“Me?” Ah, it all made sense now. This maid of honor was doing double duty, apparently. “Well, in that case . . .” I gave her my arm and we walked up the makeshift aisle together. She gave everyone a queenly wave as she passed by, ever the dramatic one.
Perhaps not as dramatic as the groom, however. Now, I’d seen Eduardo done up before—the night we had dinner at his house, for instance, when he met us at the door dressed in old Hollywood attire. And I’d seen his slick, coiffed televangelist hair in various shades of gold and silver. But I’d never seen him in an elaborate gold and white tuxedo like he wore today. I could almost hear Liberace applauding from the grave. I nearly stopped in the middle of the aisle just to give a little whistle.
Aunt Alva beat me to the punch. “Lookee there, folks. If I don’t have the handsomest fella in all of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, I’ll be hog-tied!” She slapped her thigh and laughed. The guests all chimed in, laughter filling the room.
Eduardo looked embarrassed but took a little bow.
For the first time I noticed Pap-Paul in his Presbyterian robes, ready to do the honors. He looked at me and offered an encouraging nod. “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
Every eye in the place landed on me. I had to speak over the giggle that attempted to rise as I said, “I do!”
“Save your ‘I dos’ for another day, Katie Sue.” Alva released her hold on my arm and marched up to take Eduardo’s. “This is my day. You’ll get your turn soon enough.”
This got another laugh from the crowd. I wasn’t quite sure where to go next—until Queenie gestured for me to stand behind her. As I took my position, I looked out over the crowd, unable to wipe the silly grin off my face. Was I dreaming all of this? Surely I’d wake up any minute and realize this was just one of Alva’s silly radio show adventures.
Nope. This was the real deal. Several minutes later, after a lovely sermonette and the sharing of some bring-tears-to-the-eyes vows, my aunt became Alva Rebecca de la Consuela.
Off in the distance I heard Mama crying. Pop looked a little misty-eyed too. The one who really seemed to be an emotional mess, however, was Eduardo. I’d never seen him like this.
“I have waited for years to find the Juliet to my Romeo.” He brushed the tears from his eyes with a swipe of his hand. “And you came waltzing in.”
“Wearing my Mavericks T-shirt and slacks the first time we met, if memory serves me correctly,” Alva said. “I can see why you were swept off your feet.”
“Never sweep a fella in his golden years off his feet,” Eduardo said as he slipped his arm around her waist. “Too dangerous.”
Everyone laughed long and loud at this one.
Music continued to play overhead as Ophelia said, “I think it’s time to have some cake.” She pointed to a lovely two-tiered traditional cake on the counter near the register. “I carted this lovely little number all the way from Fairfield. Nearly lost it as I came through some construction on I-20, but we made it in one piece. Cake, anyone?”
“I would’ve driven through much worse to spend time with my friend on her special day.” Bessie May’s eyes filled with tears as she addressed the bride and groom. “I pray you both have many wonderful years together.”
Before long my aunt was surrounded by all of the women in her age group—Queenie, Prissy, Ophelia, and Bessie May. They giggled like schoolgirls as they talked about her upcoming honeymoon. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them interact.
“Do you think that’ll be us in forty or fifty years?” Lori-Lou asked.
I turned to face her and took the baby from her arms. “I hope so. I really do.”
Nadia joined us, a relaxed smile on her face. She gestured to the older women. “So, is this what it’s like in Fairfield? People gathered around you, loving you through the best—and worst—moments of your life?”
“Always,” Lori-Lou and I said in unison and then laughed.
I felt the sting of tears in my eyes as I spoke to my future mother-in-law. “Oh, Nadia, you’re just going to love Fairfield once you get to know it better. It’s the sweetest little town. Everyone knows everyone, and anywhere you turn there’s someone to help out if you need it.”
“Sounds idyllic.”
