Page 19 of The Wedding Toast
“We can do it between us,” Elena agreed with Darlene.
“It’s not as though you’d have to be with her every minute,” said Jacob.“I just thought, if the two of you are open to the idea, I could bring them up here to meet you.Between the three of us, we can decide if it’s going to work – if this arch is going to be worth all the hassle.”
“I believe it will be,” said Elena, “and I’m happy to help with the little girl, or anything else you need.”
“I’m the same,” said Darlene.“But let’s meet them first.You don’t even know what the mother’s like yet, let alone the child.”
That made Jacob smile.Elena always had and always would do anything she could to help him out.And Darlene was a practical soul.She loved people, especially children.But she was prepared to look at the possible downsides – and to make him consider them, too.
“Thanks, ladies.I said I’d meet them at the gate at ten-thirty.I’ll go and get them.”
~ ~ ~
Becca’s hand came up to cover her heart as she watched Ava twirl around, making the skirt of her dress flare out.
“Isn’t it pretty?”Ava asked.
“It’s lovely,” said Becca, “but not as lovely as you are.”
Hannah nodded her agreement.“You look wonderful,” she told the little girl.“But more importantly, how do you feel?”
As Becca watched the two of them together, she felt as though she should take notes—for when – if – she was lucky enough to have a daughter of her own.Hannah was so good with Ava.She might not be her biological mother, but she’d come to be a wonderful mom to her.
Ava stood still and smoothed her hands down over the dress.“I feel okay,” she said cautiously.
Becca tilted her head to the side.“Only okay?Is there something that you’re not happy about?”
Ava dropped her gaze.
“What is it, sweetie?”Hannah asked.
“The dress is really pretty,” Ava assured Becca.“And I’m so happy that you asked me to be your flower girl.But…”
“But what?”Hannah asked gently.“It’s okay, you can tell us, you know.”
Ava nodded slowly.“I know, it’s just…” She glanced up at Becca before looking away again quickly.
Becca thought it best not to push, so she waited.Ava fiddled with her fingers before looking up again.
“Maddie said that only babies are flower girls.”
Becca did her best to hide her scowl.Maddie was a girl in Ava’s class at school, and she was always causing trouble.
“I thought we talked about not listening to the mean things Maddie says,” said Hannah.
Ava nodded.“I know, but…”
“But what?”Hannah asked, reaching out to touch Ava’s arm.
“I just wondered…” She turned to Becca.“Am I really too big to be a flower girl?Did you only ask me to be nice to me?”
“No!”Becca exclaimed.“When my sister got married, her flower girl was one of her best friends – and she was twenty-five.She didn’t think it was babyish.”
She glanced at Hannah.“But maybe things are different here in Napa?”
Hannah shook her head rapidly.“They’re not.It’s just Maddie trying to be mean, as usual.”
“Would you rather be a bridesmaid?”Becca asked.
