“You’re just jealous because you couldn’t convince John to marry you if you got down on one knee and begged him.” As she spouted her accusation about the gentleman Maybelle had been spotted around town with over the past year, Rosie made a note on a clipboard while the others fluttered around Sophie.
“If any of us got down on one knee, we might never get back up.” Ruby slapped her thigh. “You thinking about marrying John, Maybelle?”
Maybelle gave a horrified look. “Absolutely not. I’m a once and done bride. My Robert was the love of my life. John is a good friend whom I go to dinner with when I’m not busy with one of our projects or helping Rosie look for her reading glasses yet again.”
“If that was a dig at my age, might I remind you that I’m not as old as you?” Rosie asked.
Isabelle wasn’t sure of what the real age difference between the women was, but Rosie frequently let it be known that she was younger than Maybelle.
“No worries, Rosie. Nothing is ever going to outdo your wedding last Christmas.” Isabelle smiled at the blue-haired newlywed. “I mean, an ice-skating rink and snowman building at a wedding reception? That’ll be impossible to top.”
Isabelle immediately had to kick the thought of making a six-pack snowman out of her head. Crossed off her list or not, Zach’s flirty grin popped into her head, and she fought frowning. Why wouldn’t he stay out of her thoughts?
“Isn’t this just the best dress ever?” Sophie’s happy sigh drew everyone’s attention.
Watching Sophie turn, her smile so brilliant she outshone the angel topper on the Christmas tree behind her, Isabelle embraced her sister’s happiness.This, she thought. Seeing her sister happy. That was why she’d moved back to Pine Hill. Sophie had the best heart and deserved every good thing. Isabelle intended to make sure she had it and that her wedding was everything Sophie had ever dreamed.
“Yes, I do believe it is.” Aunt Claudia’s eyes filled with pride, then she turned to Isabelle. “Just as your maid of honor dress will be. Don’t think we’ve forgotten that we’re in charge of making it, too.”
Isabelle had insisted the women finish Sophie’s gown first. What Isabelle wore wasn’t important. She could always find something that would work in a pinch.
“I just appreciate that Sophie isn’t going with Rosie’s ugly Christmas sweater bridesmaid dresses.” Isabelle’s reminder earned glares from Maybelle, Claudia, and Ruby.
Rosie had made sure her bridesmaids hadn’t overshadowed her. Sophie seemed to want the opposite, insisting that Isabelle’s gown be glamorous, whimsical, and feminine. Her sister should know that she preferred practical. As silly as some of the things had been, Rosie’s wedding had been special in so many ways, not the least of which was that Cole had proposed to Sophie there.
“The whole fiasco was more like a three-ring circus than a wedding,” Maybelle grumbled, moving the measuring tape over a smidge. “Poor Lou. You know the man wonders what possessed him to marry our Rosie.”
“No one asked you.” Rosie lifted her chin. “Lou is a very happily married man who wakes up to every day feeling like Christmas morning thanks to our perfect wedding.”
“Your perfect mess, you mean.” Maybelle snorted. “The man thought he was getting sugarplums and instead he got lumps of coal.”
Coal. Zach’s grin danced through Isabelle’s mind again and she swallowed.
“My wedding is going to be a simple Christmas ceremony at Pine Hill Church.” Sophie’s face glowed. “I want the whole world to know Cole is mine, but for our vows, it’ll just be us and close family and friends with Sarah’s dad officiating.”
“Oh, the world knows. Anyone who sees that man around you knows he’s all yours.” Aunt Claudia’s face expressed approval as she made another mark on the clipboard where they were making notes about the dress.
Isabelle agreed that anyone who saw them together would know how Cole felt. How they both felt. Cole loved Sophie, and her sister was all twinkly lights whenever he was near.
“Fifty years together and everyone who sees us knows my Charles is mine, too.” Ruby beamed. “He looks at me the same way and I just adore looking right back. He’s such a wonderful man.”
Rosie made a gagging sound, then pointed to an area just beneath Sophie’s waist. “The back needs pearly sequins, ladies. A row added right there on both sides. A few pearls, too, the luxurious tiny ones, and it’ll be perfect. Not as perfect as my dress, mind you, but close.”
“Nonsense.” Maybelle frowned as she studied the gown’s back. “What we have planned is just the right amount to catch the light and add a hint of sparkle without beinggaudy.”
“We don’t want to shadow Sophie’s inner glow.” Ruby studied the dress back.
“As if you could.” Isabelle smiled as she caught her sister’s eye. “Sophie doesn’t need artificial shine. She sparkles from the inside out.”
It was one of the things she loved most about her sister. Sophie found joy in everything. Her pureness of heart never saw the negative in anyone or anything.
Sophie just smiled. Then, with a gush of pre-wedding emotions, her eyes watered. “I’m so grateful to each of you for all you’re doing to make my wedding so special.”
“Then stop your crying,” Isabelle ordered, not able to stand Sophie’s tears.
She’d never been able to and did whatever was needed to put the joy back onto Sophie’s face.
“Sorry, I’m happy, it’s just…” Sophie’s voice trailed off and she sniffled.
