad about that. She’s so good with people of all ages.”
“Indeed.” My grandmother nodded and yawned. “Sorry. Better go sit down.”
I’d just started to fret over her condition when Twiggy and Hibiscus approached, deeply rooted frowns on their faces.
“What’s up?” I asked. “Someone die?”
“Not yet, but give me time.” Twiggy rolled her eyes.
“Miss Doom-and-Gloom is at it again,” Hi added.
“Doom-and-who?” I asked.
“I heard that, Hi.” Jane joined us, her arms now tightly folded at her chest. “And get a grip, would you? I’m not that big of a downer, am I?”
To my right, Madge cleared her throat.
“What’s going on?” I asked. “Jane? You okay?”
She turned to face me. “I’m about wedding’d out, that’s all.”
“And isn’t this a fine place to make such a negative statement?” Hibiscus gestured to the over-the-top décor. “You had to come into a perfectly lovely wedding and ruin it with your Debbie Downer speech?”
“Just stating my point.” Jane put her hands on her hips. “Everyone’s engaged but me. So yeah, I’m sorry if I’m bringing you down. It’s just a hard pill to swallow, especially on days like this, when everyone has their own special someone to spend the day with.”
“For the record, I’m not engaged,” Dahlia said. “Dewey and I are dating, but we’re not engaged.”
“Semantics.” Jane waved her hand as if to dismiss that idea. “It’s just a matter of time. Point is, you have a guy in your life. You have possibilities. Me? I’ve got no possibilities. Well, none but a life of solitude and loneliness and peanut butter sandwiches. By myself. In my apartment. My apartment that I live in alone. Yes, last time I checked . . . no possibilities.”
“Well, isn’t this a lovely event.” Madge pulled a wedding program out of her purse and fanned herself. “Just lovely.”
“Possibilities?” I asked. “Define possibilities.”
“I’m just saying that life isn’t always like you read about in romance novels,” Jane said. “Not every girl gets her happily ever after. There isn’t a hunky guy waiting around the corner for all of us. Sometimes things don’t work out. Sometimes people go to bed exhausted with being single and wondering if they’ll ever have the kind of life they dream of.”
“Well.” Brady shook his head. “I guess that calls for a glass of punch. I’ll be right back.” He slinked away, glancing back at me and mouthing, “Sorry.”
Coward.
I tried to think of something encouraging to say, but only managed a weak, “Everything happens in God’s time. Just be patient.”
“It’s so easy for engaged or married people to give advice, isn’t it?” Jane looked perturbed. “And don’t give me that spiel about how I just need to be closer to God in order to feel fulfilled. I’ve heard that before.”
Even if it’s true?
“Sometimes a girl just wants a guy to wrap her in his arms. Is that asking too much?”
“No.” I felt the sting of tears in my eyes as I responded. “But Jane, God knows that’s your desire.”
“Then why doesn’t he do something about it?” She gave me a hard glare. “There are a thousand ways he could bring the right guy into my world, but it hasn’t happened.”
“Yet.” Madge spoke softly. “It hasn’t happened yet. But I think it’s fair to say I can speak to this with some degree of authority. I’ve had a lot of ‘yets’ in my journey.”
Jane’s jaw flinched, and for a moment it looked as if she might punch someone. “Well, I can’t handle the waiting. So forgive me if I don’t jump up and down and cheer when I think about how long you had to hang on before Mr. Right finally showed up at your door.”
“Ouch.” Madge’s eyes narrowed to slits. For a minute I thought she might take Jane down. Instead, she waggled a finger in her direction. “I get it, girl. I do. But I’ll tell you what—you go on being bitter like this and you’ll attract no one. Well, no one but the flies, anyway.” Madge turned on her heels and headed to the cake table.
Her words served to stop Jane in her tracks. Still, talk about awkward. Thank goodness Casey’s voice came over the loudspeaker just then, announcing the arrival of the bride and groom, who took to the floor for their first dance as man and wife—to the theme of Gone with the Wind, of course. Likely not my brother’s choice of music, but he didn’t seem to be focusing on the song, anyway. No, his eyes were firmly riveted to his new bride. Mine were too. I noticed she’d removed the hoop and pinned up the back of the skirt. Good move.
When their dance ended, Crystal greeted her guests, stopping to laugh and talk with everyone. Then Casey, still serving as deejay, encouraged the guests to get their food. The rest of the morning whirled by like a colorful Southern vortex whipping around the community center, sucking us all into its grasp. Even Jane seemed to settle down a bit.
When the meal ended, the bride and groom headed to the cupcake table, where they did a lovely job of smashing frosting into each other’s noses. Lovely. Corrie, who seemed to have fallen for Crystal, hovered close—to the point where Queenie had to scold her a bit. Crystal didn’t seem to care, though. She offered the youngster a cupcake and then gave her a little kiss on the cheek.
Casey’s voice came over the loudspeaker once more, and he encouraged the guests to hit the dance floor. I had a feeling most would oblige.
Pap-Paul slipped his arm around my grandmother’s waist. “I think what this gal needs is a spin around the dance floor.” He extended his hand. “Would you do me the honor, Scarlett?”
