Pennies From Heaven (The Bella Novella Collection Book 3)

  “I love it when you sing, Bella,” he said. . .after I stopped.

  “Oh? You find it entertaining?” I offered up another tra-la-la, just to see his reaction.

  An admiring look followed from my sweetie. “I find it inspirational. You sing with your whole heart and there’s nothing finer.”

  “Do I?”

  “Yes.” He gave me the sweetest smile I could ever recall seeing. “You do everything with your whole heart. Work, play, worship, love me.” A playful wink followed from my sweetheart and I felt my cheeks growing warm.

  “I guess I’m just a whole heart kinda girl,” I said, and then dove back into the song, louder than ever.

  Before long we reached Splendora and discovered clear skies. Not a drop of rain greeted us. I ushered up a silent prayer of thanks. Hopefully the ground would dry quickly so that the men could get the set pieces in place in the garden.

  There was no time to stop at Donny’s Truck Stop today. No way. I had to get to the wedding facility in a hurry. D.J. pointed our van toward the exit and before long we were under the covering of the tall, stately pines, headed past Bubba’s BBQ, beyond his parents’ place, and toward the wedding facility.

  We arrived to find Lily and Jasmine hard at work with their team. I gasped when I saw the interior of the building.

  “Oh, Lily! You don’t need our help at all. It’s perfect!” I stared in wonder at the soft pink and white décor in the foyer, taking in every detail of her hard work.

  “Trust me, I need your help. If you head into the chapel, you’ll see that we’ve barely started.” Lily turned her attention to my husband. “And I hate to bother you with this, D.J., but we’ve got a problem with one of the ceiling fans. Oh, and the A/C’s stuck on 80. We can’t seem to get it to budge. And Mama told me that one of the toilets in the ladies room isn’t flushing properly. Other than that, absolutely nothing has gone wrong.” She released an exaggerated sigh.

  D.J., ever the hero, saluted her. “I’ll get right to it, ma’am.”

  At this point Sophia offered to help with the kids, thank goodness. I dove into action in the chapel, dressing the candelabras and adding some of the prettiest decorative items I’d ever laid eyes on. All French, of course, and most so quaint they made me sigh.

  From the foyer I heard Guido singing 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Nothing like a little ambience to keep the day fun. Mama took a couple of steps toward me, a disgusted look on her face.

  “I still can’t figure out why Rosa and Laz decided to bring that bird.”

  “He needs fresh air.” Uncle Laz’s voice sounded from behind us and I turned to see that he had joined us.

  “Well, he’s not getting it here, at the wedding facility.” Mama clucked her tongue. “Honestly, this is the last place he needs to be, cooped up indoors.”

  “We planned to drop him off at Earline and Dwayne’s place but no one answered when we called. I assumed we would find them here. . .and we did.” Rosa let out a little squeal and then headed across the room to give Earline a hug.

  “So, what do we do with the bird?” Pop asked.

  I looked at the bird, perched on the guest book table. “You know Guido. He’s pretty good about staying put. I’ll ask D.J. to find a branch from the field behind us. If he brings it in, Guido will stay perched on it for hours.”

  “Good point.” Mama nodded. “He’s probably worn out after the car trip, anyway.”

  I did feel a little sorry for Guido, truth be told. The poor bird was cooped up in the Rossi home for hours on end. Spending a little time in the country would be just the ticket. He’d lived in Splendora once upon a time, after all, and had loved it then. In fact, I’d once wondered if Guido might prefer a permanent life among the cardinals and bluebirds than life inside of the chaotic Rossi household.

  Thinking about Guido taking up permanent residence in the piney woods of East Texas caused my thoughts to shift to Jenna. She seemed happy enough here, but I missed her terribly. Hopefully we’d get to spend some quality time together this weekend. If she ever showed up. I glanced at my watch, and realized we’d crossed the noon hour. She and Bubba were probably hard at work at their restaurant. Hopefully she’d come after the lunch crowd thinned.

