“Sounds like a good plan.” She explained about how Mabel would love to experience a real wedding. “Do you think it would be okay if I brought her as my date?”
Dad chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t mind in the least. Mabel is all right with me.” He’d only seen Mabel a couple of times, but it made Daphne feel good to think he liked her young friend.
“Should I ask Karen about it?”
“I don’t see why. You’re allowed to bring a guest. Doesn’t mean it has to be a man.”
“That’s right.”
“Besides, there will be some unattached men there anyway. Might be better if you weren’t with a date.”
“Unattached?”
“Seems Ricardo is coming to the wedding alone. And Karen has a nephew named Calvin she’s dying for you to meet. She even invited him to the rehearsal dinner.”
“I see.”
They visited awhile longer, but Dad strongly encouraged her to bring Mabel. “Tell her I’ll even dance with her if she comes.”
“Oh, Dad, she would love that.”
The next morning, after Mabel had gone to school, Daphne went over to check on Vera. To her surprise, Vera was in the kitchen cleaning up the breakfast dishes. “I made us pancakes,” she told Daphne. “Mickey Mouse pancakes.”
“Good for you.” Daphne sat on the kitchen stool. “So you must be feeling pretty good.”
“I am.” Vera set a pan in the sink, then sat on the stool across from Daphne. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. I wanted to come by to ask you about taking Mabel to my dad’s wedding on Saturday. I know she’d like to go and I thought you might appreciate having a quiet house for a few hours.”
Vera seemed to consider this. “That’s not a bad idea.”
“Great. My dad even promised to dance with her.”
Vera smiled. “That’s nice.”
“Well, I shouldn’t keep you.” Daphne stood. “It’s so great to see you up and about . . . and feeling well.”
Vera reached for Daphne’s hand and gave it a firm squeeze. “I owe much of this to you, Daphne. You’ve been a real godsend to me and Mabel. I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you for all you’ve done.”
Daphne was tempted to broach the discussion of Mabel’s future, but it wasn’t the right time. Especially since Vera seemed to be doing so well. “I’m just thankful I get to enjoy Mabel. She is really a treasure. But I’m sure you know that.”
“I most definitely do. And I just heard from Daniel—that’s my son. Sounds like he gets to come home for Christmas. Not sure he’ll be fully discharged by then, but he’s working on it. I feel hopeful.”
“That’s wonderful, Vera. How lovely for you to have your son and Mabel with you for Christmas.”
“What should Mabel wear to the wedding?” Vera said suddenly. “I’m not sure she has something—”
“I’d love to get her a dress. Something frilly and girly and sweet. Perhaps something she can wear at Christmas too. If you don’t mind, that is.”
Vera waved her hand. “I told Mabel you’re like her fairy godmother. Go ahead and find her a dress. I know she’ll love it.” She sighed. “I just wish I felt well enough to do those things for her.”
Daphne smiled. “Well, keep getting better, Vera. It’s great seeing you up and around like this.”
Vera just nodded.
Daphne tried to act like there was nothing strange about having a wedding rehearsal where most of the bridesmaids were old enough for Social Security. Oddly enough, other than Dad’s best man, Stewart, from the bank, the other groomsmen, Karen’s sons, were all in their twenties and thirties. Maybe the newspaper could write the attendants up as a “cougar” wedding party.
Naturally Daphne kept these thoughts to herself. But as they practiced going up and down the aisle, she couldn’t help but think it was a strange coincidence that she was being escorted by Ricardo.
“I’m guessing this is my dad’s doing,” she whispered to Ricardo as they stood in the shadows. “He’s always trying to get us together.”
Ricardo winked. “Nothing wrong with that.”
Daphne tried not to look shocked. “Really? You don’t mind being set up?”
“Not if it’s with the right girl.”
Her cheeks grew warm, but now it was time for them to walk up the aisle together. Karen was trying to decide if she wanted the bridesmaids coming in separately or being escorted. Because of the general age differences, Daphne would’ve opted for separately, but this wasn’t her wedding.
