Toss the Bouquet (35 page)

“Eat.” My grandmother pulled the lid off the tray. “And don't forget to drink plenty of water. We don't need any of you fainting at the altar.”

“Yes, ma'am.” I gave her the same little salute Derrick always gave me, then giggled.

After a few bites, we got distracted with the bride's hair and makeup. She looked like a cover model, a true princess.

By twelve thirty the rest of us had every hair in place and had turned our attention to makeup. With the photographer snapping pictures at every turn, I found myself making quite a production out of the wedding prep process. What fun!

Of course, we were still missing the maid of honor. She was noticeably absent from every photo. Ugh. When twelve forty-five rolled around and Sienna still hadn't arrived, I
found my anger mounting. I headed out to the hallway to use my cell phone to call her. I stumbled into Derrick, who was walking down the hall, tuxedo bag slung over his shoulder. He let out a whistle as he saw me.

“Wow. Mari, you look gorgeous.”

“Really?” I gestured to my jeans and sleeveless shirt. “In this?”

“Doesn't matter. You look amazing, and I can only imagine what you'll look like in that bridesmaid dress. Can't wait to see.” He hung his tuxedo bag on a nearby door handle and walked toward me. My anger dissipated as he pulled me into his arms and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Sorry, don't want to mess up that perfect makeup job.”

“It's the only thing that's perfect right now.”

“Oh?” He stepped back. “Something's gone wrong?”

“Just a missing maid of honor. Sienna isn't here yet.”

“You're kidding.” His eyes reflected the same concern I felt.

“I wish I was kidding. She's at The Strand, having her hair done. Don't even get me started, or I'll tell you what I think about that.”

“Wow.”

“I'm. Just. So. Mad. At. Her.” As the words were spoken, I began to tremble. How dare Sienna ruin my sister's big day?

“Deep breath, Mari.” Derrick rested his hands on my shoulders and gazed into my eyes. “Crystal is taking her cues from you. They all are.”

“They are? Why?”

“Because you've been the natural leader all along. You're the real maid of honor, whether you hold the title or not.
And it's time to step onto the mound and pitch a winning game.”

“Huh?”

“Do what comes naturally. Put the biggest smile on your face and give your sister the best day of her life, free from worries and stresses.” He pulled me into his arms. “You can do it, Southpaw.” He whispered the words soft into my ear. “I know you can. You're a pro player.”

He groaned and slapped himself on the forehead. “Sorry. I called you a player again. But you know what I mean.”

I sure did. I gazed up into his eyes and felt my cares slip away. He gave me a kiss on the tip of my nose, then loosened his hold on me and took a step back. “Guess I'd better get into this tux. We're scheduled to have our photos done at one, I think.”

“Right. The bridesmaids are supposed to be ready for pictures at ten after. That's one of the reasons I'm so stressed about Sienna not showing up on time.”

“Do your best to relax. If you get nervous, just look my way and I'll give you a little salute.”

“Don't you dare! Not in the middle of the ceremony.”

“Just kidding.” He pulled me close one last time. “The next time you see me, I'll be standing at the front of the church holding up the groom. I've never seen Phillip so nervous.”

“The next time you see me, I'll be standing at the end of the line—”

“You'll be at the front of the line, in my book.” He paused. “And just so you know, I might have to walk up the aisle with Sienna—if she shows up, I mean—but I'll be focused
on someone else. There's only one girl here who's caught my eye. And I hope she'll save the first dance for me.”

“Oh, she'll save you a dance, for sure.” I gave him a light kiss on the lips, doing my best not to mess up my lipstick. Just as quickly, I changed my mind. To heck with the lipstick. I gave the best man a kiss he wouldn't soon forget.

Afterward I walked back to the bride's room, my thoughts now shifting from Sienna to Derrick. I slipped on my pink gown and checked my appearance in the full-length mirror. Cassie, Brianna, and Gillian joined me, and we sighed in unison.

“We look pretty in pink.” Gillian giggled. “Don't you think?”

“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 through 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.