The trouble with weddings is when your mom marries a man with four kids, reality whacks you on the head sooner or later. For me, the reality whack came when I lost my privacy.
Mom showed up in my room for a heart-to-heart chat. “Carrie and Stephie will have to share your room with you, dear,” she began, almost apologetically.
I felt betrayed. “Oh, Mom, no…please, no!”
“The boys will bunk in Carrie’s old room, just for a while.”
“What do you mean?”
She sat on the bed beside me. “I know you won’t like this, Holly, but we’re thinking of moving to a bigger house eventually. Maybe building a home.”
“What’s wrong with this house?” I sank back against a mountain of pillows and glared at the ceiling. Feelings of panic swept over me.
“We haven’t decided anything yet, dear.” Mom leaned back on the bed, close to me. “Please, don’t worry, Holly-Heart. Now’s a happy time. Okay?”
Carrie and Stephie came into my room without knocking, dumping a pile of clothes and stuffed animals on my window seat. “There, that’s a good place for now,” Carrie said.
Then Stephie turned to me, holding something behind her back. “I, uh, snooped in your drawer, Holly,” she said, looking terribly guilty. “And I found this.” She held out the polka-dot heart journal with the weekly record of STAN in it.
“You little sneak!”
“I…I’m sorry, Holly. When I found it, I thought it belonged to my brother. But then I gave it to him and—”
“You showed this to Stan?” I flew off the bed.
She stepped back, away from me. “He said it wasn’t his, that I should give it back to you.”
“Mom?” I pleaded. “Do something, please?”
Mom stood up slowly. “Girls, I’d like both of you to meet me in the kitchen.”
“Okay, Aunt Susan,” Stephie said. She left the room with Carrie, the pair of them giggling as they ran down the steps.
I turned to Mom. “There’s no way your sleeping arrangement will work. I refuse to tolerate Stephie’s snooping.” Tears began to fill my eyes, but angrily I brushed them away.
“Let’s not worry about who’s going to sleep where just now,”
Mom said. “The wedding comes first. We’ll work out the plans for the new house soon enough.” She left the room, a spring in her step.
Let’s not worry…
That was easy for her to say. My father had built this house. It was the only house I’d ever known. Everything I loved was here. I scuffed my feet against the rug as I headed for my window seat. Nearly sacred, this spot had served as my private corner of the world. Secret lists were written here. And stories and journal entries. Letters to pen pals and notes to friends…and zillions of prayers had been prayed here, too. Tons of them had already been answered.
I sat down in my favorite place, fighting the urge to shove Stephanie’s pile of clothes off onto the floor. But in the corner, crumpled up, was the dress she’d worn to her mother’s funeral, nine months before. I remembered Stephie’s swollen eyes, her tear-stained face. Remorse swept over me. Now’s a lousy time to be angry with her, I thought as I very carefully folded up Stephie’s clothes.
Thanksgiving Day came early at the soon-to-be Meredith and Patterson household. Mom drove to the church to meet with her matron of honor. The florist and caterer would be waiting there for Mom’s last-minute instructions.
I was responsible for getting Carrie ready. Stephie too. Uncle Jack dropped her off early. The girls couldn’t wait to put on their fancy dresses.
“Look,” Carrie said, all smiles when she first saw the junior bridesmaids’ dresses. “It’s the same colors as the Easter dress from last year, isn’t it? The one Mommy didn’t like.”
“Stand still,” I said, zipping her up. “We have to be ready soon. Uncle Jack’s picking us up in forty minutes.”
Stephie ran down the steps in her satin dress. “Here, kitty, kitty,” she called.
“Goofey’s down here,” Grandpa called up from the kitchen.
I was puzzled. “Why’s she looking for Goofey?” I asked Carrie.
“Because Uncle Jack said he could be in the wedding.” She ran downstairs after her cousin.
Our ugly cat in the wedding? Who ever heard of such a thing? Besides, Uncle Jack was allergic to Goofey.
I turned my attention back to my long French braid, smoothing the hair on top of my head with my freshly manicured fingers. That done, I posed for the mirror. “Absolutely smashing,” I said.