After the rehearsal, they all headed over to Midge’s Diner, which Ricardo had closed for their dinner. Daphne was slightly relieved that Ricardo kept busy with food responsibilities because his words about the “right girl” were still ringing in her ears. Was he serious? This was the first time it ever felt as if he saw her as something more than just a friend. Or perhaps she’d misread him. She acted natural as she visited with various members of the wedding party, keeping one eye on Ricardo as he moved through the crowd and back into the kitchen and then out again.
Thanks to Karen, Daphne was seated next to the nephew Calvin. And, sure, he was nice enough and not bad looking, but he did seem rather boring. Or maybe he was just bored with her. Whatever the case, he seemed more interested in his iPhone than anyone there. And to be fair, Daphne might’ve simply been distracted by Ricardo.
Dad had mentioned that Ricardo was attending the wedding alone too. Perhaps she’d get the chance to dance with him tomorrow. Maybe she could ask Dad to lend a hand in setting it up for her. Or maybe she would become bold enough to ask Ricardo to the dance floor herself.
She remembered dancing with him last summer . . . that had been nice. She wasn’t sure if her interest in Ricardo was genuine or simply desperation. It seemed the more she thought about these things, the more confused she felt. Perhaps it was best not to think on them too much.
As Daphne drove home from the rehearsal dinner, she remembered the bag still in the backseat. Mabel’s dress. She had meant to try it on Mabel after school today, but time had slipped away and she’d forgotten all about it. Perhaps she’d go over in the morning to try it on. If anything it might be a bit too big, but she could simply tie the sash a bit more snugly.
As Daphne got ready for bed, she wondered how her dad was feeling on the eve of his wedding. Was he having any second thoughts? Any regrets? He had seemed so jolly and bright all evening, she doubted he had any concerns. And even if Daphne still didn’t feel like she knew Karen that well, it seemed that Dad was head over heels for her. So why would Daphne be worried? Tomorrow by this time the newlyweds would be on a plane, headed for Maui. No cares in the world. Lucky them.
It was around noon the following day when Daphne carried the fluffy rose-colored dress down the street. She knocked on the door and Mabel opened it. “Daphne. Is that my dress?”
“It is.” Daphne held the garment out for her to see.
“It’s beautiful!” Mabel danced around the living room, narrowly missing a cereal bowl on the floor by the TV.
“Is your grandma still sleeping?”
“Uh-huh.” Mabel fingered the shiny fabric.
“Why don’t you go try it on while I check on your grandma?” Daphne watched as Mabel went into her room, then quietly tapped on Vera’s door. When she didn’t answer, Daphne eased it open. Vera’s eyes opened sleepily.
“Oh . . . hello.” She yawned. “Is it time for the wedding already?”
Daphne explained about the dress. “She’s trying it on right now. Hopefully it’ll fit.”
Vera slowly sat up in bed. “Tell her to come show me.”
“I will. And if you don’t mind, I’ll just have her come home with me. We’ll be heading over to the church in about an hour or so anyway.”
“That’s just fine.” Vera released a weary sigh.
“And if it’s okay, Mabel can spend the night at my house. I expect we’ll get home around seven or so. And I know she wants to go to Sunday school tomorrow.”
“That sounds like a good plan.” She yawned again. “For some reason I’m extra tired today. Guess I did too much yesterday.”
Before long, Mabel came into Vera’s room and after a few spins and some slightly clumsy dance-move attempts, she kissed her grandma on the cheek.
“You be a good girl for Aunt Daphne,” Vera told Mabel.
“I will.” Mabel nodded somberly. “I promise, Grandma.”
“I know you will.”
And then Daphne and Mabel gathered up Mabel’s things and were off.
Feeling very much like a stuffed and wrinkly sausage, Daphne took her place in the bridal party and when her turn came, she slowly walked down the aisle. It was odd seeing her father standing up in front. Almost as if something about this was all wrong. Shouldn’t he be by her side, escorting her up to the pulpit where her intended would be waiting for her?
