Iris and the Aloha Wedding Adventure (7 page)

“It's a Hawaiian custom,” Hana had explained earlier. “It's like exchanging rings.”

“Wow,” Iris said. “We have a really important job.”

Jay and the ceremony judge stood at the other end of the aisle under the arch. Leilani was there too, leaning on crutches decorated with lush tropical flowers. As a light ocean wind blew, the first sounds of the wedding music began.

“That's our cue,” said Hana.

Iris's heart leaped as she took her first step with Hana.
I love being a flower girl,
she thought.

Reaching the end of the aisle, the girls turned to watch the bride walk behind them.
Malia looked like a Hawaiian princess as she glided past the guests.

The girls held on to the leis until it was time to give them to the bride and groom. Jay winked at Iris when she passed him the white orchid lei. She could tell he was filled with joy as he placed it around his bride's neck. And Malia looked the same when she gave the green leaf lei to her groom.

As the ceremony continued, Iris eagerly awaited the most special wedding custom of all – the kiss! When the couple's lips met, everyone cheered.

What an awesome wedding!
Iris thought as she walked back down the aisle with Hana. But when everyone headed to the reception area for the party, her happy feelings faded fast.

Uh-oh!
she thought.
It's time for the hula!

“Aloha! May I have your attention, please?” Leilani requested.

Balancing on her crutches, Leilani spoke to all the guests in the reception area. A hush spread across the crowd.

“Congratulations, Malia and Jay! As our gift to you, your flower girls, Hana and Iris, will perform a special hula dance.”

Iris gulped when she heard her name. She wanted to duck under a table and hide!

Hana grabbed Iris's hand and led her out to the dancing area. “You'll be great, Iris,” she whispered. “Don't forget to have fun.”

At the first beat of the Hawaiian love song, Iris managed to take a step to the right. Another beat, and she shyly moved her hips to the left. Then, when the tempo of the music picked up, Iris finally had no choice. She had to dance!

It comes from the heavens.

It's as deep as the ocean.

Love is in your heart.

Spread it around the world.

Phew!
Iris finally let out her breath. She had performed the first round of the hula perfectly. But there was no time to congratulate herself. She had to do it again!

The music for the next verse started to play. Through all her jumpy jitters, Iris suddenly realized something – she was having fun. And the more she danced, the more fun she had. With their hips shaking and arms flowing, Iris and Hana repeated the dance again and again. Soon, all the guests were on their feet, dancing the hula with them.

When the music stopped, there was an explosion of clapping. Iris beamed.

I did it!
she thought.
And without any help from the
Menehune!

Hana turned to Iris. “You were great! I'm so lucky you're my friend, Iris. Thank you so much!”

“I'm so lucky you're my friend, Hana. Mahalo so much!”

The girls giggled and hugged. They knew that they'd be friends forever through the special bond of Flower Girl World. Suddenly, their amusement was interrupted by a familiar booming voice.

“WHAT'S SO FUNNY?”

The sound made Iris jump, even though she knew it was Tutu.

“Why are you two standing around? It's dessert time!” Tutu barked. “After your
wonderful performance, you deserve a piece of my famous pineapple upside-down cake!”

“I get the biggest piece!” cried Hana.

“Not if I get there first!” Iris joked.

The flower girls dashed for the dessert table.

“Mmm…” Iris said as she took her first bite.

“Smile!” The girls looked up to find Mrs. Campbell pointing a camera at them. “Let's take a picture for your Flower Girl World scrapbook. You can send a copy to Rosie and Starr too.”

“Wait!” Iris said. Then she put a little of the cake's sugar topping on the tips of their noses. “Now we're ready.”

“Say Aloha,” said Iris's mom.

“ALOHA!” cheered the two flower girls.

Iris flashed her biggest smile. From the luau to the hula and everything in between, she loved her incredible Hawaiian wedding adventure.

Hawaiian Terms

ALOHA
(ah-loh-hah)
– Hello or farewell

LEI
(lay or lay-ee)
– A wreath of flowers or leaves that can be worn around the neck or head

LUAU
(loo-ow)
– A Polynesian feast that can include traditional island foods and entertainment

MAHALO
(mah-hah-low)
– Thank you

MENEHUNE
(meh-neh-hoo-neh)
– Mythical island creatures

Flowers

HIBISCUS
– (hi-bis-kus)

ORCHID
– (or-kid)

PLUMERIA
– (ploo-mare-ee-a)

Names

HANA
– (hah-nah)

LEILANI
– (lay-lawn-ee)

MALIA
– (mah-lee-uh)

AVAILABLE NOW

Rosie and the Wedding Day Rescue

COMING SOON

Starr and the High Seas Wedding Drama

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