“It is. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have three or four grown-ups patting me on the back and telling me how much they loved me or bragging about my efforts, whether it was at school or working at the hardware store. In some ways, Fairfield is a lot like Cosmopolitan Bridal. We’re family. Lots of aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents all gathered around, making every day an adventure. Some people are blessed to live in one world. I feel like I get to live in two at once.”
“Two worlds?” She looked perplexed by this notion. “How so?”
“I’m just so lucky to have the luxury of knowing and loving people from two separate worlds—the world of Cosmopolitan Bridal and the world of Fairfield, where love rules the day and where people genuinely care. My cup is overflowing with loving, kindhearted people.”
“Well, when you put it like that . . .” A bemused smile turned up the corners of Nadia’s lips. “You make me want to move to Fairfield. It sounds so quaint.”
“Oh, it is, but not in an outdated sort of way. They’re up on the times, but they don’t place a lot of stock in such things. In Fairfield, it’s all about the people. They genuinely love one another. When Queenie was in the hospital, for example, half the town showed up with flowers and cards and well wishes. And when she went home, the ladies set up meals for her so she wouldn’t have to cook. And a couple of the WOP-pers even came by to dust and vacuum her house for her.”
“I don’t know what a WOP-per is, but I need a couple of those in my life. My condo gets so dusty.”
“WOP-pers. Women of Prayer.” Lori-Lou gestured to Bessie May and the others. “Like they’re doing now.”
Sure enough, the ladies had gathered around Alva and Eduardo and were going to town, ushering up prayers for their future life together.
Nadia sighed. “It’s just so sweet. That’s how it should be everywhere. And we’ll start right here. I heard Jane say that her car isn’t working properly. I think I’ll surprise her and take it for a tune-up and oil change.”
“Nadia, that’s a great idea. I know she would appreciate it.”
“And I overheard her telling Hibiscus that she was worried about having enough money to pay her electric bill this month,” Nadia added. “I don’t want any of my employees worrying about things like that. Maybe it’s time to give Jane a little raise, or even a bonus. She’s been doing such a great job.”
“There you go!” I wanted to pat my future mother-in-law on the back. “That’s the small-town mentality. Reach out and love those who are closest to you. Then they’ll take that love and spread it even further!” I glanced around and noticed Jane had gone missing. “Where is Jane, anyway?”
“I’m pretty sure I know.” Nadia took me by the hand and led me to the studio, where we found Jane seated alone, working on a wedding gown.
Nadia walked toward her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, you’re missing the party.”
“I know.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “Just needed to be alone.”
“Sometimes it’s better to be part of the family,” Nadia said.
“Even if I don’t feel like it?” Jane swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Especially then. That’s when you need us most. And vice versa.”
“I know what you all think. You think I feel sorry for myself.”
“I never said that.” I took a seat next to her and gazed into her tearstained eyes.
“I’m not complaining. I’m not. I have a good life. I have a great job and wonderful friends. And I know what you’re going to say—I’m young. There are lots of years left to find the love of my life.”
“That’s not what I would say at all,” Nadia said. “I lost my husband years ago, Jane, and I’ve nev
er remarried. I work in the wedding business just like you, and I don’t see the same potential for myself as I do for others. I think maybe I’ve just resigned myself to the fact that I’m not going to remarry.”
My heart felt as heavy as lead when I saw the sadness in her eyes. In all the time I’d known Nadia, I’d never heard her say anything like this.
“But you know what?” Nadia’s expression brightened. “I’m learning that happiness isn’t found in my mate. If I can’t be happy right here”—she pointed to her heart—“then I won’t be happy with a husband. If I ever do find one, I mean.”
Jane shrugged. “I think that’s the pat answer all single people are given. Learn to love yourself before you can love others.”
“You’re a loving person, Jane,” I said. “You already love others, so I don’t think that’s the key. The real answer is in knowing who you are in Christ. You’re complete in him. There’s no lack, no need. As long as you’ve given your life to him, there’s no big, empty hole in your heart waiting to be filled.”
“Then why does it feel like there is?”