As she lined herself up with the rather elderly bridesmaids, she tried to refocus. This was her dad’s wedding. Karen’s big day. And she was happy for them. She spotted Sabrina and Mabel in the third row. Mabel’s eyes were big and round, taking it all in. Before long the wedding was over—without a hitch the couple was hitched, and now Ricardo was escorting Daphne down the aisle and to the back of the church.
“Thank you very much,” she said.
“The pleasure was mine.” He smiled. “You look very pretty.”
Daphne giggled. “Really? You don’t think these dresses look like giant sausage casings?”
He chuckled. “Well, on you . . . sausage has never looked so lovely.”
She laughed. “Thanks. And for that, I should insist that you save a dance for me at the reception.”
“Consider it done.”
Daphne found Sabrina and Mabel and before long, they were making their way into the hotel where the reception was being held. Already the music was playing and the champagne was being poured. It wasn’t long before Dad and Karen went out for the first dance, with “It Had to Be You” playing. After that dance, just as planned, Dad came over to ask Daphne out onto the floor. Meanwhile Karen asked her older son to join her.
“Well, you did it, Dad,” Daphne said as they glided to the music. “Congratulations.”
“And just in case you’re wondering, the water is fine. You should think about trying this out for yourself.” His eyes twinkled.
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I know you and Karen aren’t that close yet,” he said. “But when you get to know her better, you’ll see that you actually have a lot in common. You’re both strong, intelligent women.”
“Yes, it takes strong, intelligent women to keep a guy like you in line.” She grinned.
“When we get back from Maui, two weeks from now, I plan to move into Karen’s place.”
“Oh? What about your condo? You seemed so happy there.”
“I might rent it. Her place is bigger. We’ll stay there until we find something we both like. We decided that was best—to have a home that belongs to both of us. Don’t you think that makes sense?”
Daphne nodded. For some reason her eyes were filling with tears. “Yes, Dad,” she said in a choked-up voice. “And I’m really happy for you.”
He stopped dancing to give her a big hug. “And I’m very proud of you, Daphne.” He looked into her eyes. “Someday you and I are going to be dancing at your wedding, darling. I just know it.”
Her mouth eased into a smile, her eyes watering, as the song ended. “And I promised to ask Ricardo to dance.”
His eyes lit up. “Yes! Hurry and do that before someone else nabs him.”
She winked. “Think I should sprint across the room?”
“Why not?”
She made a face, then turned and walked over to where Ricardo was standing with the other groomsmen. “I wonder if I might have this dance?”
“You got it.” He laughed at the other groomsmen. “See you guys later.”
After dancing with Ricardo, she explained about her young date. “I promised to get Mabel out to the dance floor. And I can tell she’s eager.”
“Well, if she needs a partner, I’m the man.”
“Thanks, Ricardo.”
Before the reception was over, Mabel had danced with both Ricardo and Dad a couple of times. She also danced with Daphne and Sabrina. And Daphne danced with a variety of fellows, including Jake. She was a bit surprised to see him there but then remembered he had done some legal work for her dad.
Jake was a fine dancer and she would’ve enjoyed dancing with him more, but Karen’s nephew Calvin seemed intent on monopolizing her time. For the last dance, she and Sabrina and Mabel did a little jig on the dance floor together.
“It’s time to throw the bridal bouquet,” Diane called out. “Come on, bridesmaids and single women. This is your big chance.”
Of course, thanks to the bridesmaids, Daphne was pushed to the forefront. “I should’ve brought my catcher’s mitt,” Daphne teased as Karen turned her back to them and gave a big toss. The bouquet sailed up high, but thanks to Daphne’s height advantage, she could reach it. For a split second she hesitated, then her hand shot up and she snagged the flowers right out of the air. Everyone burst into laughter.
“Looks like you’re next.” Karen came over to join the fun.
Daphne hugged her new stepmom. “You guys have fun in Maui,” she whispered. “Make sure Dad wears his sunscreen or he’ll end up looking like a boiled lobster.”
