It Had To Be You

by Janice Thompson

  “Beg your pardon?” I said.

  “It’s the name of the song,” Twila explained. “Perfect backdrop, trust me.”

  “Keep praying, sisters!” Jolene called out. She and the other women knelt at the edge of the stage, making it an altar. Well, all but Bonnie Sue, who apparently prayed best while dancing.

  When these women prayed … they prayed. I could hear their spiritual warfare above the sound of the band. Twila called out for the devil to flee in Jesus’s name, and Jolene hollered out something about bringing down the walls of Jericho. We didn’t see a lot of prayer meetings like this in our local Methodist church, but I didn’t argue with the fact that these ladies were storming the gates of hell on my family’s behalf. And Gordy seemed to be taking his cues from their words, the crescendos of the band matching the intensity of the prayers. Up and down the music moved, in steady rhythm with the women’s cries on my family’s behalf.

  I watched all of this, mesmerized, wondering if anyone next door had a clue.

  Mama showed up with her fingers in her ears. “Bella?” she hollered. “What in the world is going on? Why are they playing so loud?”

  “It’s a case of life or death, Mama,” I explained. “They’re here to do battle, just like the Levites in the Old Testament.” “Beg your pardon?” Her gaze shifted to the women gathered at the edge of the stage on their knees. “What in the world?”

  At this point, Phoebe Burton showed up. “I can hear the music all the way across the street at our place, Bella,” she shouted. “What in the world is going on here?”

  I did my best to explain, and her eyes widened. Mama signaled for Phoebe to join her, and I turned my attention to the door once again.

  Rosa came next, her eyes growing wide as she took in the music and the prayer warriors. She glanced my way with a thousand questions in her eyes, but I shifted my gaze, not wanting to interfere with whatever the Lord might do next.

  Joy flooded over me when I saw the door to the reception hall open and Laz step inside. He took in the ladies at the edge of the stage, watching them in shocked silence. Then he turned to look at Rosa, who had taken to tapping her foot in sync with the music. Who could blame her, really? This stuff was contagious. Gordy turned to face Laz with tears in his eyes, which caused my uncle to do the strangest thing. He began to weep. I had to admit, I didn’t see that one coming. Still, I couldn’t be sure what he would do next.

  Before long, the room was filled with people. The women— all but Francesca—stood on one side of the reception hall, and the men stood on the other. In between them all, the trio of Splendora sisters continued to pray.

  Against that backdrop, the craziest thing happened. The door opened one final time, and Sal eased his way inside, shoulders slumped forward in defeat—or was that humility?— and a look of genuine pain on his face. I could see the tightness in Laz’s expression, but to his credit, he did not reach for his bat. Even Rosa was strangely still. No pots and pans swinging now. Instead, she looked over at Sal with a hint of compassion in her eyes.

  Gordy—probably realizing the gang was all here—lowered the volume to a reasonable level. I shivered against the cold pouring in from outside and decided to close the windows. The trio of sisters seemed to take this as their cue to rise and address the crowd. I wasn’t sure who was going to speak first or what she would say, but I looked forward to someone breaking the ice.

  Ironically, no one said a word. Instead, I watched in awe as the strangest thing happened. Twila and Jolene did a couple of funny dance moves in the middle of the floor. Bonnie Sue headed over to take Laz by the hand. Though he resisted at first, he finally cratered and joined her on the floor.

  Jolene took Rosa’s hand, guiding her out onto the floor. Before long, Bianca and Bertina were all smiles as they joined in. Even Rocco and Deanna decided to play along, trying their hand at some of the moves.

  “What do you think?” my pop asked, approaching with a grin on his face. “Want to dance, Bella Bambina?”

  “Don’t think I know how to swing dance,” I admitted, “but it’s worth a shot, especially if it has this kind of power.” As my father swept me into his loving arms, I thought back to what Gordy had said about music lifting the morale of the troops. Oh, if only Laz would look Rosa’s way!

  I found myself so caught up in dancing with my father that I almost missed the magical moment when it finally happened. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the Splendora sisters ease Laz and Rosa together. As the music reached a crescendo, Laz extended his hand in my aunt’s direction, and that was all she wrote. Rosa melted into Laz’s arms, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t say a word. She didn’t have to. He pulled her close and planted a hundred kisses on her flushed, tear-stained cheeks.

