“Maybe it won’t be as bad as we think.” Concern flashed in my sister’s blue eyes. “Phillip’s father has connections. I’m sure he’ll help work out something. I hope.”
“Maybe, but it’s still going to shake Dad up. I mean, the food costs alone will be crazy. Are you sure you don’t want to get married at the church? Did you see how they did up the reception hall for Nikki Raymond’s wedding? It looked amazing, almost like a high-end wedding facility. It can be done. If we have time, I mean. Have you set a date?”
“Yes. Mid-May. That gives us just four months. But don’t worry, Mari. We’re definitely getting married at the church. The reception just won’t be there. Phillip’s parents probably wouldn’t like that. Remember, I told you what kind of lifestyle they’re used to?” For whatever reason, the sparkle in Crystal’s eyes faded as she spoke those words. Just as quickly, it reignited. “Anyway, it’ll be great.”
“Of course it will.” I did my best to sound reassuring and tried not to focus on the wide financial gap between our two families.
“Besides, I’m only getting married once. I want it to be amazing.”
“It’s going to be amazing, Crystal. And you, of all people, deserve the perfect wedding. You’re the most giving person I know. I can’t wait.”
“Me either.” She took a couple of steps in my direction and gave me a warm hug.
“So, um, have you given any thought to bridesmaids?”
“Of course! I’ve been dreaming about my wedding for years.” She released me from the hug and then listed several friends, cousins, and other relatives as possibilities, covering eight or nine people in the process. With each name, my heart felt a little heavier.
Hello? Did we forget someone?
“But I’ve limited it to five. One sister—”
Yes!
“—one cousin, and three best friends. One from high school, one from college, and one from church.” She turned and faced me. “I think that number is just right. Don’t you?”
“Yes, but one of them”—I paused and gave my sister a pointed look—“will technically be a maid of honor.” I cleared my throat and prayed she’d take the hint. “Right? So it’s really four bridesmaids and a maid of honor.” I squared my shoulders and waited for Crystal to confirm what I already knew in my heart.
“Right.” She nodded. “The maid of honor handles a lot—the bridal shower, a bachelorette party, and quite a few things on the actual wedding day. So choosing the right person is key.”
“Of course. And I—”
“I know Sienna will do a great job.”
“Oh, thank you, I—”
Wait. Did she say Sienna?
Crystal reached into her purse and came up with a piece of paper with a bunch of notes scribbled on it. “I know Sienna might seem like an odd choice, but I’ve known her since we met at camp as little girls, and she’s been my best friend ever since. Besides, I owe her. She’s the one who introduced me to Phillip, remember?”
“Well yes, but—”
“I know, I know.” Crystal gripped the note in her hand. “I can guess what you’re thinking.”
“You can?”
“Yes. She wouldn’t have been your first pick.”
“I . . . well . . . no.”
“She wasn’t really mine, either.” Crystal sighed and then took a seat on the sofa. “If you want the truth, Phillip’s mother suggested it. Sienna’s mom is one of her best friends.”
“You don’t have to bow to Mrs. Havenhurst’s wishes, Crystal. She’s not even the mother of the bride, and it’s your wedding.”
“I know.” My sister didn’t look convinced. She glanced at the note and then looked my way. “But I don’t like to stir the waters. I never know what to do when Phillip’s mother starts giving me her . . . opinions. Sometimes it’s easier not to debate her, you know? She doesn’t have a daughter, so she’s been kind of planning her son’s wedding for ages, I guess.”
“Well, yes, but again, it’s your wedding, not hers.” I took a seat next to her. “You should be able to have anyone you like stand next to you.”
“It’s okay, Mari. Really. Sienna is a little, well, self-centered and spoiled, but she’s a good friend, and she’ll do fine. I hope.” A little sigh followed. “But I know what you’re thinking. You would’ve picked Gillian, right?”
“Gillian?” Um, no.
“It’s true that I’m closer to her these days. We work together at the hospital, after all. I see her every day. I toyed with the idea of asking her. And I even thought about Cassie. She’s my favorite cousin, and we got really close on that last mission trip. And Brianna, of course, was my college roomie, and we certainly bonded over all those all-nighters, studying for exams. I just have so many wonderful people to choose from.”