“True.Maybe we can see what the options are of perhaps moving across the hall or something similar?”
“I'll see what I can do,” Ruth said.“Anything else?”
“Amenities,” Helen said.“The hotel should have some premium amenities like an indoor pool or even an outdoor one.A spa would be amazing as well, in case anyone wanted to book a treatment.I want the guests to have a good time.”
“A good time?At a wedding?A wedding is a good time, my dear,” Ruth said.
“True.The past year has given me a unique insight into these people’s lives,” Helen said.“I want the parents to be able to take the kids to the pool for the afternoon before the wedding.If my boss wants to decompress and get a massage, she should have that option.Or one or two people may need to hit the salon for some deep conditioning; you know, options.”
Ruth was quiet as she listened to Helen’s rationale and what she was looking for in this event.She wanted a destination and mini-vacation for the attendees to enjoy, versus coming for cake and dancing.
“I think the Galt House will have all of that, plus it is on the river,” Ruth said, “Helen, where are you and Jay registered so I can include it in the invitations?”
“We aren't,” Helen said.“Honestly, we don't need any of those household items.Between what he already had and what I've purchased, we are good.”
“Do you have a charity you want them to give to instead?”
“Let me think on it,” Helen replied.
“If it were me, I would create a registry on one of those bridal sites,” Ruth said.“You can register for camping gear and so much more.The hotel booking is all in one spot, the color scheme, plus, you can get the extra gear you need for your spy killer vehicle without having to do too much out of pocket.The gear is expensive, and you're going to need a lot of odd things you never knew you needed on hand when those faxes come in.”
“Good point, so I need to create a registry,” Helen said.“Ruth, I think I want to work on the invitations as well.I will take a stab at it and show it you for a second set of eyes, but I have an idea what I want them to say.”
“Not a problem.I will work on securing the hotel, rooms, and catering,” Ruth said.“What time do you want to get it all started?”
“Three or four is preferable with dinner service at five,” she said.“Dancing can start about seven, and the kids can be off to be by nine, so the adults can have a good time.”
“Will you and Jay depart from there for your honeymoon?”
“Haven't gotten that far yet,” Helen said.“I didn't know if I should go for the beach, mountains, or a something with canoeing.What do you think?”
“Dear, do you want to spend the night making love and the next morning swatting bugs on a lake in a bleeping canoe?”Ruth asked.
“Well, no, but it should be enjoyable for him as well,” Helen said.
“Then get busy planning a tour of wine country in Italy,” Ruth emphasized.“He is always so busy taking care of everything for everyone, but he's never gotten to go to Europe to visit wineries and those places that make funky cheeses.My son would love that.”
“Say less, I'm on it,” Helen said, taking a pause.“Ruth, I love you.”
“Aww, I love you too,” Ruth said, feeling emotional.
Helen held the phone.“We wish, growing up, that our mothers would be these amazing women who actually love being mothers and not consider the role a burden of being born with a vagina.You love being a mom, and I'm grateful for you.”
“Thank you so much for saying that.I mean, I don't know if you're handling me and blowing smoke up my ass, but it is nice to hear,” Ruth said.“My own daughter looks at me like I’m growing another head, and my other daughter-in-law has the crafting skills of a two-year-old.I lucked out with you.”
Helen took a pause.She needed Ruth to understand clearly who Anita Barnes was and what was on the horizon.She spoke slowly.
“And I you.Ruth, when I told my mother I was getting married, she asked the colors of the wedding, then she wanted to know how soon she could start sending me pictures of the dress she planned to wear,” Helen said.
“Oh my,” Ruth replied.She paused as well.What she'd learned about this daughter-in-law was the way the lady thought, which was quite different, almost diabolical as well as methodical.Her lips were taut when she asked, “What are you thinking?”
“Her invitation will be different and listing the wedding at five p.m.,” Helen said.“This means she will more than likely make a grand entrance at five twenty-five, just in time to be brought a cold plate of food for dinner.”
Ruth burst into laughter.“I love the way you think.Anything else I need to know?”
“Yes, I am planning on having two special guests, so there needs to be a separate table,” she told Ruth.“Also, let's keep the cake simple so everyone can enjoy it, yellow cake, trooper blue buttercream frosting.Nothing fancy.Most of them are carnivores, so a chicken and red meat option works for dinner with a rice, no potatoes, and green beans.”
“Helen, I like you.I like you a great deal.You know what you want and keep things uncomplicated,” she said.“Jay has seemed to come alive being with you.”