  At this point, I thought the band was going to have to stop playing. Everyone in the room reacted with either tears or shouts of joy. Thankfully, Gordy kept the musicians on track. I grinned as I watched Uncle Laz, who, with the skill of a pro, took to swing dancing. The others gathered around in a circle, clapping their hands to the beat.

  Well, all but Sal. For a minute, he stood shell-shocked. Then the fellow’s hands began to tremble, and before long, his eyes were filled with tears. I would never have believed it if I hadn’t witnessed it firsthand. The former mob boss was … crying. No, not just crying. Weeping.

  Laz boogie-woogied in Sal’s direction and swept him in his arms, then led a broken Sal to the center of the floor to join him and Rosa in their dance of celebration. To my aunt’s credit, she graciously extended her arms, welcoming Sal to the circle. Gordy took this as his cue to change songs. He led the band in a swingin’ version of “Amazing Grace.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and I couldn’t help but think that Guido—had he been here—would’ve burst into song.

  As I watched my aunt and uncle mend fences with swing music blazing in the background, my thoughts shifted back to Jehoshaphat and those Levites. Looked like Gordy had been right all along. No doubt about it—the musicians had led the way once again … and the battle had been won!

  14

  ’S Wonderful!

  That same day, after the Lord tore down the walls of Jericho, I finally came face-to-face with my missing best friend. It happened at Parma John’s of all places. Jenna breezed through the door with Bubba on her heels as if nothing had ever happened, greeting us all with a carefree “Hello, everyone.” She rushed behind the counter and put her purse away, then smiled at anyone who happened to glance her way.

  I wanted to respond but couldn’t seem to once I noticed her sunburn. The tip of her nose was blistered, and so were the tops of her ears.

  “Well, hello to you too,” I finally managed. “We were starting to think we needed to check the hospitals for you.”

  “Oh, yeah, about that …” She paused and shrugged. “I’m not really sick. A little sunburned, maybe, but definitely not sick.” A suspicious smile lit her face. Very interesting.

  Nick drew near, his brow wrinkled in concern. “But you said you needed a few sick days. What’s up with that? I’ve never known you to be dishonest, Jenna.” He gave her a suspicious look.

  “I guess I should’ve called it vacation time. That’s what it was.” She leaned back against Bubba and grinned. “We had a great time, didn’t we, baby?”

  “Wait.” My heart flip-flopped at this revelation. “You two went on a trip … together?”

  “Mm-hmm.” She grinned. “A cruise. To Cancun. Royal Caribbean cruise line. Great ship.” She gazed into Bubba’s eyes, and he gave her a kiss on the tip of her sunburned nose. She flinched at the pain but then gave him a playful wink.

  “Our room was amazing,” he said. “Had a balcony and everything.”

  “We, um, spent a lot of time on that balcony.” Jenna giggled, then turned even redder.

  “Yeah, pretty much the only time we left our room was for dinner,” Bubba said, his eyes never leaving hers.

  This was getting weirder by the minu
te. Since when did my friend go on an overnight trip with her boyfriend, then talk about it openly in front of a roomful of people? And Bubba had a strong walk with the Lord. Surely he wouldn’t consider an overnight stay in a cruise ship room with his girlfriend appropriate. Would he?

  I shook my head and stared at them both, unsure of what to say next. Thankfully, Nick intervened.

  “Bubba.” He grabbed Bubba’s left hand and held it up. “Is that a wedding ring you’re wearing?”

  “Yep.” Just one word from the slow-drawlin’ Neeley brother said it all.

  “You’re … you’re married?” When Jenna nodded, I let out a squeal. “You eloped?”

  “Well, sort of.” She laughed. “We got married on the cruise ship before we left port, then we honeymooned in Cancun.”

  She went off on a tangent about the beautiful little wedding chapel on the ship and how much she’d loved holding the ceremony there, but I didn’t hear much of what she said. My thoughts were elsewhere. So were my emotions. I didn’t know if I wanted to celebrate or give Jenna a verbal lashing. How could she keep a secret like this from her best friend? “You promised I could coordinate your wedding,” I said with a pout. “What happened to that?”

