“I want to, but I can’t. P.K. and I have to put in at least another five or six hours to clean up that footage.” He walked over and took Hannah in his arms. “Have a nice meal and then get some sleep. You have to really nail it tomorrow in front of the hometown crowd.”
Hannah drew a deep breath. She hadn’t been a bit anxious before Ross had spoken. Now, all the uncertainties came rushing back, flying into her mind on strong wings of doubt. Was it too theatrical to wear the circlet of pearls and the short veil that Andrea had picked up for her in the bridal shop at the Tri-County Mall? Would the judges think she was using her upcoming nuptials to gain an unfair advantage over the other contestants?
“Here. I’ll put this back where it belongs,” Norman said, taking the treat canister from Hannah’s hand. “Go sit down, girls. The cats want to sit in your laps. I poured glasses of white wine for both of you. Your dinner is in the refrigerator and there’s plenty of shrimp for Moishe and Cuddles. I’ll be in the kitchen reheating our meal if you need me.”
Hannah glanced at the coffee table in front of the couch. Two glasses of wine were waiting for them. Suddenly she felt much better and her anxiety actually started to abate as she gave Ross a hug, sent him on his way, and walked over to take her customary place.
“Nice!” she said, taking a sip of the wine. “I don’t know much about wine, but I do know this isn’t Chateau Screwtop from CostMart. What is it, Norman?”
“I don’t remember, but I’ll bring the bottle to the table so you can look at it when you and Michelle have your dinner. I called to ask Sally what to buy, and she recommended it.”
“No wonder it’s good!” Michelle said. “Sally and Dick really know their wines.”
Hannah agreed. “Yes, they do, and so does Brooke. She was talking about the wine list at her brother’s restaurant last night.” Hannah stopped speaking as she remembered the curious way that Norman had worded his last comment. He’d said when you and Michelle eat, not when we eat. “Aren’t you joining us for dinner, Norman?” she asked.
“I thought you’d be too tired for company,” Norman said. “I was planning to take Cuddles home and fixing something for myself later.”
“But that’s ridiculous!” Hannah said immediately. “You’re right about how tired I am. And it’s true that I’m too tired for company, but you’re not company. You’re . . . well . . . you’re family.”
Norman looked a bit uncertain. “Are you sure, Hannah? I know you probably want to discuss tomorrow night’s competition with Michelle. Are you sure I won’t be in the way?”
“We’re sure,” Hannah turned to Michelle. “Aren’t we, Michelle?”
“Yes, we’re sure,” Michelle agreed quickly. “Set three places, Norman. Cuddles is going to be very disappointed if she doesn’t get at least three of those shrimp.”
Chapter Thirteen
The conflagration of butterflies was raging in Hannah’s stomach, causing a firestorm of nerve endings that made her feel as if she were teetering on the edge of a steep canyon with no way to save herself from tumbling into the abyss.
“Take a deep breath,” Michelle coached her. “Do it right now.”
Hannah took a deep breath. Perhaps it would help. The butterflies settled down a fraction, and that made her feel a bit better.
“Here.” Michelle handed her a bottle of water. “Drink just a little. Then take another deep breath.”
Hannah followed her youngest sister’s instructions. What could it hurt? She was going to fall off the edge and into oblivion anyway.
“Much better,” Michelle commented, smiling at her. “That particular shade of green didn’t go with your lipstick at all.”
It took Hannah a minute and then she laughed. “I was actually green?”
“You were. I’ve never seen anybody with stage fright that bad before. I thought you were going to pass out cold.”
“I felt like I was going to pass out cold.” Hannah took another deep breath and another swallow of water. “I’m a lot better now. Did you bring my veil?”
“It’s on the second shelf down, right by your left hand.”
“And the cake server?”
“It’s right next to the veil. Don’t worry, Hannah. Everything’s here. I checked it twice to make sure.”
Hannah gave a little sigh. “I suppose I have to wear the veil.”
“That’s right. You do. Lisa told me that if you didn’t wear it, Aunt Nancy would have a cow.”
Hannah smiled. And then she chuckled. And then she laughed. “Have a cow?” she asked.
“Yes. At least that what Aunt Nancy told Lisa. You’d better wear it, Hannah. If you don’t, who knows what might happen!”
“Thanks, Michelle,” Hannah said sincerely. “I’m not as nervous now.”