Page 73 of Secrets at Seaside
“Oh, the tales I could tell,” Vera said with a playful shrug.
“Well, now that we havethatout of the way. When I get married I will just skip the whole not-seeing-the-groom routine and take the path to being cursed.” Sky laughed as she grabbed a patchwork backpack from the floor.
“I made you guys something.” The girls gathered around Sky as she dug through the bag and pulled out light blue garters with tiny silver starfish hanging from the lace edge. She handed one to each of the brides.
“These are so cute. Youmadethem? Thank you.” Amy threw her arms around Sky’s neck and kissed her cheek.
“You’re welcome! The starfish are from my mom’s sewing stuff,” Sky explained. “So I think that counts as something blue and something old.”
Jenna and Bella slipped theirs on while Leanna embraced Sky. “That was so thoughtful. Thank you.”
“Vera brought you guys something, too. Somethingoldandnew.” Jessica handed them each a little velvet bag from her purse.
“Vera, you didn’t have to give us anything,” Bella said.
“I know I didn’t. I had one made for Jessica before she married Jamie, and, Sky, I have one with your name on it, too.” Vera reached for Sky’s hand. “No rush, dear.”
Leanna, Jenna, Bella, and Amy opened the bags and shared a look of disbelief.
“Vera, I don’t know what to say.” Amy pulled the silver necklace with a pearl charm from the velvet bag. “This is stunning.”
“My uncle lived in Wellfleet. He was a fisherman, and he dove for pearls. I have a handful of them that he’d given me over the years.” Vera reached for Jessica’s hand and pulled her in close. “I knew when Jessica joined our family that they were meant to be shared, not stashed away in a safe.”
Jessica touched her pearl necklace. “Thank you, Vera. I will always cherish mine.”
“I know you will, dear.” Vera looked at the others. “I’ve known you girls practically since you were born. You’re as much family to me as Jamie is. I want you to have them. I feel so blessed to have been invited to share in your special day.”
The girls moved in for a group hug, and Joey rubbed against their legs.
“You’re as much our family as we are yours,” Amy said. “Thank you.” She and the others helped each other put on their necklaces; then Amy peeked out the window. “I still don’t see Theresa out there. Do you think she’s standing us up?”
“No way,” Jenna said. “She’d never do that. She texted a little while ago and said that she’s going to be here in time for the ceremony, but she’s running a little late.”
“Okay, good. If she doesn’t show up, we can’t get married.” Amy’s stomach felt queasy.
“She’ll be here, Ames. Don’t worry,” Jenna said.
“Uh oh,” Bella yelled.
“What?” Amy said.
“We have nothing borrowed. Does anyone have anything borrowed?” Bella spun around, waving her hands frantically. “We need something borrowed.”
“I know!” Leanna grabbed her purse and fished around in it. She pulled out three long ribbons—red, white, and blue—and smiled. “Jenna! Scissors!”
Jenna ran from the room and came back with a pair of scissors.
“We’ll cut this up and tie our hair back,” Leanna said.
“But I just did my hair,” Jenna complained.
“Oh, come on.” Leanna cut the ribbon. “Don’t be a spoilsport. Turn around.”
Jenna made a face, then snatched the red ribbon Leanna was holding in her hand and swapped it for the blue one.
“Give the red and white to someone who doesn’t have OCD. This way it will match my garter.” Jenna turned for Leanna to tie her hair back.
Sky tied Amy’s and Bella’s, and Jessica tied back Leanna’s hair.