Karen grinned. “You can count on that. We’ll both be taking real good care of each other from now on.”
As Daphne carried her prize bouquet over to show to Mabel and Sabrina, she thought about Karen’s words. How sweet it must be to have someone to take care of like that. Even to have someone like Mabel to watch over . . . it would be lovely.
Chapter 25
On Sunday after church, Daphne took Mabel home. And since she had so much stuff to carry, Daphne grabbed the backpack and went into the house with her. Once inside, she went to check on Vera. The house, as usual, was quiet and still. And the drapes, which Vera had recently been opening, were pulled shut.
As Mabel carried an armload of things into her room, Daphne tapped on Vera’s door. When Vera didn’t answer, Daphne quietly peeked inside. But as soon as the door opened, a chill ran through her. Something was wrong.
She went over to Vera’s bed and instantly knew—something was terribly wrong. “Vera?” She reached to touch Vera’s pale hand. It was cold. She touched her colorless cheek. Cold and lifeless. Vera was not breathing. And it appeared she’d been dead for hours.
“Grandma?” Mabel called as she came into the room. “I brought you some wedding cake from the—”
“Let’s go back out.” Daphne guided Mabel toward the door. “This isn’t a good time right now.”
“Is Grandma sleeping?” Mabel whispered.
“Come on,” Daphne said in a trembling voice. “You’re going to stay at my house again. Let’s get some of your things, okay?”
“Is Grandma sick?”
Feeling confused and overwhelmed with sadness, Daphne sat on Mabel’s little bed and, leaning forward, she put her hands over her face, trying to hold back the tears already streaming down her cheeks.
“What’s the matter, Aunt Daphne?”
Daphne looked up at Mabel. “Oh, Mabel.”
“What happened?” Her little chin was quivering now. “Why are you crying?”
“It’s your grandma.” Daphne reached out and gathered Mabel into her arms. “She’s gone.”
“But I saw her. She’s in her bed.”
“I mean she’s gone . . . to be with God. She’s in heaven now.”<
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“You mean Grandma died?” Mabel looked at Daphne with big brown eyes, full of fear.
“Yes.” Daphne pulled Mabel close again while both of them cried. “But your grandma is with God, Mabel. I know it.”
“But she’s still in her bed,” Mabel said stubbornly. “I saw her.”
“You’re right. You did see her. Except you only saw her body. Because your grandma’s not in her body anymore.” Daphne pointed to Mabel’s pajamas still on the floor from yesterday, from when Mabel had excitedly put on her dress for the wedding. “See how your pajamas are right where you left them? When you had them on, they were running around the house, but now they can’t really do anything—because you’re not inside of them. Do you understand?”
“Uh-huh.”
“That’s kind of like a person’s body when they die. The real part of the person leaves the body behind—kind of like those pajamas.”
“Why?”
“Because people don’t need their earthly bodies in heaven, Mabel. You didn’t need those pajamas at the wedding, did you?”
“No.”
“So you left them behind. They stayed here while you were gone having a great time. It’s like that with your grandma’s body. It stays here because she doesn’t need it in heaven. Does that make sense?”
Mabel nodded. “I guess so.”
“Her earthly body was all worn out. That’s why she was sick. But because your grandma believes in God, she’s with him right now. In fact, she’s probably laughing and dancing—kind of like we were doing at the wedding reception yesterday.”
“Grandma is dancing?” Mabel’s eyes were full of wonder.
“Dancing or running or walking or flying or whatever they do in heaven. Can you imagine what fun she’s having?”
“Is she with Mama?”
“I think so.” Daphne ran her hand over Mabel’s head. “Your grandma’s in a much better place now . . . because she’s not sick anymore.”
Mabel used her hands to wipe her damp cheeks. “You think she’s happy?”
“I do.” Daphne stood. “And now you will be staying with me.”
Dating, Dining, and Desperation (A Dear Daphne Novel) Page 23