Page 42 of A Nantucket Wedding

Poppy didn’t gush or even smile. “Is that appropriate?”

“Appropriate?”

“Aren’t the flower girls part of the bride’s side?”

“Well, yes, I suppose, although I haven’t read a rule book. But you know, my wedding to David is more about a wonderful celebration. We can kind of throw the rule book away.” When Poppy didn’t respond, Alison continued, “And I’m hoping my grandchildren and David’s will become friends.”

Still watching her children, Poppy said, “That depends on how my father changes his will.”

Alison straightened her back. “I don’t understand.”

“Dad’s told us he’s changing his will. He wants to be certain that you’retaken care ofin case he dies before you.” Poppy snapped her head around to glare at Alison. “And of course he will die before you, it’s a statistical reality that men die before women.”

“Poppy, believe me, I hope I die before David. I can’t imagine being happy without him. But also, David and I have never discussed his will.”

“I know. He said you’re all airy-fairy about money.”

“Your father said I’m‘airy-fairy about money’?”

Poppy sighed loudly. “He might not have used those exact words, but he doesn’t think you care about money.”

“Well, I don’t! I mean, of course I do, but I’m perfectly fine financially and my needs are modest. Please don’t think I’m marrying your father for his money. I’ve never cared that much about wealth, and at my age, I’ve learned what’s important and it’s not money. I never imagined I’d meet such a wonderful man and fall so deeply in love. It’s almost miraculous that he feels the same way about me. Money simply doesn’t come into it.”

Poppy rolled her eyes. “So my father’s becoming as fiscally irresponsible as you. I think you should talk to him about all this.”

“I think you and Ethan and I should talk to David together.”

Poppy relaxed. “All right. We’ll do that.”

Alison played with her engagement ring and tried to gather her thoughts.

“Poppy, I really wanted to talk to you about your gown for the wedding.”

“Good. Dad told you why you need to wear a long gown?”

“No,” Alison responded calmly, “he told me whyyou wantto wear a long gown. I’ve already chosen my gown and had it altered to fit. I’m sorry I didn’t speak with you about this before, but it was only a few weeks ago that I talked to my own daughters about their dresses. Everything’s happened so fast.”

“It sure has,” Poppy agreed sourly.

Not to be derailed, Alison continued, “So I’ve gone through some bridal magazines, and checked on some websites, and you know these days, anything goes.”

Alison reached into her bag and took out several bright pages torn from magazines. She tried to hand them to Poppy. Poppy didn’t take them.

“So…you see, on this page, the attendants are wearing four different lengths of dresses. And here, an attendant is wearing gorgeous palazzo pants. You could wear those with an expandable waistband so you’d be comfortable. And a beautiful tunic over them.”

Poppy actually turned her head and looked at the page. She took it in her hand. “You’re right. Something like this might work.”

Alison was so relieved to hear those words she nearly fell off the bench.

“But there’s another problem,” Poppy said.

Dear Lord, what now?Alison thought.

“I don’t want to wear pink. It doesn’t look good on me, not with my strawberry-blond hair.”

Alison was prepared for this. “Then don’t wear pink, Poppy. I mean, your father and your brother are wearing tuxes. You’re really an attendant for your father, so you could wear black.”

Poppy met Alison’s eyes, squinting as if to read her motives for this suggestion. “Hm,” Poppy said finally. “Yes. I think I’d like to wear black to your wedding.”

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