We have lunch at the club every other Sunday, when it’s closed. One of the chefs there, Tim, lets us come in and help him cook. We wash and chop and talk about our week. Dad and Viv like hearing about my classes and friends. They come to all my soccer games.
I love spending time at Dad and Viv’s place in the city. I spent a week there over Christmas and we shopped for the perfect tree. Dad carried it home over his shoulder and we decorated it pink and purple. We played games and wrapped presents and Viv helped me make a Christmas ornament and decorate a picture frame to give to Mom for Christmas.
It was hard for Mom at first, when she was all alone. She was afraid of losing me, even though that could never happen. No one means more to me than Mom. But eventually she saw how happy it makes me to be with Dad and Viv. Now she likes it when I spend time with them.
I get to the end of the aisle and Dad reaches up to wipe the corner of his eye. His friend Jeff claps him on the shoulder. I smile at him and take my place at the end of Viv’s row of bridesmaids.
Being maid of honor is a pretty big deal. I still can’t believe Viv asked me. She said there was no one else she’d rather have. I love her. She’s beautiful and sweet and so in love with my dad.
Everyone stands and turns toward the end of the aisle. I hear happy sighs, and I know why when I see Viv. She looks like a princess. Her strapless white dress glitters with all the pearls and beads sewn into it. It fits her so perfectly. Her dark hair is piled into curls on her head just like mine, and she wears a tiara that’s just a little bigger than mine.
When I look at Dad, my eyes burn with tears. He’s crying and smiling at the same time. Viv’s dad is crying, too. He shakes Dad’s hand and kisses Viv when they reach the end of the aisle.
I’m picturing Dad walking me down the aisle one day. Maybe Jeremiah Pennington will be standing there waiting for me. He’s a grade ahead of me in school and he doesn’t exactly know I exist yet, but I have plenty of time to change that.
Viv turns to hand me her bouquet of white roses. I smile up at her and she reaches for me with a hug. I thrust the bouquet out to the side so it won’t get squished. I’ve got one job–to hold the bouquet during the ceremony, and I’m not blowing it.
Viv’s friend Cara, who is the bridesmaid standing next to me, takes the bouquet so I can hug Viv. Phew. Viv already told me she’s got another bouquet to throw at the reception. She’s giving this one to me, and I want to keep it looking as perfect as it does right now.
“I love you, Brook,” she says softly.
“I love you, too.”
I can’t wait for her to be my stepmom. I hope her and Dad have kids so I can have brothers and sisters. I’m a good babysitter.
Viv wipes the corner of her eye, takes the bouquet from Cara and turns to Dad. He takes both her hands and brings them up to his mouth, kissing them. I hope Jeremiah Pennington will look at me this way someday. Dad adores Viv. He says she saved him from himself. She says it all started with him saving her, though.
They both cry as they say their vows to each other. Seeing my big strong, dad cry makes me cry, too. I’ve never cried when I was happy until now. It’s kind of weird.
When it’s time for the kiss, Dad kisses Viv nice and sweet, but then he wraps an arm around her waist and dips her back, still kissing her. Everyone laughs and claps. Dad and Viv are laughing, too. My dad is serious a lot of the time, but he’s got a fun side.
I’m going to dance with him at the reception. As soon as he finishes the first dance with Viv. When it’s over, they’re taking a private plane to the Bahamas for their honeymoon. I wish I was going, but Mom told me all couples need to go on a honeymoon alone. Also, I’m pretty sure I know what they’ll be doing, and I wouldn’t want to be in the same hotel while that was going on. Gross.
Dad and Viv are taking me to Disneyworld for a week in two months. That’ll be more fun than the Bahamas, anyway.