Authors: Janice Thompson
I glanced at my phone. Sure enough, I’d missed a call from her. No wonder she’d finally telephoned Sal.
“So, what’s the news?” I asked.
He smiled. “Twila is engaged.”
“W-what?”
“Happened yesterday in church. This fellow—I think she said his name was Terrell—proposed in front of the whole congregation. Pretty risky, I’d say.”
“No kidding.” Pop laughed. “But apparently she said yes.”
“Apparently. Bonnie Sue wanted you to know so you could call Twila tomorrow and help her with wedding plans.”
I was thrilled for Twila, of course. Still, I looked at D.J. and sighed, wondering how I could possibly add another wedding to my ever-growing list. Hadn’t I just promised him on Saturday night that all of my attention would be focused on our wedding?
Mama shifted gears, talking about the upcoming performance at the opera house and how proud she was of Bubba for his role as the lead. That led to a discussion about Bubba and Jenna’s elopement, which led to a conversation about their upcoming ceremony. Talking about their ceremony shifted our attentions to Lilly and Gordy, and before long, we were enmeshed in a rousing chorus about their soda shop plans, which Pop loved.
In all, we had a fabulous time. And even though we talked about the upcoming weddings, I didn’t feel pressure. No, today things were moving along in an easygoing sort of way. I felt confident in the fact that God would help me with the details, down to the very last one.
That night as we settled into bed, Sophia turned to me with a suspicious smile. “Oh, Bella! I have the most wonderful news. I wanted to tell you at dinner, but Tony and I didn’t think the timing was right.”
“What’s up?”
“We’ve changed our minds about not having a themed wedding.”
“Really? Which one are you going with?”
“Well, it’s one we’ve made up ourselves.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, we still want it to be high-end, just like I said before. Very Rodeo Drive. But get this.” She giggled. “I had the most wonderful idea, and Tony thought it was divine. Tiffany’s!”
“Tiffany’s?” I asked. “As in, the store?”
“Yes, we want a Tiffany’s-themed wedding.”
“O-okay.” I shrugged, not sure what she meant by that.
“You know the Tiffany’s boxes, right? They’re a soft powder blue, almost teal?”
“Sure.”
“Well, that will be my primary wedding color. And we’ll have Tiffany’s boxes on the tables for centerpieces. And all of the bridesmaids will be decked out in diamonds.”
“Um, diamonds?”
“Well …” She shrugged. “I’ll be wearing diamonds, anyway. You and the others can wear costume jewelry. But the jewelry itself will be part of the theme. Isn’t that brilliant? Can you even imagine how pretty everything will be?”
“It does sound beautiful,” I agreed. “I love that idea.” Of course, it sounded like a lot of work, but I could handle that. Right?
“And the cake is going to be gorgeous. I can hardly wait for Rosa to get home from her honeymoon so I can describe it to her. Very chic. Expensive-looking. Every layer is going to look like a Tiffany’s box. And the flowers are all going to be that same soft blue.”
“Speaking of cakes … Have you seen those really cool cake toppers that look like engagement rings?” I asked. “That would be perfect.”
“Sounds great.” My sister grabbed my hand. “See, Bella? This is all coming together so nicely. We make a great team, you and me. Don’t you think?”
I nodded, my confidence mounting. Yes, today was a very good day. And I had a feeling the next few weeks would bring smooth sailing for all of the many, many brides.
Over the next couple of weeks, I watched in awe as D.J. guided the workers through the process of installing plumbing and putting up new walls in my parents’ house. He somehow found time to let me cry on his shoulder as I mourned the loss of my bedroom. Oh, if only he could do something about the onslaught of work I’d received from Sophia, who had slipped into full-out wedding-planning gear. Sadly, D.J. could do nothing about that.
On Christmas morning, I stood in the empty shell of a room that would become Rosa and Laz’s suite. I had to admit, the place was going to be fabulous. And how fun that they didn’t know about the extra space. There was some satisfaction in knowing we were putting one over on them. I could almost see the look on my aunt’s face when she laid eyes on the room for the first time. Add to that the fact that Laz had commissioned Mama to buy a new king-size bed to put in the room, and she would be in hog heaven.
Not that I had time to really give this much thought today. No, the Rossi family had plans. Big plans. We were headed north, to Splendora, to spend the day with D.J.’s family.