“Why, certainly, Rhett.” Queenie giggled. “I mean, Ashley.”
“Call me whatever you like.”
She flinched again and reached down to pat her knee. “Just promise to catch me if I go down.”
“I promise.”
Brady drew near and pulled me close. “Would you like to dance, Katie?”
“Maybe. In a minute.” I rested against him. “Right now I just want to take it all in.”
“Getting ideas for our big day?” he asked.
“Um, no.” Laughter rose up. “This isn’t my sort of theme, sorry.”
“Mine either, but it’s clear the bride is loving it, and it’s equally as clear that your brother is going along with it all. I think he’d do anything to make his bride happy.”
I turned to face my groom-to-be, my heart full. “Promise me one thing, Brady.”
“What’s that?” He gazed at me with such tenderness that I literally felt my heart swell.
“Promise you won’t just ‘go along with’ my plans. I want you to chime in every step of the way, so that you’re fully represented too.”
He put his hand up in the air as if taking an oath. “I promise. Anything else?”
“Yes. I’d like that dance now.”
Brady took me by the hand and led me to the dance floor, where he gave a deep bow before starting the dance. I curtsied—it just felt right—and then settled into his arms. There, in that lovely place, I felt completely grounded. Rooted. Settled. What did it matter where I lived—Fairfield, Dallas, or the moon? With this guy at my side, I’d always be at home.
17
Back in the Saddle
It’s that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so “don’t fuss, dear; get on with it.”
Audrey Hepburn
On the Friday after Crystal and Jasper’s big day, Brady picked me up for our engagement party. The minute he saw me in my black dress, he let out a whistle.
“Whoa. I’m marrying a
beauty queen.”
“Hardly.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek. “But thank you for saying that.”
“No, really. You look amazing.”
I gave a little twirl and my skirt flared. “You really like it? You’re not just saying that? I’ve had it for ages but didn’t think I’d ever get to wear it.”
“You look like a million bucks. Want me to call the photographer from Texas Bride for another cover shoot?”
“Um, no thank you.”
“Well, speaking of photos, don’t be surprised if my mother tries to snag a few tonight for the society column of the Dallas Morning News. She mentioned it earlier.”
“I can live with that. No doubt the sports page will want to cover the story too. Basketball players will love the pictures, I’m sure.”
“Well, speaking of basketball . . .” He pursed his lips, the silence between us suddenly awkward. “Remind me to talk to you about that later. Now that my knee is better, Stan’s trying to cut a new deal with the Mavericks.”
“W-what?” My thoughts went off in several different directions at once. “Are you serious?”
“Nothing solid. And I haven’t talked to my orthopedist about it—or anyone else, for that matter. But the knee feels so much better now and I’m almost back to full range of motion. Maybe God is giving me a second chance at something I love.”
“Wow. Brady, that would be . . .” I let my words trail off because I didn’t know what to say. Amazing? Terrifying? Wonderful? Risky? All of those words seemed to fit. If he went back to basketball, we would lose him at the bridal salon. And he might injure his knee again. But if he let this opportunity pass him by—if he really felt he could handle it but didn’t go for it—he might never forgive himself.
Brady led the way to his truck and opened the passenger door. I tossed my purse inside and then climbed up into the seat. Seated up so high, I felt a little like a queen. Checking my appearance in the mirror, I realized my lipstick needed a touch-up, so I did that while he walked around the truck and got inside.
My mind kept shifting back to the basketball conversation, and my heart swelled with emotion. I could hardly stand the fact that he’d had to give up something he loved so much. If God opened a door for him to return to pro ball, who was I to squelch his dreams? Instead, I opted to shift the conversation. “I’m so relieved your mom sent me home from work early.” I smacked my lips together and tossed my lipstick back in my purse.
“She thought you might enjoy having extra time to get ready. Speaking of which, did you realize Eduardo left the shop at noon?” He stuck the key in the ignition.
“Yes. He picked up Alva before heading to his house. Whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it together.”
“Yep. Any idea what they have up their sleeves?” Brady asked. “You don’t suppose he’s turning his house into a movie set for us, like Crystal did with the community center, do you?”
“Surely not.”
He started the truck and put it into gear. “You okay not knowing?” He glanced in the rearview mirror and backed the truck up.
“I am. The whole ‘top secret’ thing makes it extra special.”
Knowing that Mama and Pop would be there made it special too. And Queenie and Pap-Paul. And my brothers. And Lori-Lou and Josh, who had hired a sitter for the kids.
“I hope Eduardo isn’t feeling overwhelmed right about now.” I glanced out the window, distracted by incoming rain clouds. Hopefully we wouldn’t run into bad weather. I turned to Brady, my thoughts shifting back to Eduardo. “Do you think he’s regretting offering his house for such a big event?”
“I don’t know.” Brady put on his turn signal and eased the truck into the right lane. “He was sweating when he left the shop today.”
“Well, it is hot outside,” I argued.
“True, true.” Brady laughed and then changed the direction of the conversation to talk about a problem with one of our customers.
