Page 20 of The Leaves In Autumn
“Okay, okay. Enough already.”
All conversation about the wedding stops. All parties are satisfied.
For the rest of the hour, in between the story of Dove’s craziest fans and two glasses of Spanish wine, I surreptitiously observe the woman. While enjoying a Montana Burger, I consider my choices. One thing I like. She treats the customers and staff the same. Respectfully.
She is kind. Attractive. Independent as far as I can see. Good on paper. I’ll keep it in mind. In case.
CHAPTER 6
Barbra
It’s an interesting bridal shower that has little to do with the wedding. Some of the bridal party, and a handful of friends on either side, are the Lyon’s guests at Sabine’s French Restaurant. It’s so pretty here. Look at them all, anticipating honoring the betrothed. The surprise will be on them.
My date comes up with a real conversation starter.
“I haven’t been here before,” Michael says.
And?
The lovebirds stand.
“Can we have your attention! People!”
The table quiets. Van puts an arm around Layla and draws her close.
“First off, our celebrity in residence, Dove, has a surprise for everyone. In honor of the nuptials taking place in July, she has invited you all to be her guests at Montana’s concert on June eighteenth at The Fieldhouse in Bozeman!”
Happy and excited voices react. David records the moment. Sam does too.
“And we’ll all be in the VIP section at the front of the stage.”
“So cool!”
“Thank you! I can’t wait!”
“Thank you, Dove.”
“You’re welcome. It will be crazy fun!”
“Now my beautiful bride has something she wants to say!”
Layla looks pretty tonight. Beautiful. Maybe it is because of the well of happiness she feels. I have never seen my sister looking so made of joy. Makes me want to cry a little, but I’m trying to find the fun with Michael here. Crying is not the way to go. Having to look for the pull, makes me crazy. My smart self is alerted. Okay. I see it. That red flag is beginning to rustle.
“First of all, thank you for being here tonight, to help celebrate our upcoming wedding. And thank you to my sister-in-law in waiting, Dove, for such a generous gift. I lucked out in the in-law department, that’s obvious. I’m especially happy to have my boys here. Tyler and David. And my sister, Barbra. I love you all so much.”
“Love you too, Mom!” Tyler calls.
“But my family, and Van’s, have been holding a little secret from our friends.”
You can hear a pin drop. Van looks about to burst. Layla gives him the go ahead, with a nod.
“Despite what you know about me, I have somehow hit the jackpot with Layla. Not only are we going to have a wedding, but we’re also going to have a baby!”
“I’m three months pregnant!”
She shouts it as if there’s a fire and everybody must run. In the next room, I see heads turn and laugh. It stuns some at this table, others ohh and ahhh. A few of the women’s eyes become misty. Despite the fact this is not news to me, I’m one of them. Layla and I lock eyes and exchange a silent acknowledgment of the weight of the moment.
Van’s old friend from school calls across the table. “You found someone to agree to procreate with you? Congratulations!”
