I shrug. “It’s not like I can avoid it. I know what’s expected of me. My sister is right. Sooner than I wish, it will be me getting ready to marry.”
“You’re not dead yet,” Carmen teases, squeezing my shoulders. “We’ve still got the summer. They won’t push things until after you turn eighteen, right?”
“Yes. I have the summer.” I stare at the rows and rows of pecan trees growing tall in our groves. They’re in full bloom with white blossoms that go perfectly with the wedding décor.
The altar is set up on the wide dirt road that leads between them on our property, with rows of white folding chairs and lanterns lining the aisle. Twinkling lights hang all around.
The florist and her assistants are putting the finishing touches on the altar and tying white bows on each row of chairs.
“Wow,” Ramona whispers. “It’s really pretty.”
I nod. “Daddy spared no expense. Mama and Consuela got pretty much anything they asked for.”
“Let’s peek in the reception tent. Come on.” Marcela tugs on my arm, and we head that way.
Crossing the tiled patio, we pass several men in white shirts and black pants and vests setting up a bar and high cocktail rounds.
Stepping inside the tent, we stop in our tracks at the beauty.
Chandeliers glitter from the ceiling, and rows of tables extend, covered in fine linens and sparkling crystal. Flowers are everywhere. A DJ is set up near a dance floor that’s been installed.
“Oh, Luisa. Look how beautiful it is,” Carmen breathes. “Everything is the same color as your dress.”
My bridesmaid dress is a strapless gown in deep burgundy, fitted to the knee and then flaring out in silk ruffles like a flamenco dancer’s dress.
The color is repeated in the florals, linens, and crystal beads that splay out from the center of the tent. Dim lighting shines along the edges of the silk that drapes the walls, creating a romantic and sexy mood.
I spot the wedding planner walking the tables and adjusting out-of-place silverware. Attendants start to light candles, and she turns.
“It’s too soon for that. Not until the ceremony starts,” she snaps, shooing them away. She makes her way to us and smiles. “Miss Luisa, you look beautiful. Well, how does it look? Do you think it will meet with your mother’s approval?”
“It’s stunning.”
“I’m glad you approve. Perhaps next year I’ll be back to style your wedding. Your mother said as much. You did like thequinceañeraI decorated for you, didn’t you? I promise I’ll make your wedding just as beautiful as your sister's.”
“I’m sure you will.” Even the thought of my wedding sends a chill through my blood. “I’ll tell her everything looks wonderful. She sent me to see if you needed anything.”
“No, dear. Everything is in hand. Tell her everything will be perfect for Consuela tonight.”
“Thank you.” I turn and walk out, my girl squad following behind me. Carmen catches up to my long stride.
“Don’t fly off the handle, Luisa. She’s just a wedding planner, after all. She doesn’t know how you feel.”
“I’m not upset with her, Carmen.”
“If you don’t want to marry Mateo, just tell your father,” Ramona advises.
“Right. Like it’s that easy.”
“Of course she doesn’t want to marry him,” Marcela hisses. “She barely knows him.”
“But you have met, right?” Ramona asks.
“They met last Christmas. At the candlelight service,” Carmen replies for me, then catches my eye. “He looked very handsome in his suit.”
I know her words are meant to comfort me, but they don’t. Yes, Mateo is attractive, and tall, and comes from a prominent family just like mine. On paper, he’s the perfect man. I should be thrilled. Then why aren’t I?
“So, what’s the problem?” Ramona asks.