“Feelings can be deceptive. But I promise you, if you’re a daughter of the King, he’s given you everything you need to be complete in him. And if a great guy comes along—one who’s worthy of you—then that’s just the icing on the cake.”
“Mmm. Cake.” Jane’s eyes sparkled, the first sign of hope. “Have they cut it yet?”
“I believe they’re just about to.” I slid my chair back and stood up. “Now, come and join the rest of the family, okay?”
She sighed and rose. “All right. But only because there’s cake involved.”
We headed back to the front of the store. Alva and Eduardo cut the first piece and we all joined them moments later, eating larger-than-average slices of the yummy stuff. Beau and Twiggy stood next to me, talking about the events of the day, but I found myself distracted by Stan, who stood on the far side of the room, looking a bit ill.
“Is your boss okay?” I asked my brother.
Beau shrugged. “He’s been acting weird lately.”
“Something business related?” My heart rate skipped to double time. “Is there something going on with Brady that you’re not telling me? The Mavericks don’t want him back? Is that it?”
“Nothing to do with basketball, Katie. I have a sneaking suspicion there’s more going on in Stan’s head this morning than that.”
I gave him a scrutinizing look, noticing for the first time how he watched Madge from a distance.
Yep. Stan was deeply troubled by something . . . but what?
Less than a minute later, Stan called the room to attention. Everyone stopped talking and looked his way. Dahlia lowered the music and we all gathered around him. I glanced at Beau and Twiggy, who stood side by side, eyes wide.
“Uh-oh,” Twiggy said. “He’s gonna do it, isn’t he?”
“Mm-hmm.” Beau nodded. “Can’t believe he worked up the courage, but yep . . . looks like he’s gonna do it.”
“Do what?” I asked.
“Just hang on a sec, sis.” Beau slung his arm over my shoulders. “I have a feeling you’re about to find out firsthand.”
20
Bring It on Home to Me
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm. As you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.
Audrey Hepburn
Stan looked as if he might pass out, if such a thing could be judged from his pale face and shaky hands.
“You okay over there, Stan?” Brady called out. “Should we call 9-1-1?”
“No. Please don’t. I’ll be fine.” He tugged at his shirt collar. “In a few minutes, anyway.” His gaze shifted around the room until he focused on Madge, who stood behind the cash register, her usual place of refuge. “Could you come over here for a minute, Madge?”
“Sure.” She looked terrified to be put on the spot, but who could blame her? Seconds later she stood in the middle of the room, hand tightly clutched in his. “What are we doing?”
“You’re about to find out.” Stan’s words came out a bit shaky. He faced the crowd and cleared his throat. “Now, I know this is Eduardo and Alva’s big day, and I don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder. But I couldn’t think of a better time or place to do this, since we’re all together.”
Then the strangest thing happened. I’d seen Stan in a variety of situations—irritated, worried, sarcastic—but I’d never seen him with tears in his eyes before. He stood before us now, a man with eyes brimming and voice quivering.
“Most of you know me pretty well by now,” he said. “In fact, I’d be willing to bet some of you know me even better than I know myself.” He cast a hopeful glance at Madge, who offered a winsome smile. “The sports agent world is cutthroat and all about scoring the best possible deals—for our players and ourselves.”
“You’re the best, Stan,” Brady said.
“Stan the Man!” several of us hollered at once.
Perhaps buoyed by our kind words, Stan grinned. “Now that you mention it, I’ve had a good run of it, and I’m mighty proud of the players I’ve represented. But there comes a time in every man’s life—”
“Aw, get on with it, Stan.” Madge tapped her foot. “Are you going to spend all day talking about sports?”
“No, woman, I’m not.” Stan crossed his arms. “As a matter of fact, this little speech has nothing to do with sports whatsoever.”
“Coulda fooled me!” Alva called out.
“This is something entirely different.” Stan cleared his throat. “There comes a time in every man’s life—well, nearly every man, anyway—when he has to admit that his work isn’t enough. Oh, it’ll keep him busy. It’ll fill the hours. But if he’s honest with himself . . .” He gazed at Madge with great tenderness. “If he’s truly honest with himself, he has to admit that only the love of a good woman will fill the void in his heart.”