Downstairs, Grandma’s eyebrows arched dramatically when she saw us in our matching dresses. “Your mother’s taste in clothing seems to have changed recently,” Grandma said.
“Aw, Grandma. Don’t you like our dresses?” Carrie asked. Spinning around, she made the skirt swirl.
Just then Stephie came into the living room carrying Goofey. She held him tightly in spite of his fussing while Carrie snapped the leash on him.
“You’re not really taking this cat to Mom’s wedding, are you?”
I said.
“Don’t worry so much, Holly. It’ll be okay,” Carrie said.
“Yeah.” Stephie nodded. “Daddy says the whole family has to be in the wedding. Right, Carrie?”
“Just ask Uncle Jack if you don’t believe us,” Carrie said, showing off in front of Grandpa and Grandma.
With Goofey on a leash, we climbed into Uncle Jack’s van and sped off. There was still a slight chance that Mom’s wedding ceremony could turn out to be absolutely perfect. I thought of hiding our cat in one of the Sunday school storage cupboards.
At the church, Mom was hidden away upstairs in the bridal chamber, getting dressed in her ecru-colored dress. Carrie, Stephie, and I waited in the usher’s room just off the foyer area. Grandma stayed with us, too, humming as she waited.
How can I get Goofey out of here? I wondered. I had to make sure the wedding went off without our cat spoiling everything.
Picking him up, I headed for the door. “Goofey’s got some dirt on his whiskers,” I told Grandma, who was frowning now.
“You’d better stay here,” she said. “Time’s getting short. Goofey looks fine to me.”
My heart sank as I stood there holding him. I stared at the gold, orange, and red floral ring around his neck, a mixture of wildflowers in rich fall hues. “Where’d he get this fancy collar, anyway?” I asked.
Stephie came over to pet him. “His collar matches the wedding flowers,” she said. “That’s where.”
Fall wildflowers? Aargh! I stared at the three of us in our hotpink and silver beaded dresses. They hardly fit with the harvest bouquet theme. Mom would have a fit for sure.
“Three minutes and counting,” Stan said, poking his head into the room, handing over our wildflower nosegays. “Man, do they clash.” He frowned and shook his head as he closed the door.
I swallowed hard. This was supposed to be Mom’s special day. A day to remember. She’ll remember, all right. I looked at my watch. Time to line up.
In the hallway, I noticed Billy Hill, dressed up as never before. I’d invited everyone from the church youth group, but I was surprised to see him here, especially since he’d been avoiding Andie and me ever since he learned of her interest in Stan. He smiled as I walked past him toward the foyer of the church.
Mom stood nearby, just outside the double doors leading to the sanctuary. She held a bouquet of miniature sunflowers, and there was a matching floral bouquet near the altar.
She let out a tiny high-pitched squeak, seeing our dresses for the first time. Her hand flew to her mouth as she stared at us in horror.
The matron of honor, wearing honey gold, attempted to stifle a giggle. So did Carrie. Soon, Mom was holding her sides, laughing. It was a good thing the organ swelled to a loud crescendo right then. That was our cue.
I made my way down the aisle between the pews decorated with wildflowers displaying the brilliant shades of autumn. I was next. I thought of tossi
ng away my clashing flowers, but I definitely needed something to hold on to as I walked down the aisle.
A gentle wave of snickers crisscrossed the church as guests viewed the peculiar color combination. I cringed. This was all my fault. So much for the perfect wedding.
Halfway down the aisle, I winced. There sat Kayla Miller, wearing a dress exactly like mine! Exclusive, one of a kind deal? Yeah, right. I held my breath to keep from crying.
On the bride’s side of the church sat Danny with his parents. He was more than handsome in his brown dress pants and tan dress shirt. When he smiled, I knew we were still friends in spite of everything.
Two rows ahead of Danny sat Jared with Paula Miller. He looked amazing in a dark suit. But she was wearing another dress just like mine. My legs felt rubbery as I made my way to the front of the church.
This was outrageous. I wanted to hide under the altar. Instead, I took my place beside a large floral bouquet, turning to face the crowd.
