“The perfect wedding does take some organising,” her friend said.
I reached for another biscuit, wishing Wendy would leave so I could talk to Mum in private.
“But to have everything just so is more than worth the effort.” Wendy smiled. “I’m sure with my expertise, and your mother’s support…” She glanced at Mum, her expression ingratiating, before returning her attention to me. “You’ll end up with a wonderful day to remember.”
Mid-crunch, I wondered what the woman was talking about.
Wendy reached into her handbag and pulled out a notebook and pen. She repositioned herself, her pen poised, ready to begin taking notes. “Shall we get started?”
It was one thing having to deal with Mum’s enthusiasm for all things matrimonial, but something else for her to get a friend in on the act too. Questioning what my mother was playing at, I refused to ignore my own ideas for the wedding in favour of giving her the day she wanted.
I looked from one woman to the other and taking in their anticipation, put down my cup and saucer. If there was ever a time to follow Sal’s advice on firmness it was then.
“Thank you, Wendy,” I said. “I’m sure if Leo and I were going for the whole enchilada, your expertise would be most welcome.” I turned to my mother. “And, Mum, while I think it’s lovely that you’re taking such an interest…” I took in Wendy’s pen and pad again. “…along with that of your friend here, Leo and I are more than capable of organising events ourselves. Especially when we’re going for a relaxed approach to our day. Something I have previously mentioned.”
While Wendy stared at me like I was speaking another language, Mum tried to hide her disappointment.
“That’s what I came to talk to you about.” I gave Mum a pointed look. “To make sure one of us isn’t getting carried away, like they did over a certain newspaper article.”
“I see,” Wendy said, although going off her bemusement I wasn’t sure she did. “Does this mean you won’t be needing my services?”
“Services?” I asked. Yet again, my focus went from one woman to the other.
“Didn’t I say?” Mum said, keeping her tone light. “Wendy here is a wedding planner.”
I wrinkled my nose and told myself I must have misheard. “Wendy’s a what?”
Mum cleared her throat. “A wedding planner.”
Chapter 11
“Ican’t believe you embarrassed me like that,” Mum said, shutting the front door and heading for the lounge. “What must Wendy think?”
As I followed in Mum’s footsteps, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was the one who’d been put on the spot, yet Mum was the one playing the victim. “What do you mean, I embarrassed you? Mum, the two of you ambushed me.”
“Don’t exaggerate.”
“How else would you describe it? It’s not like anyone told me there was going to be a wedding planner joining us. This little meeting of yours was sprung on me.”
“You could have been a bit more polite and said you’d at least think about using her services.” Mum began gathering up our used cups and saucers. “Instead of flat out refusing.”
Annoyed that Mum couldn’t see things from my point of view, I felt my hackles rise. “What would have been the point?” I asked, as I helped place everything back on the tray. “I had no intention of taking her on. And it’s not like she needs the business.” I pictured Wendy’s little red Mazda. “I wish I could afford a car like that.”
“Anyone would think I’m wrong for wanting you to have the wedding you deserve.” Mum picked up the tray and headed out to the kitchen.
“Mum, it isn’t a case of being right or wrong. Or about what anyone deserves.” I replied, close behind. “It’s about me and Leo getting the kind of wedding we want.”
“I wasthinkingof you and Leo. I mean, why not let someone else do all the organising? Let them have all the stress?” She began putting the used crockery into the dishwasher. “You heard what Wendy said. There’s a lot to sort out. And now you’ve decided on a September date… you do realise that’s less than six months away?”
Crossing my arms, I leant against the kitchen countertop. “Six months, twelve months, or two years, did it ever cross your mind that we’d like to arrange everything ourselves?”
Mum paused in her actions. “No. It didn’t.” As she looked at me direct, her expression crumpled. “I’m sorry, Tessa. I don’t mean to interfere. It’s just this could be the only wedding we have in this family. It’s not like Sal’s going to be walking down the aisle any time soon.”
Mum might have been right about my sister, but that didn’t give her the go-ahead to hijack my ceremony. “Which has nothing to do with anything,” I said. “And in case you’ve forgotten you do have a granddaughter. Maybe India will plump for a fancy affair.”
Mum looked at me like I’d gone mad. “There’s more chance of that girl conquering Everest.” Mum sighed. “Don’t misunderstand, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’d be the first to cheer her on if she did, even if I do think being a lawyer or a doctor is safer and better paid. But every time I think about your wedding, it’s like something overtakes me and I can’t help but get carried away.”
She got back to loading the dishwasher. “I know your sister thinks I’m trying to recreate some celebrity shindig, but she couldn’t be more wrong. You getting married isn’t about the rich and famous, or me.” Her face came over all animated. “Although, let’s face it, being mother-of-the-bride is quite an honour.”