“For pity’s sake.” Alva fanned herself with her napkin. “This is better than that radio show we listen to, Katie Sue. Much more romantic.”
Indeed.
And the story grew more romantic still as Stan dropped to one knee and presented Madge with a ring.
“Yes!” Madge said. “Yes, yes, yes! For the love of all that’s holy, yes! I’ll marry you, Stan. I’ll probably drive you out of your ever-lovin’ mind, but if you love me as much as I think you do, you’ll forgive me.”
At this point—even before the gorgeous diamond was slipped onto her finger—the whole room came alive with cheers and applause. Dahlia, Twiggy, and Crystal let out squeals and rushed Madge, nearly knocking her out of Stan’s arms.
I moved toward Brady, dumbfounded. “Did you know about this?” I whispered.
He chuckled. “You don’t think Stan picked out a ring that great without a little assistance, do you? And who do you think coached him on his big speech?” Brady paused. “Of course, he did deviate somewhat, but I blame that on nerves.”
“Did Eduardo know?”
“Yep. And he heartily approved. Said he’d interrupted our engagement party with personal news, so it only made sense to return the favor to Stan.”
“I can tell from the look on Madge’s face that she was completely clueless.”
“Which is how it should be. No groom wants his bride to know what’s coming.” Brady slipped his arm around my shoulders. “Remember how I proposed to you?”
“Duh. As if I could ever forget. Best day of my life.”
“Okay then. Now hopefully Madge can say the same thing.”
“I’m sure she will.”
I watched as Stan and Madge walked over to my aunt and uncle. “Sorry to steal the attention, Alva,” Stan said. “I hope you don’t mind that I proposed right here and now.”
“Are you kidding?” Alva clasped her hands together. “It’s perfect!”
“Well, thank you for being so understanding.” Stan gazed
lovingly at Madge. “It’s just that all of her friends are here, especially Nadia, her best friend. You folks at Cosmopolitan are Madge’s family, and I just knew she’d want to share this moment with family.”
“And you, Stan?” I flashed a warm smile.
“You folks are my family too, I guess.” He shrugged. “At least, you are now. Whether you want me or not. I guess I’ll just have to be the crazy old uncle everyone talks about during the holiday season.”
“We’ll only have great things to say about you, especially after a speech like the one you gave. You and Madge are going to be so happy together, Stan. Just promise you won’t steal her away from the Dallas area.”
“No way. My roots are planted deep here. I’m not going anywhere and neither is she. Tearing her away from the bridal shop would be impossible. You’re stuck with us. Both of us.”
“Happy to be stuck.” Nadia’s eyes brimmed with tears.
Just about the time I thought she might erupt in tears, Bessie May, Prissy, and Ophelia approached. Bessie May tapped Nadia on the arm. “Pardon me for interrupting, but you’re that designer, aren’t you?” She stuck out her hand to Nadia. “The one I’ve heard so much about?”
“Yes, I design vintage wedding gowns.”
“I’m a bit of a designer myself.” Bessie May squared her shoulders. “See this here outfit I’m wearing?”
Nadia’s gaze shifted to the matching floral cotton blouse and homemade slacks Bessie May had on. Her brow wrinkled. No doubt she was trying to come up with something kind to say, but what could be said about a style that went out in the eighties?
“I make my own patterns,” Bessie May added. “So I guess it could be said that I’m a designer too, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Of course.”
“Bessie May, don’t be ridiculous.” Prissy slapped her on the arm. “If you were a designer you’d be making outfits for others. And no offense, but I don’t know anyone else—even in a small town like Fairfield—who would wear the things you show up in.”
“Well, I never!” Bessie May put her hands on her hips. “How dare you humiliate me, Prissy, and in front of a total stranger, no less.”
Every Bride Has Her Day Page 18