Mom blabbers when she’s excited, and it’s hilarious.
“Sweetheart, you have me to help pack and assist with the moving costs. It’ll be a breeze, you’ll see.” Michael pecks Mom on the lips.
“I can’t wait to begin the next chapter in our lives.” Mom sniffles, tears filling her eyes.
I hope this chapter doesn’t have plot twists.
The month flies by in a frenzy of activity. Everything is going according to plan. Now, it’s the big day. Mom was fortunate to book the wedding at a hotel in Santa Monica due to a cancellation.
The package includes the works—a complimentary wedding coordinator, suite, photographer, DJ, catering, and cake. Yesterday the bridesmaids—three in total—Mom, and I spent several hours at the spa getting French manicures and pedicures, facials, and massages. Mom sits at the table while I strategically place rhinestone hairpins in her fishtail braid.
She’s wearing a strapless, cream charmeuse gown with a sheer, six-inch train. I keep her makeup simple, using very little foundation and rouge blush. A bronze and champagne eyeshadow blend accentuates her blue eyes. Eyeliner, mascara, and nude lipstick complete the look.
I choose a smoky eggplant eyeshadow and red lipstick for myself.The colors complement my sleeveless, knee-length royal purple satin dress. My thick tresses are pinned into a loose bun with curls framing my face.
“All done.” I place the veil on her head. “You’re ready for your groom.”
Mom stands and grasps my hands. “My sudden marriage and moving to West Virginia can’t be easy for you. Thank you for rolling with the punches. I love you.” A lone tear rolls down her cheek.
“No crying, Mom, you’ll ruin your makeup.” I fan her face. “Then I’ll cry, because you’re crying, and ruin mine.”
“I’m sorry.” She blinks rapidly. “My emotions are running high today.”
Tap, tap, tap.
“I’ll get it.” I cross the dining area and open the door.
“Uncle Rob!” I launch myself into his arms. “You’re debonair in your penguin suit.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” He steps into the suite. “I can’t believe how grown up and beautiful you are.”
“Don’t make me blush.” I giggle.
We don’t see him often nowadays since his promotion to homicide detective. He’s short and has a dad bod but attractive, nonetheless. His striking forest green eyes are his best feature. Though the eighties have been over for some time now, he’s still rocking the mullet. I’m hoping one day he marries and has children.
“Wow, you’re absolutely breathtaking,” he says to my mom, and they squeeze each other in a tight hug.
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here to walk me down the aisle.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Uncle Rob checked on us every day following my father’s untimely death. He helped Mom stay grounded and became a second father to me.
“I’ll escort you lovely ladies downstairs.”
“I’m so nervous,” Mom says.
“You’ll be fine,” I assure her. “I’ll grab your bouquet.”
The ceremony is intimate, just how Mom envisioned. Roughly fifty people are in attendance.The wedding is being held in a small, luxurious ballroom, and the reception will be on the patio.
We leave the suite and take the elevator to the lobby.
Jessica, the wedding coordinator, and the bridal party wait at the end of the hall. Classical music drifts through the double doors leading to the ballroom.
“I appreciate you making my special day amazing on such short notice,” Mom says to Jessica.
“No problem, it’s what I do,” she replies. “Okay, Cocoa and Owen, you two are up next.”
