Chapter 38
Chapter Thirty-Eight
We met Brad in the church parking lot on Sunday morning, then walked in together as a family. After a pleasant service, we paused to greet the priest in the vestibule on the way out. I introduced my parents and Rita before reminding him about our rehearsal at four p.m. on Friday.
He had a ready smile. “I’ll be there. Have you selected your music and readings yet?”
“We did,” I said, reaching for Brad’s hand, “but I wanted my parents to take a look at our program before printing it.”
“That’s fine, but let the parish secretary know your choices so I can prepare my homily. Do you have the contact information for our organist and cantor?”
“Yes, and I’ve been in touch with them.”
“Then you’re all set, and I’ll see you Friday.”
My mother stepped forward. “We don’t know you because my husband and I reside in Florida, but we hope you’ll join us for the reception. Would you be kind enough to deliver the blessing?”
He glanced at Brad and me, probably thinking he’d only met us a few times. Still, he replied, “I’ll be happy to participate. Let me know the details, and I’ll be there.”
I heard Rita say to my mother, “He seems nice. Let’s hope he keeps his message short and sweet on Saturday.”
Mom nodded her agreement, yet her expression indicated that she hadn’t yet determined how to respond to Rita’s remarks. It had taken me a while, though I’d learned when to toss them back to her. I let the latest one go because I, too, wanted a short sermon for my wedding.
Brad had made reservations for brunch at a restaurant near the church, which worked out perfectly with timing and good food. We talked about places to visit, and I recommended Valley Forge.
“I did my first travel article at the historical site,” I said, “so I can give you a great tour.”
“I’d like to go there,” Rita noted, “but I can’t walk very far.”
“We’ll drive through, and maybe visit the chapel and Cabin. That should take us most of the afternoon.”
Brad eyed everyone around the table. “Don’t forget, there’s an Eagles’ football game at four. Come on over to my house when you get back, and we’ll make it a tailgating party.”
I could see my dad liked the idea, and figured it would solve the TV problem at my apartment, so I readily agreed. I wasn’t sure if Brad could pull it all together, but I didn’t have to organize it. Anyway, we’d make it work.
To my surprise, Rita gave her full endorsement. “When I first moved to Stone Harbor, we did things like that all the time.”
“We were Washington fans,” Dad noted, “but I can support the Eagles, if they’re any good.”
“They have a nice lineup this year,” Brad said. “Anyway, it’ll be fun.”
“Yes, it will,” my mother heartily agreed.
I stifled a laugh because she never liked watching sports. I suspected she wanted to see the inside of Brad’s home, which was fine because it presented well and we’d have plenty of room.
I felt happy to make it through another day with enjoyable activities, and wanted to kiss Brad for his party suggestion.
For a guy with PTSD who didn’t like organizing things, he was doing a pretty good job of entertaining my parents.
In fact, to my relief, he seemed to really like them, and vice versa.
That evening, I had an opportunity to get Brad’s feedback on what to do with Heather and Wyatt should they decide to stay with us before the wedding. Without hesitation, he offered his guest room.
My mother overheard us. “You haven’t called her yet?”
“No, because I wasn’t sure where to put her and Wyatt. I wanted to talk to Brad first.”
“Why not buy a queen-sized bed for one of the other rooms on the second floor of the apartment? Your father and I wouldn’t mind a little company up there, and you’ll need furniture anyway since you plan to rent.”
“We could, but Brad and I hadn’t yet determined our next steps.”
Rita added her two cents. “Put a TV up there and connect it to cable. Your guests need some amenities.”
Brad caught my eye. “You’re our VP of Finance, so do your thing. Besides, your dad thinks we should get those steps installed as soon as possible.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. “Really?”
Apparently, my dad had offered to oversee the project and they planned to notify Jerry Caldwell the next day. Once we sorted all of that out, I announced my intention of furniture shopping on Monday. “We need a bed, a sofa, and a TV. Who’s with me?”
Mom jumped on it. “Don’t forget sheets, comforters, and towels. Pillows, too.”
I laughed. “Got it, and I know where we can go for all of that at a decent price.”
As if on cue, my phone rang with a call from Heather. This time, I had a plan. Heading to a quiet spot in the kitchen, I greeted her with a cheerful hello.
“Sorry I’ve been missing-in-action,” she said. “I guess you heard that I had to divert a catastrophe.”
I didn’t want to put it in the context her daughter had used, so I simply replied, “Only that you needed to go to Philadelphia.”
She paused before saying, “Yes, that summarizes it. Alicia told me she’s staying with Brad’s sister, and that thrilled me. She seems to be enjoying their family and the horses.”
“I think so,” I said. I relayed that we’d gone for poker night on Saturday, though we hadn’t played cards. “You know Rita. She likes to go to bed early.”
She chuckled softly. “That’s true. You probably have a full house, but I’d like to come, even if I have to sleep on the floor.” She didn’t mention Wyatt, and that worried me.
“You’re my bridesmaid,” I exclaimed. “Of course I want you here.” I hesitated a moment before asking, “Will Wyatt be able to join you?”
“He’d like to, if you have room for both of us. I hate to say this, but he’d prefer to avoid my daughter, if possible.”
That sounded worse than I’d imagined. “Sure,” I said. “We have several options available, depending on your arrival date.”
She laughed. “You sound like a hotel desk manager. When is your wedding rehearsal?”
“Friday at four, but I’d like you here before that. Brad has offered you the guest room at his home, but I think you’d have more fun staying with the rest of us in the manor house.”
“Isn’t that the Quality Landscapes shop now?”
“Yes,” I said, “but we’re fixing up the second floor to use as a rental property. Mom, Rita, and I are going shopping tomorrow, and we just have to figure out a way to get everything set up fast.”
“We can help with the setup,” Heather offered, “if you can get a bed delivered. If not, we’ll take Brad’s offer.”
In the end, we left the date for Heather’s arrival with Wyatt up in the air until after our shopping trip. By then we’d know when the furniture would be delivered, and whether or not they’d stay with Brad or me.
I returned to hear cheers about an Eagles’ touchdown in the third quarter of the game, then waited for everyone to settle down. “That was Heather,” I remarked casually.
“And?” Brad prompted.
“She and Wyatt will be here whenever the furniture will be delivered to Quality Landscapes.”
Rita beamed with the news. “Did you tell her she could stay with Brad at his house? It’s pretty nice over here.”
“Yes, although they’d prefer to spend time with you and my parents. Regardless of where they stay, I’m so glad Heather will be with Brad and me on our wedding day.”
Mom agreed. “Me, too, honey. She’s the reason you found joy again.”
Our eyes connected and I smiled because she understood.