Chapter 41
Chapter Forty-One
Rita and I sat at my kitchen table to drink our second cups of coffee after breakfast the next morning.
Heather and Wyatt went out to explore the countryside, while Mom and Dad drove my car to the local appliance store.
I tried to gather my thoughts for a magazine blog while she continued to slice into a crumb coffee cake.
Munching on tidbits, she remarked, “Has Brad’s sister had any breakthrough with Heather’s daughter?”
“I don’t know, but it’s not my worry.”
“It’s mine,” she said, “because my grandson’s involvement with Heather caused it.”
I slowly shook my head. “Not necessarily. I agree Heather’s not herself, but she and Wyatt mutually chose to date. Alicia needs to get over it.”
“Right, although my grandson should show empathy. He sometimes seems to be lacking in that department.”
“I don’t know that Alicia has been very nice to him, and that may have caused tension. Why are you so concerned?”
“I don’t want conflict on your wedding day.”
I chuckled. “Me, either, which is why I intend to let them handle their own drama. I’m happy you and my parents are here with me, and I’ll have Brad at my side. I can’t ask for any more.”
“I get it,” she said with a firm nod. “Are you ready for this afternoon’s rehearsal?”
“Brad and I should have eloped.” I gave her a silly grin. “I’m kidding, but there’s just so much to deal with this week.”
She nodded. “I understand. Do you want to practice now?”
“Practice for my rehearsal? No, thank you.”
“You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
I reached for a piece of crumb cake and popped it into my mouth. “We’ll see. Would you like to take a walk with me?”
She gave a regretful smile. “Not really. Do you mind if I tidy the kitchen, then do a load of wash? I’ve already worn just about everything I packed.”
“Not at all. After I clear my head, I need to write this week’s blog, then it’ll be time for lunch.”
I placed my breakfast dishes in the sink and grabbed my fall jacket from the hook by the kitchen door while she closed the lid on the coffee cake.
She had settled into my routine fairly well, and we enjoyed each other’s company.
Even better, she and my mother liked to gab and they often spent time each afternoon in the den for “girl talk” under the guise of wedding planning.
It worked for them—and me. Sometimes I joined them, but more typically, I caught up with my blog or planned my next trip.
Earlier in the week, I called my boss, Elsa Kroger, to ask if I might write my next article on Cancun, and she enthusiastically agreed.
We didn’t discuss the travel stipend because I had no intention of asking the magazine to pay for my honeymoon.
While briskly walking the circular driveway, I mused about the position Elsa had offered me nine months prior. I’d accepted it only because it gave me some financial security, yet I slowly had become more comfortable traveling beyond my usual boundaries. I felt proud about that.
Those thoughts gave me the motivation to settle myself at the kitchen table and write the latest episode for publication.
That deserved credit, too. After all, I had my wedding rehearsal in six hours.
My pipe dream of writing a novel, however, went on the back burner.
I wouldn’t get around to it anytime soon.
Surprisingly, our rehearsal went well, probably because the priest directed us step-by-step and I didn’t have a large wedding party.
Brad’s sister served as matron of honor and her husband was best man, which simplified things.
Since Heather was a bridesmaid, we asked Wyatt to serve as a groomsman, and that kept us to an even number.
I didn’t bother to ask if he had a navy blue suit though I heard Mike mention to him what he should wear.
Dad cracked a few puns during our walk up the aisle, yet I felt misty-eyed when he put my hand in Brad’s at the sanctuary. I liked that he and Mom had an unobstructed view of our exchange of vows from the first pew, but they also could see our kiss to seal the deal. That could be embarrassing.
Afterwards, we had early seating at a restaurant known for its expensive entrées and large portions. Rita asked Brad to make reservations “at the fanciest place in town,” and she’d pay for our meal as a wedding gift. I thought it would cost too much for seven of us, but she insisted.
My parents ordered two bottles of wine for the table which the waiter poured while we waited for our appetizers.
Dad raised his glass. “I could say something schmaltzy, but I’d rather tell Brad and Jodie that we’re all here to support them as they begin their journey together.
