“See for yourself.” Barely able to contain her excitement, Kat stood and pulled the last item from the canvas bag.
As the silvery fabric unfurled, sunlight shimmered off the intricate beadwork, causing it to glitter like diamonds.
Penny sucked in a breath as the feathery hem floated to the floor.
“What do you think?” Kat asked, smiling wide. “I’m pretty sure you two were the same size.”
“You mean…” Penny met her gaze, her eyes glistening.
“I think she would’ve wanted you to have it.”
As a solitary tear slid down her cheek, Penny gently brushed the feathers with her fingertips. “Remember how I told you my father described Helena as some magical creature out of a fairy tale?”
Kat nodded.
“He said she had a haunting, angelic voice and enormous, billowing wings that could carry them through the stars.” Another tear followed the first, but she didn’t wipe them away. “I never told anyone this, but I’d always imagined her wings were silver, as though they’d been dipped in stardust.” Lost in her thoughts, she caressed the soft plumes.
“Do you want to try it on?” Kat asked gently, touched by her sister’s story.
“More than anything,” she murmured, then her expression brightened. “But first, I just had an impulsive, irrational, and completely wonderful idea.” She bolted from the chaise lounge, suddenly bursting with energy.
“What is it?” Kat asked cautiously, wary of her sister’s abrupt change in demeanor. Not to mention the wild glint in her eyes.
Even Chip looked concerned as he poked his head out of his enclosure to watch Penny pace the carpet.
“It would require some last-minute planning, which isn’t ideal. But it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Of course, we did just have Frank and Beverly’s wedding, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if—”
“Whoa! Hold on,” Kat interrupted. “I’m not following you.”
“I want to get married on Christmas Day!” Penny cried, clasping her hands in excitement. “At the chapel. Just like my parents.”
Stunned, it took Kat a minute to respond. “You realize that doesn’t give you much time to prepare.”
“Yes, but we wouldn’t need a lot! We could have a simple ceremony in the afternoon. And in lieu of a reception, we can all go to the Christmas Carnival in the evening. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s rather perfect. And I know Colt will love the idea.”
As Kat mulled it over, Penny added, “We don’t need a big bridal party, either. Just a best man and a maid of honor to stand up with us.”
“That would certainly make things easier.”
“Of course, that’s assuming you can come back on Christmas Day. To be my maid of honor,” Penny added with a hopeful smile.
For a moment, Kat couldn’t speak. Only a few weeks earlier, this woman had been a stranger. And now, Kat not only had a sister, she’d gained a best friend. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said at last, her voice thick with emotion. “And I’ll definitely be here because… I’ve decided to stay in Poppy Creek.”
Grinning through her tears, Penny shouted, “Did you hear that, Chip? She’s staying! Didn’t I tell you she would?”
For the second time that afternoon, Kat found herself in an embrace. “I guess it’s too late to mention that I’m not really a hugger,” she teased, realizing how much she’d come to appreciate the show of affection.
“Oh, it’s absolutely too late,” Penny laughed. “And you’d better get used to it because it’ll be happening a lot. I’m so excited you’re staying!”
“There’s just one tiny problem….” Kat paused, trying to decide how to phrase her question.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, per se. But I’d need a job. I was wondering if you could use some help around here until I can find something a little more permanent?”
“Are you kidding? I would love that! I haven’t been able to find anyone since Bri left for college. And working together would be so much fun!” Penny’s grin widened as another idea struck her. “Plus, you could live here!”
“That’s a sweet offer, but I thought Colt was moving in after the wedding so you could save up for a house?”
