“You’re a poet, Gillian.” Cassie laughed. “But yes, I think we look amazing in pink.”
“I knew you would!” My sister, still dressed in a shirt and capris, joined us. We stood, a deliriously happy group of giddy females, staring at our reflections until Crystal startled to attention. “I need to get into my gown. Will you help me?”
“Of course!” I flew into action, heading straight for the bag that held her wedding gown. I knew the photographer would be looking for us soon, so we’d better get this show on the road.
Before I could even unzip the bag, Sienna came rushing in. The frazzled maid of honor was dressed in short-shorts and a snug shirt, but her hair and makeup were impeccable. She greeted us with a squeal, followed by, “I’m so sorry, Crystal! It took forever at the salon. Would you believe they gave someone else my appointment time?” On and on she went, griping about what a rough morning she’d had. Ugh.
“Sienna, I cannot believe you went to a salon to have your hair and makeup done on your best friend’s wedding day.” Cassie folded her arms at her chest and glared at the maid of honor. “Seriously?”
“Well, of course. I wanted to look perfect for Crystal.” Sienna looked absolutely devastated that we didn’t get it.
“I wanted you to be here for me, Sienna. I couldn’t care less whether you look perfect.” Crystal squared her shoulders and stepped into place directly in front of Sienna. I noticed my sister’s hands trembling. I didn’t blame her for being angry. “We spent the morning together. We helped each other with hair and makeup. That was half the fun. But you missed all of it.”
“I’m here now.” Sienna gave her a little pouting look. “I can help you put on your gown.”
“You’re not even dressed yet. We’re supposed to be ready for pictures at ten after one.”
“I can do it. I’m fast. I left my dress hanging in the ladies’ room. I’ll go put it on there.” Sienna took off running.
Cassie shook her head. “Wow. Well, I guess we should be glad she showed up at all, right?”
“Whatever.” My sister rolled her eyes, then looked at me.
“Don’t let it get to you, Crystal. At least she wanted to look great for your big day. There is that.”
“Probably still hoping Derrick will look her way.” Crystal groaned. “I’m sorry, Mari. That was rude. And hurtful. Will you forgive me?”
I shrugged. “Nothing to forgive. You’re probably right.”
“I have it on good authority he’s only got eyes for you now.” Crystal gave me a reassuring nod.
About ten minutes later, we gave up waiting on Sienna and helped Crystal into her wedding gown. I’d never seen a more radiant bride. The gown fit just right, accentuating her tiny waistline. The beading on the bodice took my breath away, but the full skirt sent me over the moon.
“Oh, Crystal!” Brianna clasped her hands to her chest. “You’re picture perfect.”
“Exquisite!” Cassie added.
Crystal gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror, tears brimming.
“Oh no you don’t!” Gillian reached for a tissue. “Don’t you dare ruin that beautiful makeup job. No tears. Promise?”
Crystal had just nodded when Sienna came rushing into the room wearing her dress. Only it wasn’t her dress, at least not the one she’d purchased that day at the bridal shop. The one she wore today was shorter and a different shade of pink. Worst of all, the shoulder straps were missing, definitely not an appropriate look for someone as buxom as Sienna.
“Sienna?” My sister turned away from the mirror and gave her a blank stare. “What in the world are you wearing?”
“What do you mean?” Sienna checked her appearance in the full-length mirror. “It’s my maid of honor dress, silly.”
“That’s not the same dress. It looks nothing like the one you bought.” Crystal pointed at all the rest of us bridesmaids. “You look nothing like them.”
“Well, I’m the maid of honor. I’m supposed to look different. A little fancier. You know.” She nudged her way in front of the bride to look at her reflection in the full-length mirror.
“Wouldn’t that be my decision?” My sister balled up her fists and placed them on her hips. “What did you do, go back and get another dress?”
“Nope. Just had that pink thing altered a little.”
“A little?” We all asked in unison.
“Well, I had them raise the hemline. That mid-calf look is not good on me. And I think I look better in a strapless dress, too, so I had the straps removed.”