Out there, in a sea of faces, Paula was grinning up at Jared. And what was he doing? Smiling right back at her. It was the last day of the scrutiny test, and he’d completely blown it.
THE TROUBLE WITH WEDDINGS
Chapter 18
In a total state of panic, I watched Carrie walk down the aisle. Behind her came little Stephie, with Goofey on a leash. A not-sosoft stream of laughter rippled through the crowd as they crept to the altar.
At last all eyes were on my mother as the organ swelled with the familiar wedding hymn. She wore the sweetest smile in the world, and I saw Uncle Jack’s gaze meet hers, never once taking his eyes off the radiant bride. Stan, the best man, and Phil and Mark stood at rapt attention.
“Dearly beloved,” the minister began as Mom took Uncle Jack’s arm at the altar.
A quick glance at Goofey made me shudder. He was curled up on the groom’s shiny black shoes. Uncle Jack pinched his nose closed with his right hand, stifling a sneeze. He searched first one pocket then another for a handkerchief.
Oh great, I thought, he’s forgotten to take his allergy pills.
Mom looked concerned, but Uncle Jack blew his nose and smiled. The ceremony continued.
Mark stood quieter than I’d ever seen him. Then I noticed he’d locked his knees. Mom had warned all of us at rehearsal, “Keep your knees slightly bent during the ceremony. Don’t forget.”
It was obvious Mark had forgotten.
While the vocalist sang “The Lord’s Prayer,” Mom and Uncle Jack bowed their heads, holding hands. Seeing them together like this gave me a warm feeling inside, even in spite of the clashing dresses and fall bouquets…and the cat’s presence at the wedding altar. And in spite of Jared sitting with Paula.
Just as the vocalist finished his last, long amen, Mark silently slumped to the platform. He must’ve blacked out. Mom gasped, and in a second, Stan scooped him up and carried him out. Uncle Jack remained calm and reassured Mom with a playful wink.
What else can go wrong? I swallowed hard, wishing this wedding were over.
The most solemn moment of the ceremony was about to begin—the repeating of the vows. Uncle Jack blew his nose for the second time.
When the minister asked, “Do you, Jack Patterson, take Susan Meredith to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Uncle Jack opened his mouth to say “I do,” but “Ah-ah, I, uh, ah-choo!” came out.
The guests applauded. The perfect wedding was turning into a three-ring circus.
Three rings are better than none, I thought as the latest problem presented itself. Stan was outside with Mark, and he had the ring!
“What token of love do you wish to present to your bride?” the minister asked.
Uncle Jack reached into his coat pocket. Then both pants pockets. I saw the twinkle in his eye. Was he trying to fool the audience? He shrugged his shoulders…no ring. Then, ever so slowly, he reached up behind Mom’s ear and with a grand flourish produced a cereal-box ring.
The guests burst into applause again. Things quieted down soon enough while Uncle Jack placed the fake ring on Mom’s finger, slightly above her elegant diamond.
They kissed longer than ever before. Finally the minister pre- sented them as Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Susan Patterson. The soulful strains of the recessional began.
Goofey refused to be led on his leash, so I handed my bouquet to Phil and reached down and carried the cat down what seemed to be the longest church aisle in history. The minute my feet touched the foyer, I raced to the ladies’ room. Goofey hid under a chair in the waiting area of the posh rest room. “That’s where you belong,” I whispered to him.
Andie showed up in a flash. “That was the coolest wedding,” she announced.
I stared at her in disbelief. “How can you say that?”
“Because it was.”
Kayla Miller came in, minus her usual grin, and glared at my dress. “My sister and I were told by the store manager that these were the only dresses like this in Denver.”
“Denver? You drove all the way there?” I said.
She nodded.
“No wonder,” I muttered, pulling on my braid.
“Hey, don’t let it bug you,” Andie said. “You’re so lucky, Holly. Your uncle Jack is one of the sweetest guys around.”
Kayla agreed. “Did you see how he pulled that crazy ring out of her mom’s ear?”