I’d never been the sort to expect pampering, especially not from family members, but this whole idea of holding an engagement party at Eduardo’s house made me feel like a princess. I knew the moment we arrived that the evening would be spectacular. We were greeted at the front door by a gentleman in a tuxedo who offered to take my purse.
“You can trust him, honey,” Aunt Alva said as she appeared behind the man. “No worries. He won’t steal it.”
The gentleman looked slightly offended by this, but regained his composure.
“Of course.” I handed the man my purse and he took it to the front hall closet. I gave Alva a closer look, whistling as I saw her fancy gold dress. I’d seen my aunt in a variety of situations, but never as mistress of the manor. Wowza. She looked like a million bucks in her glittering gown. And the hair and makeup! Whoa.
“I had a little help getting ready.” She leaned in to whisper, “Eduardo thought it would be fun to pamper me, so he hired a team. Apparently it takes a village to get your old auntie looking like a princess.”
“Well, they did a fantastic job. You look amazing.”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “If you think this is great, just wait till you see what he’s cooked up for the party, Katie. I’m so glad you let him do this for you. He’s had the time of his life. I don’t believe he’s been this excited since we told him he could make my lavender gown for your wedding.”
“I’m so glad.” From the looks of things, we were all about to have the time of our lives. I could hardly believe someone had gone to so much trouble for me and Brady.
Alva ushered us into the large living area, complete with exquisite—if not over-the-top—décor. I’d been here before and couldn’t wait to see what our guests thought when they saw the place. If Liberace had a living room in heaven, it probably looked a little something like this. Shimmering white sofas with fringed gold pillows. Glass coffee tables loaded with art pieces from all over the world. And the pièce de résistance? A fabulously large grand piano—white—with gleaming gold candlesticks. Yep. I could almost hear a heavenly choir singing as they took it all in.
Eduardo swept into the room, dressed in white. Well, except for the teal ascot. His suit could have easily come straight off a movie set from the olden days.
“My darling!” He reached for my hand and kissed it. “You have arrived.” With his index finger Eduardo made a twirling motion. “Turn, please. I must see this exquisite gown!”
I did a spin and he sighed. “My only regret about this dress is that I did not make it myself. Wherever did you find it?”
“At a little boutique in Fairfield. It’s closed down now. They’re turning it into a bakery. I bought the dress last year but haven’t had a chance to wear it till now.”
“I’m glad you’ve saved it until tonight. You look like a princess.” He gave Brady a quick glance. “And you’ve brought your prince, I see. He looks the part in this new suit.”
Brady tugged at his collar. “I think I’m more comfortable in my basketball shorts, to be honest. But I’ll do just about anything for this girl of mine.”
When he spoke the word “basketball,” my heart skipped to overdrive.
Stay calm, Katie. He’s going to be just fine.
“You are our first guests,” Eduardo said. “But the others should be here shortly.”
“I do hope they’re not too late.” Alva’s nose wrinkled. “The hors d’oeuvres will grow cold.”
“They’re meant to be served cold, my precious.” Eduardo gave her a tender look. “And never you worry about that. The cook has been keeping an eye on the temperature, I assure you, and the servers are only now filling their platters with the delightful delectables.”
For a minute I thought Alva might swoon at the idea of such fineries, but she appeared to take it in stride. Or maybe she was just distracted by the ringing doorbell.
Hibiscus and Jane arrived first. Hi let out a whistle as she looked around the expansive living room with its furnishings. “Eduardo! Why didn’t you tell
us?”
“Tell you what?” He feigned innocence as he followed her gaze around the room.
“That you live like a king.” Hi shook her head. “This changes everything. I always thought you were a regular guy.”
“A little over-the-top,” Jane added. “But regular.”
“Oh, he’s regular, all right,” Alva said. “But you can thank me for that. The fiber drink I told him about really helped.”
Good grief.
Jane walked over to a scantily clad Greek statue in the corner of the room and stared at it. “Is this real?”
“I got it while in Athens many years ago,” Eduardo said. “Carved by a local man with a hunched back. Poor dear soul. Have you ever seen anything like it?”
“Not in anyone’s living room,” she muttered.
“It’s amazing, Eduardo,” Hi said, a look of admiration on her face. “In fact, the whole house is.”
Those words were repeated many times by our guests as they took in his excessive décor, especially my parents, who couldn’t seem to relax in the ornate room. One by one they entered, most oohing and aahing right away. Madge arrived a bit later than the rest of the guests with Stan at her side.
At least, I thought it was Madge.
My jaw dropped as she entered the room wearing the most gorgeous green sparkly dress I’d ever seen. For the first time, I noticed the woman had a waistline. And curvy hips. Who knew?
“Wow.” I couldn’t manage anything else. Wow. I’d seen Madge in a variety of situations—at work creating window displays, setting up for our Black Friday sale wearing her T-shirt and slacks—but I’d never seen anything like the woman standing before me now. To say she’d transformed into a butterfly seemed a bit of an understatement, but I couldn’t think of any other way to describe the metamorphosis.
“Who is that woman?” my father asked. “She looks familiar.”
“That’s Madge, Pop. From the shop.”
“Madge?” My father squinted and shook his head. “I really need to get my eyes checked. These old glasses of mine are giving me fits.”
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