  “Well, here’s the thing.” She looked at Bubba, who gave her an encouraging nod. “You’ve been so busy, Bella. And the wedding facility is booked up through the winter. We couldn’t wait till spring.”

  “Nope. Couldn’t wait.” Bubba nodded, then quirked a brow.

  Nick laughed. “So that’s how it is.”

  “Yep. Didn’t see the point,” Bubba said. “So Mom and Dad came down to the ship and acted as witnesses, then headed home before the ship sailed.”

  “Wait.” I stared at them both. “You’re telling me Dwayne and Earline Neeley knew about this and said nothing?”

  “Yep.” Jenna nodded. “They were sworn to secrecy.” She gave me a sympathetic look. “I hope you’re not too mad at me, Bella. We’re thinking about having a small ceremony for family and friends in three or four months, after you get all of these other weddings behind you. What do you think of that idea?”

  “Makes me feel a little better. I can’t imagine my best friend getting married without me there, though.” I felt tears well up, and she reached to give me a hug.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, Bella. I should have called you, but I knew it would be such a shock. We wanted to tell everyone in person. Forgive me?”

  “Of course.” I took her by the hand, then looked at the guys. “You fellas are going to have to excuse us for a minute, though.” I pulled her into the ladies’ room, then asked for details, not just about the wedding ceremony, but, well, everything. “You’re really married. Married.”

  “I am.” She giggled.

  I leaned against the sink, my curiosity taking over. “What’s it like?”

  “Oh, Bella, it’s wonderful.” She paused a minute. “Well, mostly wonderful. I mean, it’s great that he’s there with me all the time, but … he’s there with me. All. The. Time.”

  I laughed. “You’re funny.”

  “Oh, you’ll see what I mean soon. Once you get married, everything changes, including your privacy level.”

  “You’re not sorry, are you?” I asked.

  “Sorry? Never!” She laughed. “Bubba Neeley is the best thing that ever happened to me. And I’m the happiest girl on Planet Earth. Just have to figure out how to live with a man in my house.”

  I paused, giving her a curious look. “Are you both living at your place?”

  “Yeah, it just made sense. Bubba’s down here on the island a lot of the time anyway. He’s going to be working with D.J. now, so it just makes sense. And besides, he’s in the Christmas production at the opera house, did you know?”

  “Of course.” I nodded. “Are you kidding? My mama tells me everything that goes on at that opera house. I don’t miss a beat.” After a pause, I added, “However, she didn’t mention the part about Bubba being married.”

  “She doesn’t know. No one but Dwayne and Earline know.

  And my parents, of course. They were there too, and they’re tickled pink. They just love Bubba.”

  “Well, what’s not to love about Bubba? About either of the Neeley boys, for that matter! And I’m sure Dwayne and Earline are just as excited as your parents. Earline adores you.”

  Jenna took my hands and gave them a squeeze. “Oh, Bella, don’t you see? They’re my in-laws now, and they’re about to be your in-laws too. We’re not just best friends anymore. We’re sisters!”

  “Looks like the family is growing,” I said with a wink. “Not that I mind one little bit. There’s always room in my world for another sister.” I wrapped her in a warm embrace, and before long, we were both giggling. Suddenly, a realization hit me. I stepped back and stared at her. “You’ve already had your honeymoon night.”

  She nodded, and her whole face turned red again. “Mm-hmm.” Her eyebrows elevated mischievously. “I have, indeed.”

  “Wow.” I shook my head, unable to make sense of this. For years, Jenna and I had talked about—and wondered about— the whole wedding night thing. Now she had information that I was not yet privy to. I suddenly felt like a runner coming up for a close second in the race of the century. Close, but no cigar.

  “Your day is coming, Bella,” she said with a nod. “But until then, just know that it’s definitely sweeter than tiramisu. You were right about that … and a lot more.”

  She waggled her brows, and I doubled over with laughter. In fact, we both laughed long and loud. So loud, in fact, that Nick rapped on the bathroom door and hollered, “You’re scaring the customers!”