  Cassia and Alex arrived with flowers galore, which they started sorting for the rehearsal dinner centerpieces. If these gorgeous roses were any indication of what tomorrow’s wedding flowers would look like, we were in for a real treat. I couldn’t help but admire these two—they made flower design look like a true art form.

  We all took a lunch break a short while later. Laz and Rosa fed us sandwiches and soft drinks, and then we dove back into our work once again. As we hung decorations, I found myself humming a familiar praise song. Before long, Lily latched onto the song and joined in. Then Jasmine added her voice to the ever-growing chorus. The guys threw in some harmony and before anyone could say, “Gee, it’s starting to look like Paris in here!” we’d knocked out an amazing rendition of How Great is Our God.

  He was great. It didn’t take a team of decorators to see that He’d created something more beautiful than a lovely room. God had bonded us—all of us—as brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and so on. He’d taken families from Galveston, Splendora, Cut ‘n Shoot and beyond and woven them together as one big happy family.

  Even Earline and Uncle Laz seemed to be working as a team today. I had his word that he wouldn’t mention politics. . .at all. I prayed he would do as promised. Then, perhaps, we’d have a peaceful, loving weekend.

  We certainly seemed to be off to a good start. I watched in awe as Cecil’s parents worked side by side with Lily’s mom and dad. Surely the Lord had done a work in their relationship, too. I couldn’t help myself. I had to figure out what had happened.

  I made my way over to Lily and rested my hand on her arm. Without saying a word, I gestured to her mother-in-law, who gabbed happily with the other ladies. My elevated eyebrows must’ve been enough for Lily to understand the gist of my question. She pulled me aside, her eyes now brimming with tears.

  “Bella, the most wonderful thing has happened.”

  “I see that. But. . .how?”

  “Well, it started as a small thing. Seemingly small, anyway. Moggie is an amazing seamstress.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes. I had a problem with my gown. The alterations lady in Kingwood totally botched the hem.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “Right? But when Moggie heard about it, she asked if she could take a look. Next thing you know, she’s got a ripper in her hand and she’s ripping out the stitches. And then she takes a few nips and tucks and then, voila! My dress is as good as new. Better, really. It now fits like it was supposed to from the beginning.”

  “That’s great, Lily.”

  “Here’s the best part. Moggie and I really bonded while she was working on it. She told me the coolest story about a missions trip she went on as a kid. I didn’t even know that she was raised in church but her parents were missionaries. Isn’t that cool?

  “Sure is.”

  “And you won’t believe what happened next. Mama and I were beside ourselves over the centerpieces. We had the perfume bottles and knew they’d make good vases but as for the rest of the tables, well, we just couldn’t quite piece together the right ideas. I didn’t want everything to be uniform. I really wanted each table to have its own French flair.”

  “Right.”

  “I showed Moggie some of the pictures I’d found on Pinterest and you won’t believe it, but she made centerpieces even prettier than the ones we saw online.”

  “Whoa.”

  “She has quite an eye for details and for color, too. I can’t wait for you to see what she’s come up with. You’re going to flip.” Lily paused. “No, you’re going to want to hire her to do centerpieces for Club Wed.”

  “I just might.”

  “She’ll be on the island a lot once Cecil and I get settled into our new place.” A wistful loo
k came over Lily and for a moment I thought she might cry. Instead, she turned her focus to the room, filled with family and friends. “D.J. was right. Cecil’s parents felt out of place. I get that. I’ve felt that same way at times.”

  “Me too. I think we all have, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but I’ve learned something really important, Bella.”

  “What’s that?

  “We all do. We all struggle to know where we fit in. I went through it in school. I never seemed to fit in with the other girls, especially in my teens. And I’ve watched Mama struggle with the same thing, though some folks would never know it. She’s Greek. She’s got her own style. She’s different from a lot of the other ladies here in Splendora. It’s been a tight squeeze to fit in but she’s managed, though I’ve seen her hurt a few times along the way.” Lily paused. “We’re all trying to figure out our place. We’re looking for a place to belong and for people who love us just as we are.”

  I nodded and my heart felt overcome with her words. . .her revelation. “You’re right. I’ve seen it in my own kids, young as they are. They want to fit in with their peers. I’ve even seen it with brides who come through the doors of Club Wed. Everyone wants to belong.”

