“What do you think?” I asked, my nerves on edge.
“I think it’s wonderful!” Mama cried, clapping.
I bowed my head. “Why, thank you.”
“What else can you do?” Asha asked.
I paused. “That’s all for now. But I’m still learning.”
David’s index finger tapped against the wooden surface of the table. I placed my hand on his to calm it. He wrapped his fingers around mine, his thumb rubbing my knuckle.
“That reminds me,” he said. “We have something else wonderful to share.”
Kelara leaned forward.
“We’re engaged.”
Mama’s shriek made the whole house jump. Asha began dancing in her seat.
“I’m happy for you both,” Kelara said.
“Thanks.” I lowered my gaze.
“A wedding! I cannot wait! When is it?” Mama asked.
David and I shared a glance.
“Snowfest,” he said. “A winter wedding.”
Mama clasped her hands. “Oh, how lovely. We’ll have to start planning immediately.”
I furrowed my brow. So soon? I hadn’t even thought about dates yet, let alone discussed them with David.
He nodded. “I was thinking similarly.”
“Why?” I asked, my breaths coming quicker. “We’ve got months.”
Mama laughed. “Oh, to be young and ignorant of the amount of effort a wedding takes.”
“Mama—”
“I was hoping for something spectacular as well, Mrs. Smyth,” David said.
“We could host an engagement party next month as well!”
“I beg your pardon,” I interrupted. “But I don’t want us to run away with ourselves—”
“Should we book a band, you think?” David asked. “For a dance afterward? Just because we’re commoners doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time!”
“Yes, I’ll certainly inquire. I can run down to your mother’s place tomorrow afternoon and discuss options…”
I leaned back amidst the chatter, my hand rising to cup my cheek. The table was old, stained with time, the floors beneath in desperate need of remodelling. I stared at the herring, a rare luxury at home, and breathed through the frustration that threatened to make me snap at my own family.
What would Papa say to all this?
It was hard not to feel his ghost sitting with us at this table. To be reminded that on the most important day of my life, he wouldbe in the cold, snowy ground.
Kelara’s eyes caught my own. My stomach sank at the pity lurking in her expression.
