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Ever so eager to help, our assistant came over and started shaking out the contents from its protective covering. Her hands pulled at the material as she tried to fix it. “Let me try and adjust this bustle, and you’ll see...” she murmured, her tongue poking out the corner of her mouth.
I was worried that our new companion might mess up the delicate lace, but I didn’t want to make her feel bad.
Was I imagining things? Printed in bold letters, the label read, MADE FOR YOU BY: Berta.
“Oh no, he didn’t.” Tears of joy pooled before spilling down my cheeks.
Clover’s gaze was intense. She brushed a hand over my arm and tilted her head. “What is it, Faith? Is everything alright?”
Luna peered at the tag of the garment, unable to hide the fact she knew perfectly well what was taking place, “A Berta wedding gown. And what do you know? It’s your size.”
My sister’s voice had a distinct edge of impatience. Her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on my friend as if she was the only one responsible for this mess. “Come on Luna,” she responded, her tone heavy with disdain. “Enough with the enigma.”
“He’s so crazy!” I blurted out and a hot tear dripped off of my chin.
“Okay,” Clover continued and tried to make a joke out of it. “But a Berta. That’s good crazy, right?” She wiped away my tears. “Why are you crying?”
“I can’t believe he remembered this,” I said, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.
My chest tightened as I recounted. “I don’t recall when the conversation began, but we discussed a ceremony if there had been more time. Before our baby was due and before I had to get insurance fast. Then he bombarded me with queries about my perfect wedding dress. He’s such a sneaky snake!”
Melinda murmured, “If that’s what it means to marry a serpent, sign me up. I’m ready to be slithered.”
Clover rubbed her hand across my back, her comforting words speaking volumes. She had a way of saying exactly what I needed to hear. “Just because no dude ever paid you the attention you deserve, doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of a man like your husband. He’s your one true love. That’s what soulmates are for,” she soothed. “So. Are you getting married today or what?”
I gulped hard. “Sorry for blubbering, you guys. He really caught me off guard with this surprise.”
Our helper expressed her opinion with a grin, “Mr. Palmer’s intention, no doubt. I’d better fetch a few more boxes of tissues. This is only the tip of the iceberg.”
“Melinda?” My sister’s tone was solemn. “We’re going to need more champagne.”
“Did someone say bubbly?” My mom spilled into the room holding Tabitha.
Right away my baby stretched her pudgy arms out to me, opening and closing her tiny fists, “Mama!” dhe exclaimed. I hugged her, admiring her frock of the softest pastel fabric. Its bodice adorned with miniature felt flowers in shades of blush, coral, and cream.
“Isn’t she the cutest little flower girl ever?” asked Gram, taking a good gulp of her bubbly.
My voice was measured, “You knew about all this?”
Mom answered—Grandma was still swigging her drink. “Not until last night. Keeping this from you was a killer. Wait until you see the venue outside!”
“Shh,” My gran hissed. “Top secret!”
Hours later, I’d been preened and primped to perfection. As I descended the stairs, Dad stood in an alcove, tears filling his eyes. Wiping them away with a hanky, we waited for the ceremony to begin.
He smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness, as he said, “My baby girl is getting the wedding she deserves.”
I quipped back, “Your girl who already has a husband and a child?”
He chuckled and kissed my cheek, and through the window, I picked up a sound I couldn’t place.
Then I made out the chamber music version of a song I had listened to on repeat for years. The lyrics got me through tough times whenever I felt isolated or misunderstood because of my impulsive behavior. The slow violins harmonized in the air, plucking at my heartstrings.
The tune stirred the soul and spoke of hope, reminding the listener that they were stronger because of their struggles.
Gilded light cast a golden glow over the picturesque site on a clifftop overlooking the ocean. White folding chairs formed neat rows on a lush green lawn, chock-full with loved ones, and a path strewn with pink petals led to an elegant gazebo adorned with billowing ivory fabric and garlands of blush roses and opal orchids.
I strolled down the aisle arm-in-arm with my father. Sia’s ‘Titanium’ resounded from the string quartet, the soundtrack leading to many more wonderful experiences with Riley by my side.
