Now that she had hit her goal, though, she planned to enjoy herself at the wedding. Hell, she might even try to dance.
All five of them would be at the wedding, but Heather had been excused from bridesmaid duty. She had started the process of moving to Oconomowoc and was still overwhelmed by all the recent events of her life. Plus, she was still a minor celebrity, even in Wisconsin. The last thing she wanted was to take even a smidgeon of the spotlight from Carmen. She planned to quietly sneak into the back row right before the ceremony started and slip out before the reception got underway. Her family would keep the kids back home in Oconomowoc.
It was Elizabeth’s turn to have her hair done, and after thirty minutes she was feeling at least marginally more fabulous. Carmen snuck up on her and said, “Looking great!”
“Not bad for being so pregnant—but you still owe me bigtime for this,” replied Elizabeth.
“Besides giving you my unborn? Can’t top that gift! Hey, that reminds me. I have your bridesmaids’ gifts.”
Carmen left to retrieve the gifts and was back a few minutes later with a stack of three telltale-blue boxes.
“Okay, girls, open them together please.”
“Well, there’s nothing that comes in a box this color that isn’t fantastic,” Sara declared excitedly.
The three of them pulled off the white bows and lifted the blue lids simultaneously.
Inside their boxes was a small silver object, an artfully curving oval, strung on a thin chain.
“Oh, it’s lovely,” said Martha. “What do they call it?”
“I have no idea,” replied Carmen. “I’m calling it the bean. I bought one for myself and Heather too. It reminds me that we will keep growing and changing as long as we keep planting seeds for our future.”
“I love that,” said Elizabeth, tearing up. She cried at the drop of a hat these days. But she was genuinely touched by the gift.
“If you make me cry and ruin my makeup, I’ll never forgive you,” said Carmen as she glared at Elizabeth. “Get it together, woman. Now let’s get back to the important stuff—what color do we want on our nails?”
“Anything that distracts from the belly,” replied Elizabeth with a laugh.
One day I’ll be here with my little girl getting our nails done together, Elizabeth thought happily as she watched her friends evaluate the various nail colors.
CARMEN
Carmen felt nervous. And she felt stupid for feeling nervous. But there was something about the thought of a hundred pairs of eyes looking at you as you walked down the aisle that did make a girl anxious.
The setting was everything she had hoped for. They had considered a number of venues in the city. She had really liked a beautiful spot called Villa Terrace, but Paul was all about the food, so they ended up at Lake Park Bistro. The ceremony would be conducted outside with cocktail hour following on the beautiful stairs behind the restaurant, which ran down the gently sloping hill toward Lake Michigan. Finally, dinner would be served in the French bistro before dancing and cake.
Carmen had always fantasized about the perfect June wedding, but she now thought fall was an even better time, especially for a more sophisticated wedding like this one. She had put her mother in charge of the flowers and told her to use all her creativity to make a unique and beautiful look. To say her mom had delivered would have been a gross understatement.
Carmen’s bouquet was a masterwork. Her mother had rejected the typical white bride’s bouquet for a stunning arrangement of stems in deep fall shades. Carmen’s pale pink dress was made even more beautiful by the fiery flowers. The girls carried miniature versions of Carmen’s arrangement, and the venue was accented by larger versions in varied, unexpected arrangements. Definitely Pinterest-worthy.
Carmen heard her cue, but she felt like she couldn’t move. She stood frozen clutching her bouquet and looking for her father, who was going to walk her down the aisle. And then she saw him. He was walking toward her wearing his new Stetson. Her mom informed her not to worry about her dad’s attire because she had vetted it all in advance. Twenty years ago, she would have been annoyed by the hat. Now, she found it endearing. Same old Dad, she thought. The one guy I can count on not to show up a different person. She hoped he wouldn’t say something to make her cry. She had been on the edge all day.
“Ready, cowgirl?” he asked with a smile as he took her arm.
“Giddy up,” replied a grinning Carmen. And she started down the aisle and toward her new future.
MARTHA
Robert had been assigned the first reading of the wedding. It was a classic and one of Martha’s enduring favorites.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails . . .
No, it doesn’t, agreed Martha.
Martha felt closer to God now than she ever had before in her life, and certainly closer than she ever had when she was a doctor. Perhaps we get so caught up in our paid work and our kids’ schedules and our narcissistic pursuits that we make it impossible to let love in, thought Martha. She had certainly been pretty closed off. Hope had put her on a different path.
She was at the beginning of an exciting new phase in her life. She had begun to provide medical counseling and support for prospective adoptive parents of children with special needs. She had a lot to learn about the process and the organizations she would be working with, but she finally felt that the missing piece had fallen into place. She had found a way to use her hard-earned knowledge on her own terms.
She glanced at Hope sitting peacefully on her chair next to Bobby and Jack as she listened to the end of the reading.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Sometimes the old words are the best words, she remarked to herself.
