“We want real linen,” Sylvia went on. “Not some polyester nightmare that just hangs there.”
“I’ll have samples of table linens for you very soon,” Liza promised. “Now that I know the colors.” Privately, she decided she would order a couple of pale yellows as well as a few varieties of cream. That way, hopefully, they could agree on something.
“What about chair covers?” Sylvia asked. “They won’t add that much to the cost, and they make a nice decorative accent.”
“I’ll look into that for you and see what I can come up with.” Liza didn’t even realize there was such a thing as chair covers until recently. Now she sounded like a chair-cover consultant.
“I saw something that’s much more fun and looks really pretty,” Jen cut in. “You take some sort of gauzy fabric and wrap it around the back of the chair and put a fresh flower in the bow. Wait, I have a picture.”
She whipped out a magazine page from her own folder and dropped it in the middle of the table.
Sylvia examined the photo, peering over the edge of her reading glasses. “I don’t know. . . . Do you really like that? I can’t imagine a room full of chairs that looked like this. People would be bumping into the flowers. I think it would be too gaudy. You don’t want that sort of look, Jen, do you?”
Liza couldn’t help but notice the sinking look on Jennifer’s face. Her mother overrode nearly every suggestion she made.
“I’ve never seen this before,” Liza cut in before Sylvia could go on. “I think I should get some of this fabric and experiment. It is hard to tell from the picture. Maybe you could use it on a few chairs at each table?” she suggested.
“That’s a good idea,” Jennifer said, brightening again. “Get some pink,” she added quickly.
Sylvia cleared her throat. “Now, we’ve asked a few people we trust about caterers. We even went into the shop this weekend and sampled the food at Willoughby’s—”
“Secretly,” Jennifer added with a laugh.
“We’ve decided to go with your recommendation and use Molly Willoughby for the food. Frankly, we just don’t have time to shop around.”
“I don’t think you’ll be disappointed,” Liza said. “Everyone loves Molly’s food. I think I gave you a copy of the menus and the pricing?”
“Yes, you did. We haven’t reviewed it yet. When do we need to work out the menu?”
“We have a little time on that,” Liza told her.
“That’s good.” Sylvia cast Jen a thoughtful glance. “Jen and Kyle want to serve a lot of appetizers and finger foods passed around on trays. Frank and I really don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s a bit awkward, juggling a plate and a drink all night, especially for the older people. We want the guests to be comfortable.”
“But, Mom, there will be plenty of tables set up if people want to sit down. We just won’t have a formal seating arrangement and all that. People can eat and mingle. Then move to another table if they like. It will be fun,” Jennifer added in her best persuasive tone.
Liza could see that Sylvia wasn’t swayed. “Oh, I don’t know, Jennifer. That can work for some other sort of party, a backyard barbecue perhaps. But for a wedding, the guests expect something more substantial. Some of them are traveling a long way. They’ll expect a real sit-down dinner. You don’t want to be roaming around all night, finding an empty chair at some messed-up little table.”
Liza could see that Jennifer was getting upset. “Well, how about a buffet?” she offered, the idea coming to her suddenly. “It’s not as formal as a dinner with several courses, and it gives the guests more freedom to mingle.”
Sylvia tilted her head, considering the idea. Jen looked a bit encouraged, too. “It isn’t what Kyle and I pictured,” she said. “But it’s better than a long, fussy dinner.”
Sylvia gave her daughter a long, appraising look, as if she were deciding on which battles would be worth fighting. “I suppose these menus list all the options?” she asked.
“Yes, they do. If you have any questions just call me, or you can get in touch with Molly directly,” Liza replied.
“We need to consider the number of guests we’ll be serving, too,” Sylvia added, glancing at the menus again. “We need to add a few more guests to the list.” She sighed heavily. “It’s hard to keep the guest list under control. So many people we know would love to see Jen and Kyle get married.”
Liza was sure that was true. Jennifer was such a charming girl. But Liza hoped her fan club wasn’t too large. One of the big reasons she had agreed to take on this job was because Jennifer had promised the wedding would be small.