Double-D’s with no straps. Oh dear. I sensed the whole top could come tumbling down at a moment’s notice.
“That’s not even the same shade of pink.” Crystal’s complexion was looking mighty pink too.
“Well, I meant to talk to you about that.” Sienna wrinkled her nose and gave my sister a little shrug. “I’ve never looked good in cotton-candy pink, so I asked the alterations lady to dye it a darker shade. Since I forgot to tell you, I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.”
“Wouldn’t notice a hot-pink mini-skirted maid of honor with a strapless dress? Are you kidding me?”
“Everyone will notice I’m different from the others and know for sure I’m the maid of honor. So that’s a good thing, right? Isn’t that the point? I need to be different.”
“She’s different, all right.” Gillian sighed and went back to work on my sister’s wedding gown, fixing the bustle.
Crystal closed her eyes, and I could see her counting silently. Her lips moved as she mouthed out, “One, two, three, four . . .”
Not that Sienna seemed to notice. On and on she went, talking about herself. Not a word about how beautiful Crystal looked in her wedding gown. All conversation was focused squarely on herself.
Just about the time I felt my temper mounting to a new high, the photographer knocked on the door. I gestured for her to come inside for a couple of photos in the changing room before heading into the sanctuary for the group photos. My parents entered the room seconds later, both erupting into tears when they saw Crystal in her gown. They gushed with all sorts of flattering words, hugs, and well wishes, and the bridesmaids joined in, all smiles.
Finally. The focus had shifted to the proper person. Now, if we could just keep it that way, all would be well.
At five minutes after two, with the sanctuary filled to the brim with guests, the long-anticipated wedding ceremony began. The bridesmaids had gathered in the foyer, doors to the sanctuary closed until the appropriate moment. When Mrs. Frazier gave the go-ahead, the processional got underway. She swung the door open and the bridesmaids entered, one by one.
I led the way, my heart in my throat as I took one calculated step after another. To think I’d once fretted over being the last in line. It had never occurred to me that I’d be the first to make an entrance. What was it the Bible said about the first being last and the last being first? I almost giggled now, thinking of the irony.
Next came Brianna. Then Gillian. Then Cassie. Finally Sienna stepped into the sanctuary. Of course, her low-cut gown caused quite a stir among wide-eyed guests. I turned my focus to Phillip and his groomsmen, who stood in a perfect row at the front of the church.
Okay, so the groom looked a little wobbly. Nauseated, in fact. But when the back doors of the sanctuary opened a second time to reveal his beautiful bride, Phillip’s expression shifted from fear to deep, pure love. And joy. I could see the excitement behind the tears in his eyes as he watched my gorgeous, wonderful sister make her way down the aisle on our father’s arm.
Looked like my dad was a little misty too. As they neared the front of the church and the pastor asked, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” my father could barely spit out the words, “Her mother and I.” He managed, and then took a seat on the front row next to Mom and Grandma Nellie. Mama once again dabbed her eyes with a tissue. I glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Havenhurst on the other side of the aisle. Phillip’s mother appeared to be smiling t
hrough her tears, too—a sincere smile. Perhaps she finally realized just how happy her son was to be marrying my sister. The look of sheer bliss on Phillip’s face was all the proof anyone could ever need, after all.
Our pastor welcomed the guests and the ceremony got underway, but I found myself distracted as the best man gave me his signature wink. I felt my cheeks grow warm. I gave him a warning look, but it didn’t stop him. This time I shook my head and nodded slightly toward the bride and groom. Derrick finally focused on them . . . thank goodness.
My gaze shifted from Derrick to the other groomsmen standing in line behind him. Like me, Tyler was at the end of his row. Wow. He looked pretty spiffy in a tuxedo. With his face clearing up and his hair neatly combed, I almost didn’t recognize him. Then again, he looked a little uncomfortable in the bow tie. He tugged at it, a pained expression on his face.