SARA
Sara was listening to the reading as well.
Keeps no record of wrongs.
That’s a tough one for us married folk, she thought. Especially ones who are trying to split the work fifty-fifty.
She had really hated giving up the tracker. It had been comforting to have been able to assure herself that everything was fair. But it had been a wedge between her and Scott. Lists are almost never a prescription for happiness. Especially lists of past wrongs. Life is fluid, messy, and sometimes impossible to quantify. Sara knew the way forward for them was love and kindness, not measurement.
Happiness was a choice they were making every day, and she knew from past experience how easy it would be to have things go the other way. It was the little stuff. Carrying your dirty dish to the sink. Emptying the garbage just because you have a spare ten minutes. Folding the socks that end up in a jumbled pile in the laundry basket. Some days were certainly easier than others, but every day that they made the choice to love each other by doing, she felt their roots growing stronger as they continued to entwine, more unbreakable every day.
We’ve been at this an awful long time, she realized as she glanced at her children sitting in a neat line next to Scott in the audience, tallest to shortest. Her oldest was about ready to pass her in height. He would be off to college in five years. They would all be gone in about ten. And then it would be just the two of them, Sara and Scott, alone in the house, just as they had been in the beginning. If they kept going the way they were going now, she had faith the best was yet to come—graduations, marriages, grandchildren.
As Robert finished his reading, she cau
ght Scott’s eye. He smiled at her, and she smiled back, thinking how truly blessed she was.
HEATHER
From Heather Hall’s Twitter
Heather Hall @therealheatherhall · September 9
Sometimes people have to fall apart to realize how much they have to fall back together #favoritequotes #secondchances
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ELIZABETH
The wedding had been pretty perfect, Elizabeth decided as she propped her feet up on the chair next to hers. In addition to the indignity of the bridesmaid dress, Carmen had seated her at the “wedding party table.” To be fair, this was probably all Carmen’s mom’s doing. Elizabeth was relieved that at least she had chosen floor-length tablecloths. Her feet had been stuffed in heels (albeit, very low ones) for the ceremony, but they were now spread into flip-flops, and the throbbing was starting to ease.
Carmen was cutting the cake. Another perfect creation arranged by Mom. It featured five tiers, probably two more than she needed, and was thoughtfully accented with the same flowers that were in Carmen’s bouquet. She fed a small piece to Paul, and then it was his turn. Elizabeth always found this part of the ceremony very telling. Any groom that thought it was funny to smash the cake into the bride’s mouth gave Elizabeth great pause for the future of their union.
As expected, Paul was the perfect gentlemen, and as he finished gingerly feeding Carmen, the waiters swept the cake away to be cut and the DJ announced that it was time to dance. Up until this point, the music had been tastefully performed by a string quartet followed by a great local jazz band over dinner. But Carmen had insisted on a DJ for the dancing, over her mother’s strong objection.
As she heard the notes of the DJ’s first selection, Elizabeth threw back her head and laughed. “Bizarre Love Triangle.” What else could it be? She let the girls drag her onto the dance floor, and it felt like college all over again. She imagined that she was quite the sight for the audience.
The party was still going strong several hours later. Paul, William, Robert, and Scott were nowhere to be seen. They were probably enjoying a scotch and cigar outside, Elizabeth decided. The various children had been taken home or to their hotel hours ago by babysitters and by now should be safely tucked in their beds.
Elizabeth was ready to pack it in. The night was an unmitigated success, but it was time for her and her babies to go get some rest. And then, suddenly, she knew that she wouldn’t be going home tonight.
She looked around for William as calmly as she could. She spied Sara and pulled her aside, saying, “I need a ride. Like right now. And it would be great if that ride included my husband.”
Sara started to object but then suddenly nodded in understanding and took off to find the guys. Elizabeth sat down and tried to relax. William would be back in a few minutes, and then they could make their way to the hospital.
Carmen noticed Elizabeth and walked over to check on her. “Honey, you look tired. You should go home.”
“Actually, I need to make one stop first.”
Carmen sensed immediately what was happening and yelled loudly, “It’s time!”
Paul, Robert, William, and Scott appeared suddenly along with Martha, who had noticed the commotion. They all surrounded Elizabeth in a bit of a panic.
William said, “Elizabeth, I’ve had too many drinks. I really shouldn’t drive.” He looked over at the other three men.
“Same boat, man,” said Scott.
“Me too,” agreed Robert. “I never drink, but I was having so much fun . . .”
Paul shrugged. “Hey, it’s my wedding—what was I supposed to do?”
“Okay, so which of us three ladies is in shape to drive?” Carmen demanded.
Martha and Sara shook their heads, and Carmen sighed in exasperation.
Martha said, “I’ve only had two glasses of champagne, but I hardly ate at all today, and you guys know I’m a lightweight.”
Sara said a little drunkenly, “Not even close, sorry Elizabeth!”