It didn’t really feel like Christmas, what with the temperatures in the high seventies. Sal—a true New Jersey native— seemed perplexed by this turn of events, and went on and on about how he should have packed his bathing suit. We got a kick out of that.
After loading the cars with gifts, the whole Rossi clan caravanned up to Splendora for Christmas with the Neeleys. D.J. and I led the way in his truck, with Sal riding in the backseat. Mama and Pop followed in the Lexus with Sophia and Tony, and Nick, Marcella, and the boys came behind them in their minivan. Even Armando had come along for the day, riding with Joey and Norah in her Mini Cooper. We were set for a fantabulous day in Splendora with our friends and my soon-to-be in-laws.
With Christmas carols playing on the radio, the trip north seemed to take less time than usual. Part of the time was spent listening to Sal talk on the phone with Bonnie Sue, assuring her he was on his way. I had my doubts about those two but didn’t voice them.
As we pulled up to the double-wide, Sal let out a whistle. “Well now, look at that. That’s a doozy of a trailer home if I ever saw one.”
“It’s really big on the inside too,” D.J. said, unsnapping his seat belt. “I think you’ll be surprised.”
“Might have to get me one of those if this condo thing doesn’t work out,” Sal said.
We waited for the others to pull in behind us, and I double-checked my appearance in the rearview mirror. “Do I look okay?” I asked, turning to D.J.
“You’re kidding, right?” He grinned. “You’re a beauty queen, Bella.”
I felt my cheeks turn warm as I whispered a quiet “Thanks.” Funny. I didn’t feel like a beauty queen lately. No, these days I felt like a real frump. Who had time for a beauty regimen while planning so many weddings?
I also felt something else. Occasionally, I had moments of chest pain and breathlessness. I’d mentioned it to Sophia in passing, but the others were unaware. Just anxiety, likely. Still, I had my antennae up just in case. No time for sickness now, not with so much going on.
“You okay?” D.J.’s voice jarred me back to attention, and I turned his way with a smile.
“Yeah, just thinking about stuff.”
“No work today, Bella. It’s Christmas. Only one person works on Christmas.”
“Santa?” I guessed.
“Um, no. I was thinking of the Lord. He’s in the business of working overtime on Christmas, wooing people in with the story of the baby in the manger.”
I nodded, suddenly feeling very much in the Christmas spirit. And D.J. was right. No work today. Not even if one of the brides took to begging. Surely they wouldn’t stoop that low on Christmas Day.
Minutes later, D.J. led the way and we climbed the steps to the front porch, then entered the double-wide to the most delicious smell on Planet Earth. It was sort of a turkey-meets-honey-glazed-ham-meets-stuffing-meets-sweet-potato-pie sort of smell. And then some. I stood in the doorway, drawing in a deep breath. Man. A girl could put on a few pounds just sniffing.
Wouldn’t hurt me, not with the recent weight loss. With Rosa gone and the house under construction, we’d been existing on snatches of fast food over the past couple weeks. I could hardly wait for my aunt to get home so life could get back to normal. Not that I would be living in the Rossi home much longer.
A weighty sensation passed over me at that revelation, and I pushed it aside. There would be plenty of time to think about that later. Right now I needed to eat.
When we got inside, I realized Earline had adequately prepared the house for her guests. The dining room table was set for eight, but she’d also set up two card tables. And man, did it ever look like Christmas in here. Twinkling lights adorned the faux mantle, and the colorful tree beckoned with its homemade ornaments.
“Remind me to show you some of those ornaments later,” D.J. said with a smile. “Bubba and I made most of them.”
“Will do.” I looked around. “Hey, speaking of Bubba, where is he? I thought you said he and Jenna were going to be here.”
“They are. But he had a performance last night at the opera house, and they overslept. He sent me a text a couple of hours ago saying they would be behind us.”
“Gotcha.”
Mama and Pop carried in presents for Earline and Dwayne Sr. I knew, having watched my mother wrap them, that they’d spared no expense. I also knew Mama loved Earline like a sister. The two now had another common bond—their children were getting married. By doing so, D.J. and I were merging more than just our lives—we were merging two families. Just the thought of that warmed my heart.