  “Sorry!” we said in unison.

  I turned back to her, anxious to play catch-up. She’d missed a lot, after all.

  “Well, you’ve come back just in time,” I said, suddenly growing serious. “Did you hear about Rosa and Laz? They almost canceled their wedding.”

  “W-what?” Jenna’s smile faded at once. “When did this happen? And why?”

  “Happened yesterday. My uncle’s best friend almost talked him out of marrying Rosa.”

  “But why?”

  “Long story. Whatever you do, don’t bring it up. It’s all over now. But Sal was conspiring against Rosa. I guess he thought Laz could do better—end up with a beautiful young bride like Francesca. True, Rosa’s not the beauty queen that Francesca is, but still …”

  “Wait. Francesca? Who’s Francesca? And Sal is here? The same Sal you’ve talked about for years? The mob guy? The one who sent the parrot?”

  I laughed, realizing just how much Jenna had missed while away on her honeymoon. “Oh, girl! We’ve got some catching up to do. What are you doing for the next hour or so?”

  “Listening to your stories,” she said with a smile. “And telling you a few of my own.” This announcement was followed by a playful wink.

  “You’ve got a deal,” I said.

  We shifted to a table in the restaurant, where Bubba joined us.

  “You mad at me, Bella?” he asked with a sheepish look on his face.

  “No, but I’ll bet your brother is going to be. Have you told D.J. yet?”

  “Nope.” Bubba grinned. “He always thought he’d be the first to get married, but I beat him to the punch. No telling how he’s going to take that news.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he’ll manage just fine. Why don’t you give him a call and see for yourself?”

  Bubba nodded. “I guess so. I’ll put it on speaker phone so I’ll have witnesses if he flips out on me.” He whipped out his cell phone and punched in D.J.’s number. The three of us sat in quiet anticipation, waiting as the phone rang once. Twice. Three times. I’d just about given up, thinking D.J.’s voice mail would kick in, when that thick Texas drawl came on the line.

  “Hello?”

  “D.J.?” Bubba didn’t say anything for a second. Probably trying to formulate the words.

  “Bubba? That you?” I could hear the sound
of power tools off in the background. Sounded like my honey was still at his latest construction site.

  “Yep.” Bubba’s lips curled up in a grin.

  “You’ve had us scared spitless. Listen, if I hear you did anything to compromise Jenna—”

  “Nope.” Bubba interrupted him. “She’s not, um, compromised.” He looked at her and winked.

  Jenna giggled, her cheeks turning crimson.

  Now D.J. sounded irritated. “Well, what in blue blazes were you up to? Where have you two been for the past few days? Cough it up, Bubba, or I’m going to Mama. She’ll take you down. You know she will.”

  Bubba laughed. “Go right ahead. She’ll be happy to tell you where I was.”

  “Wait.” D.J. paused. “I called her a couple of days ago, worried sick. Are you telling me she knew where you were and didn’t tell me?”

  “Yep.”

  “Bubba, you are a man of few words, and right now that’s about to drive me out of my gourd. Are you going to cough it up, or am I going to have to come over there and drag it out of you?”

  “I’d say come on over and drag it out of me.” Bubba grinned again. “I’m at Parma John’s with your fiancée and my—” He paused for a minute, looking at Jenna. I had the funniest feeling he’d almost let the word “wife” slip. “With Jenna,” he said finally.

  D.J. grunted. “Fine. I’m on my way.”

  Bubba ended the call and looked at Jenna and me with a shrug as he shoved his phone back in his shirt pocket. “Might as well drag out the suspense. This is getting fun.”

  Jenna shook her head. “I don’t know, Bubba. He might come in here and take your head off. I don’t think I want to lose my husband the first week of our marriage.”

  “Nah.” I smiled, knowing D.J. better than that. “He’s been worried, but he’s not the type to get angry, even if he feels someone’s pulled the wool over his eyes.”

  We continued our conversation for a few more minutes until D.J. arrived. I couldn’t help but notice the look of relief that passed over him as he took in Bubba and Jenna. Still, it was mingled with a hint of frustration. He reached over and gave me a kiss on the forehead before taking a seat. Then he glared at his brother.