Jennifer looked uncomfortable again. “I don’t even know half those people, Mom. They’re all your friends and Dad’s.”
“But we’ve been to the weddings of their children. We have to reciprocate.”
“Not really,” Jennifer quietly insisted. “Kyle doesn’t want a lot of guests either. We want to keep this close and intimate. We really don’t want a circus.”
“It’s not going to be a circus. For goodness’ sake, Jen.” Sylvia sounded amused but also as if she was the one who definitely knew best about these things. “I’ll explain it to Kyle. He’ll understand. Your father and I want to give you a beautiful, memorable celebration, dear. Not some tiny, quiet little party, without any real food or—pizzazz. Is there anything wrong with that?”
Yes, if you don’t want pizzazz, Liza expected Jennifer to answer. But Jennifer just sat back and glanced at her watch. “I have to call Megan. I should tell her that we’re running late.”
“Go ahead, dear. We won’t talk about anything important until you come back.” Sylvia cast a loving smile at Jennifer as she walked out into the yard, her cell phone pressed to one ear.
Sylvia was annoying . . . but fascinating, too, Liza thought. She could be totally oblivious to Jennifer’s feelings and opinions one minute, then oozing with adoration the next. It was almost as if she didn’t even realize how single-minded she was and how often she shut her daughter out of this process.
Liza sighed inwardly. She wasn’t going to be the one to tell her either. Though she was tempted.
Sylvia cast a quick glance in Jennifer’s direction. “She’s going to make such a beautiful bride,” she said quietly.
“Oh, that goes without saying,” Liza agreed.
“I’m almost afraid to see her in a gown,” Sylvia confessed. “I’m sure I’ll be shedding a few tears today.”
Liza nodded, finally understanding the reason that Sylvia seemed especially prickly and difficult today. She was nervous about shopping for Jennifer’s wedding gown.
“I went shopping with a friend for her wedding dress a few months ago, and there were boxes of tissues everywhere. We needed them, too,” Liza said, her voice gentle. “There’s something about seeing someone put on that dress for the first time. It makes it all seem suddenly real.”
“Yes, it does make it real. Like seeing your child wait for the school bus the first time . . . or go off to sleepaway camp. Or even college.” Sylvia’s eyes looked glassy and her chin trembled. “In some ways, it’s the final milestone, don’t you think?”
“In some ways, perhaps it is,” Liza said sympathetically. “I’m sure it’s difficult, seeing your little girl all grown up. It’s a happy time but a big transition.”
“Yes, a big transition. That’s what Frank keeps telling me. He’s seems to be doing better with it. But you know men, they don’t like to reveal much. They keep it all bottled up inside. Most of them, anyway.”
“That’s true,” Liza agreed heartily. She knew one man in particular who fit that description.
“I know Frank’s feeling it—or he will, once Jennifer moves out. Luckily, she’s not going far, just to Boston. Though that’s far enough for me,” Sylvia admitted with a laugh. “I would love it if they could stay out here. Jennifer’s best friend, Megan, was married recently and they settled down right in Cape Light, only a block or two from Megan’s parents. I wi
sh Jen and Kyle were doing something like that. Maybe she’ll move back once they start a family. But when she’s in Boston—I’m afraid I’ll barely see her. I know it’s not far, but young couples get so busy. We may not see her very much at all.”
Sylvia’s voice grew suddenly shaky, and Liza thought she might start crying now for real. But Sylvia reached into her purse and took out some tissues, dabbing carefully under her eyes so she wouldn’t smear her makeup.
“That’s why the wedding is so important,” she went on in a steadier voice. “It’s the last thing we can really do for her before she leaves us. Jennifer has dreamed of a wedding like this all her life. I know she seems laid-back and unconcerned about the details. But believe me, she has a certain idea in mind, and I know she won’t be happy if it isn’t the way she’s imagined it. If it doesn’t live up to her fantasies. Jennifer just assumes it will all be perfect. She doesn’t realize that some magical wedding fairy does not come and make it perfect for you. That’s where I come in,” Sylvia said wryly. Then she looked serious again. “We really want to give her this special day, her dream come true.”
