“Um, what do you mean?” Brianna’s gaze narrowed. “You’re up to something, Sienna.”
“Are you saying we need to somehow change her mind?” I shook my head. “That’s not going to happen. She’s wanted a pink wedding for as long as I can remember. We’re not going to ruin this for her.”
“Did I mention I look terrible in pink? It totally washes me out.” Sienna rolled her eyes. “And anyone who’s anyone knows this season’s hot color is teal. You girls can talk her into that.” Sienna launched into a lengthy dissertation about how great teal looked against her tanned skin, but she lost me a few words into it. I would not be sucked into this game, no matter how much manipulation she used.
“Nope. We’re not going there.” I glared at Sienna.
She stopped cold and stared at me. “Huh?”
“We’re not going there. My sister’s going to have what she wants. End of discussion.” I pointed to the rack of pink dresses and pulled out a really cute mid-calf gown in a shade of pink that had suddenly grown on me. “I think Crystal will love this one. What do you girls think?”
With the exception of the cranky maid of honor, everyone agreed.
Soon we had plowed our way into the changing rooms and emerged, a quintet of—I admit—silly-looking, bubble-gum-pink bridesmaids. Well, not exactly a quintet. Sienna slugged her way out of the changing room with a scowl on her face.
Crystal loved the dresses and pronounced them, “Amazing! Perfect! Just what I always dreamed of!” Likely she didn’t see the somber look on her maid of honor’s face. Not that it would’ve mattered, anyway. My sister was far too busy narrowing her list of potential wedding gowns.
I slipped out of my bridesmaid dress and back into my jeans and T-shirt. Then I joined the other girls to watch as Crystal tried on dress after dress. Mama sat nearby, tissue in hand so she could dab her eyes, which she did repeatedly.
My grandmother, ever practical, shook her head a lot.
Until she saw the gown. From the minute my sister appeared in the gorgeous princess gown with full tulle skirt and Austrian crystal bodice, my mother and grandmother could scarcely speak a word. They were too busy wiping their eyes and sniffling. I found myself sniffling a little bit too.
So, I was surprised to see, was Sienna. In a moment of endearment, I slipped my arm around her shoulders and whispered, “It’s perfect, isn’t it?”
She shook her head and whispered back, “Perfect? Are you kidding me? It’s the farthest thing from perfect. I look awful in pink.” She rolled her eyes and then pulled out a tube of lipstick and smeared it across her pouty lips.
I pulled my arm away at once and did my best not to groan aloud. If this girl didn’t take her eyes off herself—and Derrick—this irritated southpaw might just have to throw her some fastballs and strike her out.
The first couple of weeks of March sailed by. I settled into a fun routine, working at the bank during the day and helping Crystal in the evenings. We pored through magazines, looking for ideas for everything from centerpieces to bridesmaids’ gifts, and we had a blast putting wedding plans in motion. I even helped her address wedding invitations. Talk about exhausting. But I didn’t care. Anything for my sister.
I felt closer to Crystal than I had in years, and I tried not to feel sad that she would soon be a married woman. Would we still get to share these precious sisterly moments we’d grown to love? I grabbed them while I could and hung on for dear life.
On the third Friday in March, I hosted a fun get-together for the bridesmaids to complete plans for the bridal shower, which would take place in April, a little less than a month before the wedding. We were also going to put together centerpieces for the event.
With Grandma Nellie’s help, Mama made a great dinner for everyone—grilled chicken Caesar salad and fettuccini. The girls arrived at six thirty. Well, all but Sienna. She told Cassie and me she’d be late, but no one commented on her absence, and neither did we. Weird. Maybe we were all just getting used to it by now.
As we settled in around the table, Crystal popped in just long enough to say hello. I sent her away in a hurry with a bit of a scolding. After all, the plans for the shower were top secret. She gave us a little wave, then headed out the door to meet Phillip for dinner, with a promise that she would return in time for some cheesecake.
The bridesmaids were in good spirits. Even Dad seemed to be in a great frame of mind. On the other hand, he did head into the living room to get away from all the estrogen at our dining table after Mama and Grandma left for their ladies meeting at the church. I didn’t blame him.
As we ate, I filled the girls in on the idea Cassie and I had come up with for the centerpieces.