“Okay, then,” said Carmen with a deep sigh. “Apparently I’m the only sober one at my own wedding. Good thing for all of you I was too nervous to drink today.”
The atmosphere shifted as Carmen took charge.
“This is what we are going to do. Paul, give me the keys to the truck. It seats three, so that’s me, Elizabeth, and William. Sara, stay here and get Paul a cup of coffee and a ride to the hospital. You’ll also need to get Scott to Elizabeth’s to relieve their babysitter. Paul, you need to call the travel agent and tell her we need to reschedule the flight to Bali for tomorrow. We’re having a baby tonight. Right, I think that covers it. Let’s get going.”
And with that, she grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and dragged her toward the parking lot.
“I’m coming with!” shouted Martha. “William, I’m voting you off the island. Your wife needs a doctor more than a husband. You come with Paul on the next bus. Sara, can you handle everything here?”
“Of course—go!” Sara replied.
“She’s going to be a kick-ass CFO,” Paul declared with a smile as his bride hustled Elizabeth out the door.
CARMEN
Carmen was behind the wheel of Paul’s black truck and was trying to figure out which hospital to go to.
“Columbia Saint Mary’s is right down the street,” Martha pointed out.
“No, no, that’s not where my doctor is! And not in-network. I’m not paying full freight for a twin birth,” wailed Elizabeth. “We need to get up to Mequon.”
“Christ on a cross,” said Carmen, and she headed for Interstate 43.
They made it no more than five miles when Elizabeth said, “Carmen, pull over, they’re coming now. I can’t make it stop.”
“Yes, let’s pull over,” agreed Martha quickly as she looked Elizabeth over. Carmen took the next exit and pulled into a strip mall right off the highway.
“Oh my God,” said Elizabeth. “My babies are going to be born at the mall. In a truck.”
MARTHA
Martha felt the old calm settle over her just as it did before every medical procedure. Although the last baby she had delivered was during her OB rotation many, many years ago. The champagne buzz was long gone. She was going to bring these babies into the world, safe and sound. And she was going to make sure Elizabeth was taken care of too.
Three lives, all in her hands. Just like old times.
“Carmen, call an ambulance,” Martha quietly instructed. “I’ll do what I can until they get here. Elizabeth, let’s put you in the bed of the truck and help you relax.”
Elizabeth looked at Martha like she was crazy, but she started to edge out of the truck. Carmen found some blankets in the front of the truck and tried to make things more comfortable for her friend.
Once Elizabeth was settled in the truck bed, Martha said, “I’m going to take a peek.”
After a few moments she said, “Okay, Elizabeth, you were right. Baby number one is crowning. Give a good push.”
“No, no. I’m scared, Martha. What if the babies don’t make it?”
Martha locked eyes with her old friend and said, “Elizabeth, I’ve got this, and so do you. Trust me, and trust yourself. Now push.”
Elizabeth bore down with all her strength, and a few seconds later she heard a strong cry.
“It’s a girl, Elizabeth!” cried Carmen.
Martha could hear the ambulance in the distance coming to rescue Elizabeth—and her, as well, if she was honest. Delivering twins was not exactly a run-of-the-mill event. Things were going well, but she knew all the risks with a twin delivery.
In mere minutes, the paramedics were rushing toward the three women. They tried to push Martha out of the way, but Martha quickly explained that she was a doctor and gave them quick orders for what she needed from the ambulance.
“Okay, baby number two is here. One more time, Elizabeth.”
And then another cry joined the first. This one was a little weaker, but thankful
ly still there.
“This one’s your boy!” cheered Carmen as she held her cell to her ear. She was on the phone now with the hospital, making sure they had a room ready for Elizabeth. Martha thought she heard her say, “Money is no object.” Good old Carmen, she thought.
After some awkward wrangling, the paramedics and Martha got Elizabeth and her babies into the ambulance. The vehicle quickly took off for the hospital and Carmen followed in the truck.
William, Paul, and Robert were there looking for them when they all rolled in.
“Where were you guys?” they demanded in unison, taking in the motley crew of Carmen and Martha.
“We had to make a pit stop,” said Carmen wryly. Everyone in the emergency department was taking in the disheveled layers of pink tulle. This was one they had never seen before.
“Robert, who is with Hope and the boys?” demanded Martha.
“It’s good—the babysitter is spending the night. She’s delighted actually. I promised her an obscene amount of money.”
“Where’s Elizabeth?” asked William anxiously.
“She and the babies are being taken to her room. Everybody’s healthy and happy,” replied Martha with a smile.
Robert looked over at Martha, and said “You?”
“Still got it!” replied Martha, her smile growing bigger. “I’m going to stay with Elizabeth and William for a while and make sure they have the right medical care lined up for them. Why don’t you guys go home, get some sleep, and maybe come back tomorrow.”
All the Right Mistakes Page 23
