“Mmhmm. You finally did it. You changed your life for the better. You’re practically glowing.”
I’m thankful for my sister’s compliment. “I don’t look like a displaced bride in this get-up, do I?” I open my arms wide.
“No. You look incredible, sis.”
“Thanks. So do you. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” Beverly approaches the porch railing and places her hands on the wood. She looks out over the land and sighs.
“What’s wrong?”
“I overheard something I think you should know.”
“What?”
She grabs my hand and guides me down the stairs a few yards away from the house. It’s as if she doesn’t want anyone overhearing our conversation.
“What is it, Bev? You’re scaring me.”
A gentle breeze blows her hair back from her youthful face, and she hesitates.
“Tell me.”
She nods. “Some of the guests inside were talking about Kip. And it wasn’t good.”
“Who?”
“A couple of the guys I’m assuming are farmhands. You know, the big guys wearing boots and jeans?”
Anger flares in my belly, and I unconsciously fist my hands. “What did you hear them say?”
“They said they'd look for work elsewhere if Kip buys half the farm. Apparently, he’s a horrible boss.” She takes a step toward me. “Maddy, those men don’t want anything to do with Kip. The only reason they’ve stayed this long is because of Ralph.”
I’m stunned by this news. The thought of these men leaving George high and dry is unsettling. He needs them. I need them. The only person we all agree we don’t need is Kip.
“I thought you should know,” Bev says.
I nod. “Thank you. I’ll take care of it. After today, I don’t think Kip will show his face around here anymore.”
Especially with his black eyes and swollen nose, I think to myself.
“Why? Did something happen?”
There wasn’t time to tell my sister about how I found Kip by the side of the barn after his brawl with George. I press my top teeth into my lower lip and nod.
“Something huge happened between Kip and George today. It’s been a long time coming. Let’s just say Kip won’t be in charge of these guys anymore. He’s about to get fired.”
Beverly gasps. “No way!”
“Oh, yes. He’s done enough damage around here. He might’ve pulled one over on Ralph but won’t be so lucky with me.”
“So, is that why you canceled your wedding? Because something happened between Kip and George and not because you got cold feet?”
“What?” I’m confused.
She folds her arms across her chest again. “You canceled the wedding ceremony and turned it into a celebration of life party. Did you get cold feet or what?”
I sigh, realizing my sister doesn’t know the whole story. “No, it’s nothing like that. We both realized today wasn’t the right day to get married. Ralph is barely hanging on, and Georgeand I still need to work out some of the details of our relationship.” I suddenly laugh out loud. “And who would want to get married to a bride wearing this, huh?”