From across the room, Earline headed my way, her apron covered in gravy stains, à la Rosa. “You’re here!” She reached for me first, her large, bosomy frame swallowing me whole. Not that I minded. No, I’d grown rather used to her warm embrace. Dwayne Sr. was slightly more reserved, giving me a side hug.
One by one, we were greeted with Christmas cheer. Mama handed Earline the gifts, and they were placed under the oversized tree in the corner. Then my mother passed off a package of frozen dinner rolls with a shrug. “So sorry,” she said. “With Rosa gone, we couldn’t count on the garlic twists. I know it won’t be the same, but I wanted to bring something.”
“Well, honey, this is the brand I buy.” Earline grinned as she took the bag of rolls. “They cook up nice and fluffy and taste as good as the ones made from scratch, I promise.”
We followed her into the kitchen, where a lively conversation took place, much of it centered on the opera performance we’d all seen a couple of nights prior.
“That boy of yours is a wonder on the big stage,” Mama said with a nod. “It’s rare to find someone with such a gift.”
“Both of my boys are gifted,” Earline said. “I truly believe D.J. has a real knack for construction work.”
“And he makes a pretty good supervisor too,” Mama threw in. “I’ve watched him with those workers, and he knows just how to handle them—with grace and finesse.”
D.J. looked our way with a smile, and I could almost read his mind. The conversation both flattered and embarrassed him. He quickly turned the tables, going back to Bubba and the opera. On and on he went, singing his brother’s praises to all who would listen.
Twila, Bonnie Sue, and Jolene arrived in short order, bearing gifts. Many, many gifts. Looked like they’d done a little shopping. Make that a lot of shopping. As soon as Bonnie Sue brushed through the door, Sal gravitated her way, a smile lighting his face.
“Here, let me help you with that.” He took some of the packages and carried them to the tree, putting them down with great care.
“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Bonnie Sue gave him a flirtatious smile, and Twila and Jolene groaned.
An older man I recognized as Terrell Buell entered the room, carrying several pie containers.
“Terrell, have you been baking again?” Earline offered him a warm smile.
“Yes’m. Love to make those pecan pies. They’re my favorite.”
“Mine too!” Earline and I said at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed.
“Well, just set ’em on the table, hon,” Earline said, gesturing.
I watched as Twila made her way to the table, helping Terrell with the pies. Their interaction was sweet. Innocent. In fact, they reminded me of schoolkids with crushes. I wondered what had taken her so long to see the good in this man. They were polar opposites, sure, but D.J. and I were proof that opposites did indeed attract.
Seconds later, Bubba and Jenna burst through the door, arms loaded.
“Sorry we’re late,” he said. “We were up half the night wrapping presents.”
“We got it done,” Jenna said with a smile. She rushed to Earline’s side and wrapped her arms around her. “Merry Christmas, Mama Neeley.”
“Merry Christmas to you too, sweet girl,” Earline echoed.
Less than fifteen minutes later, we all sat down to share Christmas dinner. Dwayne Sr. led out in prayer, though Earline made him take off his baseball cap to do so. At the sound of the “Amen,” we all dove in spoon first. I scooped up mashed potatoes as creamy as velvet. Then I turned my attention to the honey-baked ham and the turkey breast. Before long, my plate was filled with colorful goodies, bits and pieces of food toppling over the edges.
I caught a glimpse of Sal, his eyes wide. “Never seen this much food in one place before,” he said. “Except at the wedding, I mean. Never really had a Christmas like this one.”
Bonnie Sue gave him a wink. “Well, honey, here in Texas, we know how to make our guests feel welcome. We give ’em so much food they can’t leave afterward!”
“Not sure I’d want to leave anyway,” he said, diverting his gaze to the ham and sweet potatoes. “Haven’t seen anything this tasty in a while.”
I prayed he referred to the food, but Bonnie Sue’s cheeks flamed pink.
“Stick around and you can eat like this anytime,” Earline said with a welcoming smile.
Before long, the room was filled with the usual amount of noise—voices overlapping and laughter leading the way. I loved that sound more than almost anything else.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed D.J. leaning over to talk to Sal. I paused, noticing what a kind way he had about him. Somehow D.J. always made everyone feel welcome. Like they’d come home. From the look of contentment on Sal’s face, I knew he wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.
As several people loaded up their plates with seconds, the conversation took an interesting turn.