I tried to focus on the happy couple, but found myself completely distracted. Memories of my sister flooded over me as they said their “I do’s.” The two of us swimming at the neighborhood pool. Vacationing at Disneyworld with our parents. Mission trips with our youth group. These images planted themselves in me, but I did my best to push away the tears.
The tears could not be held back, however, as Crystal and Phillip had their first kiss as a married couple. And the emotions only intensified when the pastor introduced them as husband and wife. The congregation gave a cheer as the new Mr. and Mrs. Havenhurst turned to face them, then headed up the aisle.
Sienna and Derrick linked arms and headed up the aisle after them. Sienna seemed a little subdued, and I briefly wondered why. Then Gillian and her partner, followed by Brianna and hers. Tyler and I met in the middle. He gave me his arm, flashed a comforting smile, and we walked up the aisle last. I didn’t have a care in the world, nor did I feel less than any of the others. In fact, thoughts about me didn’t enter into it. I was far too busy focusing on my sister and Phillip, who were standing in the foyer, kissing.
A few minutes later the foyer filled with happy wedding guests, who offered their congratulations. I allowed myself to be pushed to the edge of the crowd, pressed away by the ever-growing throng. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone. I found myself standing right next to Derrick, who slipped his arm around my waist.
“That went well.” He drew me close.
“Mm-hmm.” I snuggled up to him, loving the scent of his cologne. “Loved every minute.”
“Oh, but the fun is just beginning. Remember, you promised me a dance.”
“I did. I hope your feet are ready for the pain I’m going to cause.”
He laughed and then turned his attention to Tyler, who called out to us to join the rest of the wedding party. We still had a handful of pictures to take before leaving for the reception. The photos would forever mark my spot as the end-of-the-line bridesmaid, but I didn’t care. Not one bit. All that mattered now was celebrating the happily ever after of my sister and her new husband.
But, I admit, I was pondering the possibilities for a happily ever after of my own. Just as soon as we wrapped up the photoshoot.
The photographer had obviously done this a time or two. She corralled us into position after position, taking one photo after the next. I couldn’t help but notice that she angled Sienna to hide the Double-D’s. Mostly, anyway. Oh well. We would laugh about them later. Maybe.
When the photo shoot ended, I rode with the other attendants to the River Oaks Country Club. Phillip’s father had rented limos for the whole wedding party and, despite my earlier reservations about feeling out of place in a hoity-toity world, I enjoyed the ride immensely.
“A girl could get used to this.” Cassie giggled as she leaned back against the seat. “Don’t you think?”
“I do.” Brianna opened a can of soda and poured it into a glass of ice. “They can chauffer me around any day.”
I glanced over at Sienna, who remained quiet, gazing out the window. Her silence threw me a little. “Didn’t you think the wedding was gorgeous, Sienna?”
“Hmm?” She looked away from the window. “What?”
“The wedding,” I repeated. “It was beautiful.”
She shrugged. “Yes. It was great. I’m sure even Phillip’s mother would agree. I know she’s given Crystal kind of a hard time.”
“Well, I thought it was great.” My heart flooded with emotion as I glanced from one bridesmaid to another. “I’ve loved every minute of getting to know you all better. I don’t want this to end.”
“Interesting.” Sienna turned back to the window. “Because I can’t wait for it to be over.”
“You don’t mean that. I think maybe you’re just sad and a little confused right now.”
She shrugged again and continued to stare out the window. When we arrived at the country club, we were all staring out the window.
I’d heard about the River Oaks Country Club for years but had never seen it for myself. Now, as the driver swung the door of the limo open and offered me his hand, I stepped into a whole new world. The gorgeous front doors were majestic in size. Gorgeous. I could barely breathe as I took it all in.
A man in a tuxedo greeted us, and we took a few cautious steps into the grand foyer. “Are you here for the Havenhurst reception?”
I nodded, unable to speak as I gazed upward at the massive chandeliers, in all of their crystallized beauty.