“Of course you do,” Liza said. “Doesn’t every mother?”
“Maybe. But I can only speak for one mother, me. I know I can easily drive a person crazy. Jennifer and my husband rarely hesitate to remind me. But my daughter is everything to me. I’d do anything for her. I just want to see her happy. I’m not sure you can understand if you don’t have any children yet, Liza. But maybe you do.”
“I do understand, and I promise you that I’ll do everything I can to make the wedding perfect.”
For Jennifer and for you, she wanted to add.
Sylvia’s confession had made Liza feel a great rush of sympathy for her. But Liza could also see that Sylvia was the type of person who loved from her own perspective. She instinctually and fiercely believed that she knew what was best for her child, even if it wasn’t what her daughter really wanted.
Claire appeared at the back door. “Are you ready for lunch? I can fix you a salad or some sandwiches,” she offered.
“Is it lunchtime already?” Sylvia sat up and checked her watch, then looked around the property and finally saw her daughter standing under a tall tree, still talking on her cell phone. “Jennifer, we have to go.”
“I guess Sylvia and Jen can’t stay, Claire. But thank you,” Liza finally replied. Claire answered with a small smile and disappeared into the house again.
Sylvia stood up and gathered all the clippings and her wedding notebook. “I think we got something accomplished this morning. But there’s a lot more to talk about,” she added.
“Yes, there is,” Liza had to agree. “Maybe we should try to talk over the phone during the week?”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll call you,” Sylvia said decidedly.
Jennifer returned and picked up her purse. “So long, Liza. Wish me luck with the wedding-gown hunt.”
“Good luck. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect dress,” Liza replied.
“We’ll do our best,” Sylvia said. “What else can you do with only four and a half weeks left to plan a wedding?”
“Come on, Mom.” Jennifer took her by the arm and led her to the gate. She glanced back at Liza with an amused expression.
Poor Jennifer.
And poor Sylvia.
AFTER the Bennets left, Liza continued working on the wedding, sitting outside. She already had her laptop and a phone out there, as well as all the necessary folders and paperwork. And it was a beautiful day. This was definitely one of the perks of running your own business and working from home, she thought.
Sometime later when Daniel reappeared, she knew that was another perk. Surprise visits from a handsome man.
“Is the coast clear?” he asked in a mock whisper. He looked around, presumably for Sylvia and Jennifer.
“They’ve been gone awhile now.” Liza was writing a list of florists to call and didn’t pick her head up immediately to look at him. “Are you back to give more dancing lessons?”
“I will . . . if there are any willing customers.”
She laughed and finally looked up at him. “You’re not a bad dancer, Daniel,” she said honestly. “But I don’t have time today for another lesson. Sorry.”
He shrugged. “I understand. I’m pretty booked myself. How about Friday night? Are you free then?”
Liza was surprised by his invitation but tried hard not to show it. Gee, this dating business was getting to be a regular thing. Her heart did a secret cartwheel across the green lawn.
“I am free on Friday night.”
“Me, too. Okay then. I’ll mark my dance card.” He smiled into her eyes and she had a warm, happy feeling. “How’s the wedding business going? Any sudden regrets that you took on this challenge?”
“Not really,” Liza said. “Sylvia means well. She can be difficult, but no more than some of the clients I dealt with at my old job. She opened up to me a bit while Jennifer was on the phone,” she added. “I think I understand her better now.”
“That’s good. It’s always good to have some insight into your adversary,” he teased her.
“She’s not my adversary. Not exactly. Though she does act that way at times,” Liza conceded. “I wish she would let Jennifer have more say over things. They disagree on just about everything, and then I can’t get a straight answer. We still have to settle on the color scheme, the flowers, the cake, the photographer, and whether or not we’re going to have gold-embossed place cards.”