May your love grow stronger with every day and may you cherish the moments that bring life to your marriage. ”
“Here! Here!” Rita exclaimed exuberantly.
I clinked glasses with my fiancé, on my right, then with my dad on my left. Heather, across from me, raised her glass as she placed a hand on her heart. I assumed that meant she was happy to have brought Brad and me together.
After our toast, Rita asked Wyatt if he and Heather found any nearby places of interest when they explored the countryside. I could only hope she didn’t intend to cause a stir.
He gave a nervous chuckle as he gazed at Brad’s sister. “We popped in to say hello to Heather’s daughter today.”
“Oh?” I questioned. Rita caught my eye with a pronounced nod. “How did that go?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Not bad,” Wyatt replied, looking for help from Heather.
She smiled cryptically. “Ali showed us the horse she rode this week, and I want to publicly thank Angela and Mike for letting her stay with them. She seemed really happy.”
“She’s a trooper,” Angela said, returning the smile. “Alicia mucked stalls, fed my two horses every day, and rode Ranger for exercise. All she needs is for someone to listen to her concerns.”
Heather frowned. “Believe me, I’ve tried. She’s convinced I deserted her father when he needed me, and I won’t listen to that nonsense.”
Mike intercepted. “This isn’t the time or place, so let’s move onto a different topic.”
“We probably should talk about it,” Rita quietly remarked. “Alicia’s not a child any longer, and she should understand that relationships can change.”
“It goes beyond that,” Angela replied softly. “I can’t share what she’s told me, but she needs her mother.”
Heather sighed. “What am I supposed to do? She either doesn’t want to talk with me, or she’s belligerent.”
Our waiter interrupted our discussion to ask for our orders, and we hurriedly complied. I literally wanted to escape with Brad, but all I could do was reach for his hand under the table.
My mother may have sensed my rising anxiety because she announced that they’d purchased a refrigerator, microwave, and stove for the upstairs apartment. “They’ll arrive while you’re in Cancun, but your father and I will make sure they’re all set in place and working before we leave.”
I smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Mom and Dad.”
“Don’t forget about the washer-drier combo,” Dad said. “It should fit nicely in the space from the closet.”
Brad nodded. “Thank you. I can work on the cabinets when we get back from our honeymoon.”
“Not necessary, son. I’ve contracted with the Caldwells to finish the project. From what I’ve seen, you’re a talented guy and could do the work yourself, but let us help you get renters as soon as possible.”
“We appreciate your generosity,” Brad said humbly, giving my hand a squeeze. I echoed his sentiments as the waiter brought our entrées and I couldn’t have better expressed our gratitude.
I knew, without a doubt, I fell in love with the right guy.
Between discussions about the second floor renovation, the photographers, our reception, and honeymoon, we didn’t return to the conversation about Heather’s daughter.
Alicia wasn’t in the wedding party, so she hadn’t needed to attend the rehearsal.
She would, however, come to the next day’s festivities, as would Brad’s nephews, and I hoped she’d like her seating arrangements.
Our waiter stopped by to suggest dessert specials, but none of us could eat another morsel. Rita told him she’d like the check, and she beamed with pride when we all thanked her for treating us to a fabulous celebration with a delicious meal. I was beyond grateful.
As we gathered our things to leave, I heard Wyatt suggest to Heather that they go to his condo for the night so he could pick up his navy blue suit. I didn’t hear her response because Brad had whispered in my ear, “One more night apart,” and I snuggled close to him.
Things became complicated in the parking lot.
Apparently, Heather told Wyatt that she’d taken Angela and Mike’s invitation to stay the night at their house so she could spend time with Alicia.
He didn’t look happy, but he left after giving his grandmother a farewell kiss.
My parents drove Rita back to the apartment with my car, and I went with Brad.
“Peace at last,” I said with a sigh, sliding into the passenger seat of his truck. “That was a really nice rehearsal dinner.”
He leaned in for a kiss. “I thought so, too. Are you getting excited for tomorrow?”
I pressed my lips to his again. “I can hardly wait.”