“This way, please.” He gestured down the hallway to our right and we walked as a group until we came to the reception hall. There simply were no words to describe its beauty.
“Wow.” Cassie’s eyes widened. “This is . . . wow.”
“Wow is right.” I stood completely dumbfounded by the place.
Off in the distance a band played country tunes, my sister’s favorite. The heavenly aroma of food emanated from the buffet table to our right. I pushed away the “sixty-five dollars a head” speech rolling around in my brain and made up my mind to relax and enjoy myself.
A few minutes later my parents arrived with Grandma Nellie close behind. As they were seated, she carried on and on about the beautiful room. “This place!” She gestured to the hall chandeliers, also dripping with crystals. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Me either. But I think Crystal is going to have the time of her life. This is perfect for her.”
“She deserves this.” My grandmother’s eyes flooded with tears. “You, too, precious girl. You deserve this, and so much more.”
“Aw, thank you, Grandma Nellie. Maybe someday.”
“Maybe someday . . . soon.” She nodded toward Derrick, who stood nearby, talking to one of the groomsmen. “Remember, sometimes the Lord—”
I put up my hand and laughed. “Don’t say it. Don’t say it.”
At that moment, the deejay announced the arrival of the bride and groom. The guests rose and greeted them with applause, and then the band began to play.
I stepped away from my family’s table as Crystal and Phillip took to the floor to share their first dance as husband and wife. In that moment, as I saw the two of them together, all concerns about my sister’s happiness faded away. Phillip couldn’t take his eyes off her, and she returned his gaze, a blissful expression on her face.
“They’re a perfect match.”
I turned when I heard Derrick’s voice and then nodded, a lump rising in my throat. I managed to speak above it as I said, “Yes, they are.”
Derrick slipped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “I’m just waiting for all the designated dances to end so I can spin you around the dance floor.”
“Did I forget to mention that I’m a terrible dancer?”
“Sure you are.”
“No, really. I’m terrible.”
“You said you were terrible at baking, too, and you made some pretty amazing cookies.”
“Your mom made those.”
“Well, sometimes all it takes is someone leading the way.” He gave me a knowing look. “You can follow and learn the steps.”
“So you’re good at dancing?”
“No.” He laughed. “I was kind of hoping you were so you could teach me. But I know enough to fake it.” He leaned close, his voice lowering. “And honestly? I won’t be thinking about my feet. If you’ll dance with me, I’ll just be thinking about how lucky I am.”
Okay, someone had better pinch me, and quick. What had I done to deserve a guy like this?
Before I could give it another thought, one of the wedding guests approached Derrick. “Dude, you’re Derrick Richardson.”
“I am.”
“Could I have your autograph?”
“Of course.” He signed the guy’s wedding program. This started a group of fans gathering around him, just as my father took to the floor for the father-daughter dance. Derrick continued to sign autographs as Phillip and his mom shared a dance, but he finally managed to turn everyone’s attention back to the bride and groom, who opened the dance floor to all of their guests.
“Finally!” Derrick slipped his arm around my waist again. “I thought this moment would never come. Let’s hit the floor, Southpaw.”
I took a couple of steps, but a troubling thought caused me to stop just short of the dance floor. “I’d love to dance with you, Derrick, but before I do, I think I need to take a spin with a different partner. Do you mind?”
“A different partner?” For a moment Derrick looked offended—until I pointed to Tyler, who stood against the wall, looking lost and a little overwhelmed. “Ah. Great move, Southpaw. Show the guy how to trip the light fantastic.”
“I’ll show him how to trip, all right. Over my feet, is more like it.” The belly laugh that followed must’ve startled the prim and proper woman to my right. She turned to give me a stare, straight down her nose. Oops. Almost forgot where I was. People probably didn’t belly laugh at the River Oaks Country Club.
“Promise you’ll save the next dance for me?” Derrick asked.
I nodded and then stood on tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. “I promise.” Then, with a song in my heart, I headed over to Tyler, extended my hand, and offered him the first dance.