  “Yes we do.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “And I’m so grateful that God took the time to show me that we all fit in his family. There’s a place for everyone at the table, no matter how different we are, no matter where we come from. I’ve learned my lesson, Bella. That’s going to be my life’s mission, to make sure no one feels left out, or on the fringes.”

  “Then God has given you a holy calling, for sure.” I threw my arms around her neck and gave her a tight squeeze.

  After the hugging ceased, Lily clasped her hands together. “Oh! I forgot to tell you one more very important thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “The trip to Gulfport, Mississippi that Cec’s parents were going to give us. . .”

  “What about it?”

  “His mom and dad are going in our place.”

  “Really?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s perfect!”

  “Yes, Moggie said they haven’t had a real get-away in years. She’s so excited.”

  “It’s the perfect ending, isn’t it?”

  Indeed, it was. God, in his infinite wisdom, had taken care of every detail so that no one felt left out or overlooked.

  As we went back to work decorating the wedding facility, I saw the group of friends and family members through different eyes. There really was, as Lily said, room at the table. . .for everyone. And maybe, just maybe, I’d learned a lesson, too. From this point on I’d be on the lookout for people who felt out of place. I’d nudge them toward the table, slip an arm over their shoulder, and welcome them to the family.

  CHAPTER NINE

  C’est la fin des haricots

  Translation: The end of the beans

  (The last straw; that’s the end of it)

  Jenna showed up at two-fifteen with her little boys in tow. I’d never seen her look so frazzled. Her red hair was pulled back in a frizzy ponytail and the girl didn’t have on a stitch of makeup. She still wore her Bubba’s BBQ apron over her dirty jeans and wrinkled t-shirt.

  “Sorry I had to bring Bubba Jr. and Weston, Bella,” she said as she ushered the rambunctious boys into the foyer. “Bubba’s too busy to watch them and Earline’s here with you guys.”

  Bubba Jr. threw his arms around my thigh and let out a squeal.

  “Don’t apologize,” I said, after regaining the feeling in my leg. “They can play on the swing-set with my kiddos. Sophia’s outside. I think she’d rather hang out with the kids than help with the decorating.”

  “Thank God for Sophia.” Jenna looked down at her oldest son and waggled her finger in his direction. “Bubba Jr., what have I told you about sitting on your brother?”

  I glanced down and, sure enough, Jenna’s oldest had squashed her youngest like a bug. Little Weston squirmed on the floor, but finally managed to get out from under his older brother. He sprang up and punched Bubba Jr. on the arm.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on ‘em, too, honey.” Earline took several steps in our direction. “So don’t fret.” She gave Jenna’s attire a pensive look.

  “I know, I know.” Jenna pulled off her apron. “I look like something the cat dragged in.”

  “Well, maybe not the cat.” Earline took the apron from her. “But don’t you worry about these kids. I’ll make sure they’re tended to so you can help Rosa and Laz with our dinner.” She walked off, muttering something about how Jenna would be better served taking a nap. I had to agree with that last assessment. My friend looked as if she needed some time off. Maybe I should suggest that to her hubby. Maybe, like D.J. had recently done for me, he could take her on a vacation. A get-away. Surely Earline would watch the boys for them. I hoped.

  As my mother-in-law headed outside with Jenna and Bubba’s boys she was met by Jolene and Twila, who entered with great fanfare, dressed to the nines. I was happy to see the two of them together again. Hopefully they’d laid their squabbles to rest.

  “Oh my. We’re a bit early for the rehearsal dinner, I see.” Jolene paused to look at her reflection in the foyer mirror. “But you must admit, I’m ready for a weekend of Paris-themed festivities.” She pointed to her large hat and colorful dress. “Do you recognize my gown, Bella? It’s straight out of My Fair Lady. Audrey Hepburn wore this Ascot race dress and hat.”

  “Several sizes smaller,” Twila whispered in my ear. “But I’m pretty sure it’s the same size hat. None of the other wedding rehearsal guests will be able to see past it.”

  I did my best not to snort aloud.