Liza could see Daniel’s eyes glaze over. She didn’t blame him. The list was endless.
“But it’s coming along,” she concluded. “I think it’s going to be a really nice party. I promised Sylvia it would be perfect,” she confessed.
He smiled at her, looking impressed. “I’m sure it will be.”
“I hope so,” she said sincerely. “Or something close enough.”
She had promised Jennifer’s mother she’d do everything in her power to give Jennifer a beautiful wedding, and that’s what she was determined to do.
“HI, honey . . . What do you think of the gowns I tried on today?” Jennifer asked Kyle excitedly. “Did you see the photos? I sent them to your phone.”
“Were they different from the photos you sent Tuesday night?” Kyle’s tone was contrite. Jennifer could tell he hadn’t noticed the e-mail, or if he had, he hadn’t opened the photos yet.
“Yes, they were different. I’ve been dress shopping for two days straight. We’ve narrowed it down to three gowns, I think. I really need your opinion.”
“I’m sorry, Jen. I didn’t get a chance to look. I was really swamped today.”
How long could it take to look at a few photographs? Jennifer wanted to ask, but he sounded so pressured that she didn’t want to make things worse. “That’s okay. I’m pretty sure about the one I really like. You’ll just have to be surprised.”
“Aren’t I supposed to be? I thought it was bad luck or something for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding.”
“That’s what Megan said when she took the pictures. But I don’t think it counts if I didn’t buy it yet.”
“I wouldn’t be a good judge, Jen. I’m sure you look gorgeous in all of them.”
Kyle was so sweet. He always made her feel special and really loved. Jen knew how lucky she was to be marrying him.
“I don’t know about that. But I do need to find something. I have a lot more to take care of. Do you know what tomorrow is?”
“It’s . . . Thursday?” Kyle’s worried tone almost made Jen laugh. “Did I forget something? Some anniversary or birthday . . . or something?”
“Not yet.” She laughed. “Tomorrow is May nineteenth. In exactly thirty-one days we’ll be married. Can you believe it? I still have so much to do.”
“I’m sorry I’m not able to help you more. But think of it this way, in exactly thirty-two days, we’ll be on our honeymoon. Ted says the hotel we’re staying a
t is the best.”
While Jen worked on the wedding, Kyle was making all the arrangements for their getaway. Jennifer had told him that they didn’t have to spend a fortune or go someplace totally exotic. She didn’t even care if they rented a cottage on the Cape or up in Maine. Being married and alone on vacation for two weeks was more than enough to make her happy.
Kyle had his heart set on a trip someplace tropical. He’d talked to a lot of the guys in his office, and his boss had recommended a hotel on the island of St. Barts, in the Caribbean. So that’s where they were headed.
“I hope it’s not too expensive for us, Kyle. I’m not working yet,” she reminded him.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”
Kyle had been at the investment firm for two years. He was doing very well; Ted had hinted he was definitely on the way up. He had already gotten two generous raises plus bonuses. He was even talking about buying a house soon, once they knew where Jen would be teaching.
“Yes, I know, honey,” she replied. “But I do really want to find a job. Any sort of job, if I can’t find one teaching. Once we get back from our honeymoon, I’m going to focus on that.”
“You don’t have to rush into anything, Jen. Just focus on the wedding. I’m glad that you haven’t signed a contract to start at a school in September,” Kyle added. “There’s a lot going on in my office right now. Ted wasn’t supposed to tell me, but we were working late last night and he gave me a few very broad hints.”
“Hints? What kind of hints?” Jennifer got a funny feeling. She hoped it wasn’t a merger or downsizing. The last ones hired were usually the first fired.
“It’s not anything bad,” Kyle assured her. “You know how they sent me down to New York this week to work on this project? It wasn’t just a random thing. Ted hinted that there’s going to be an opening here for a high-level analyst. It would be a major step up for me. But he says I’m in the running and people are watching me.”
The Wedding Promise Page 13