That’s all they could talk about—the wacky wedding. I slipped out of the rest room when they weren’t looking. The stress was making me hungry. Besides, I had to know what Jared was doing showing up with Paula Miller on his final day of the scrutiny test.
Heading for the reception hall, I hoped to sneak a snack. Mr. Ross, my science teacher, was working in the kitchen. Then Miss Wannamaker, my creative writing teacher, came around the corner, carrying punch glasses. Was this for real?
“Oh, hello there, Miss Holly,” Mr. Ross said, spying me. “What can I do for you, young lady?”
“Oh, nothing,” I said, sitting down, feeling dizzy.
“Look. She’s exhausted,” Miss W said, bringing a tray of hors d’oeuvres around.
“Did you have a good breakfast today?” Mr. Ross asked.
I remembered vaguely some juice and toast early this morning. I nodded. Didn’t want him to think I’d been neglected. Not on Mom’s wedding day, for pete’s sake.
Looking up at Mr. Ross, I noticed his hot-pink tie. Something was up! Mr. Ross owned only one tie that I knew of: The one he wore every single day of his life. Then I noticed his smudgy glasses were missing. He was wearing contacts, too. I looked from Mr. Ross to Miss W. They were smiling at each other, oblivious to me. So that was it. Mr. Ross was in love.
I took a bite of a cracker.
Behind me, I heard someone say my name. When I turned, I saw that it was Jared.
“Hey,” he said, sitting beside me. “Some wedding.”
“Yeah,” I whispered.
“I hope ours is half as much fun.” He winked at me.
I blushed. “You can’t be serious.”
“We have more in common than I thought.” He pulled the first issue of Sealed With a Kiss out of his pocket. “You are some writer, Holly.”
“Where’d you get this?” I asked, puzzled about the magazine.
He flipped through and located my story without saying a word.
There it was, in print: “Love Times Two.”
“Wow, I’m published.” My name was just under the title in medium-sized letters. I read halfway through before stopping.
“How’s it feel?” he asked.
“Fabulous.”
“Are you ready for this?” He turned the page.
I studied the two-page spread. It was a story called “Love Minus One.” The author’s name was Janeen Williams. I’d never heard of her.
“How do you like my new pen name?” he said with a grin.
I looked at him, frowning. “You’ve got to be kidding. Did you really write this?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.”
�
�Jared, you’re crazy.”
He was still smiling. “Let’s collaborate.”
“On a story?” I looked into his mischievous face.
“You figure it out,” he said as the rest of the wedding party made its appearance.
“Not till you explain some things first.”
“Such as?” he said.
“Why was Paula sitting with you during the wedding?”
“Oh that.” He scratched his head. “It was Paula’s idea. She came in and sat down. When I started to get up and leave, my dad gave me the evil eye…and you know the rest.”
Silly me, I believed him. “Well, as far as I’m concerned, Jared, you’ve passed STAN with flying colors. Whenever you want to start acting like your former self all the time—”
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll carry on as is,” he interrupted me, straightening his tie.
I gasped. “What did you just say, Jared?”
He stared blankly, trying to act innocent.
“Jared, what you just said…that was a direct quote from my story on metamorphosis for Miss Wannamaker’s class.”
He looked sheepish. “Uh, yeah, I guess it was.”
“What’s going on?” I demanded.
He began to tell about the day he’d snooped in my locker. “I noticed your locker door hanging open—and your essay was right there. That’s when I got the idea to change myself. Exactly the way you wrote it in your assignment.”
“Which explains why the pages were out of order. You rat!” Andie was right about one thing. I had created a monster. “Jared,” I stated simply, “STAN’s over now. You can cut the serious routine any time. Please?”
“Okay, Holly-Heart, how’s this?” he said, offering his arm.
“Much better,” I whispered, slipping my hand through the bend in his elbow as he escorted me to the receiving line. Then, with a wink, he stepped back into the crowd. I could only hope the scrutiny test monster was gone forever.
I took my place in the family lineup for the formal wedding photographs. Uncle Jack held the bride’s hand as the camera clicked. I’d never seen such love sparkles in Mom’s eyes. Perfect or not, this was a day to remember.
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