  On and on Jolene went, bragging about her new dress.

  “For your information, Jolene, My Fair Lady was a British film, not French.” Twila said at last.

  Jolene rolled her eyes, and for the first time I noticed the over-abundance of eye makeup. “Well, yes, but Audrey’s gown was designed by the famed designer, Mr. Cecil Beaton, and he’s most assuredly French.”

  “Did he design your gown, too?” Mrs. Rigas asked as she took a few steps in our direction.

  “No Ma’am. I got this lovely lady here to make it for me.” Jolene pointed at Mrs. Davidson, whose cheeks blazed red at all of the attention. “She’s a whiz on the sewing machine. All I had to do was show her the pictures I found on the Internet and the rest fell into place.”

  At this news, several of the ladies gathered around Moggie Davidson and placed their orders for new gowns for an upcoming fashion extravaganza the Splendora Women’s Society was hosting. The poor woman could hardly breathe, what with so much attention. Well, until I announced that we still had work to do, and lots of it.

  The next couple of hours buzzed by. By mid-afternoon we’d almost finished the décor. We needed to get cleaned up for the rehearsal and dinner, both of which would take place right here, at the wedding facility. From the kitchen, the smell of yummy food emerged. Laz, Rosa and Jenna were cooking up a storm in preparation for tonight’s festivities. I kept a watchful eye on Earline, Jolene and Twila, who dressed the tables for tonight’s rehearsal dinner guests.

  Yep. Everything was falling into place. I couldn’t have asked for a smoother day.

  At five-fifteen Bonnie Sue entered with two large poodles, perfectly groomed. Well, the dogs were perfectly groomed. Bonnie Sue looked as if she hadn’t seen a hair stylist in weeks.

  “Please forgive the way I look.” She groaned and dragged her fingers through her messy hair. “I spent all afternoon getting these two bathed and groomed and they look a lot better than their owner. I’ll head home and take a quick shower, then come back.”

  “Wait.” I put my hand up. “Who’s watching the dogs while you’re gone?”

  “Watching them?” Her brow wrinkled. “My babies are beautifully behaved, Bella. They won’t require watching.” She gave the pair a nod and said, “To the corner,” and then pointed to the c
orner of the room. They trotted to the corner, laid down, and promptly fell asleep.

  “See?” She laughed. “I’ve never had a moment’s trouble with these two. They’re my babies. Absolute dolls. Now don’t worry, Bella. I’ll be back in no time, I promise.”

  She took off and I was left staring at two of the largest poodles I’d ever seen in my life. Now what?

  I decided to get back to work, this time shifting my attention to a couple of missing light bulbs in the foyer chandelier. A short while later my mother dropped a large candelabra and it clattered to the floor. Guido let out a shriek. Coquette and Jacques sat straight up, their ears perking to attention. When Guido cried out, “Go to the mattresses!” the dogs leapt to their feet. They began to run in circles, as if looking for something.

  “Leave the gun!” Guido called out. “Take the cannoli!” He then began random machine-gun-firing sounds, which caused the dogs to go into a barking fit. They took off running toward the bird.

  Rosa let out a cry. “Bella! Stop them!” She grabbed a broom and started using it to shoo away the dogs. “Go away, you little monsters! Leave Guido alone.” When the dogs refused to stop barking, Rosa’s volume elevated. “Get away, I say! He’s not chicken fricassee! Guido was trained by the mob and could take you down in a New York minute!”

  I wouldn’t bet my money on that. Guido looked pretty scared. The chubby bird tried to flap his wings and take to flight, but was unsuccessful. I tried to get between him and the dogs, but nearly got my arm taken off in the process. That, and I took a hard swack from Rosa’s broom.

  “Out of my way, Bella-bambina!” Rosa called out. “I’ll guard the bird. You get those dogs out of here.”

  Okay. I’d try, but where would I take them?

  I rushed to the refrigerator and grabbed the tray of lunchmeats I’d left inside after today’s lunch break. Then I started running toward the foyer, meat in hand. The dogs turned their attention away from Guido and toward me, their tongues now hanging out.