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He led her back to her chair and handed her a clean napkin. Then he knelt down in front of her, peering intently into her eyes as she sniffed. She noticed for the first time his green eyes had little flecks of blue in them.
“Charlie. I’m not going to do this to you anymore. I love you, and I want to be with you. But, I want you to be happy even more. I can’t stand that I made you cry. I’m really sorry. I won’t bother you any more. But, please... If you ever change your mind, please come find me.” Before she could react, he leaned in and brushed his lips lightly against hers. And he was gone.
*****
Anne was enjoying playing mother-of-the-bride. She even had old friends from college who’d made the trip to come and see Emily get married. They’d laughed and talked about old times, and harassed her mercilessly about being pregnant.
“This is a pretty desperate move just to make your boobs bigger,” teased Alice.
“I think she did it to get out of exercising,” said Katherine.
Anne chuckled. “Really, I was sad because all my old stretch marks were fading, and I missed them.”
“So, where are they going on their honeymoon?” asked Debbie.
“They’re staying in the city until Monday, and then leaving for Switzerland for ten days. Steven’s wedding present.”
“Will they be back before the babies come?” asked Alice.
“I hope so. I’m due in four weeks, but I guess they could come early.”
“And you don’t know what the sexes are?”
“No. We wanted to be surprised. We’re only praying they’re healthy. But we’re trying to be mentally prepared in case they have health issues.”
Steven interrupted. “Emily’s going to throw the bouquet.”
Anne laughed as all the girls pretended to push and shove to get closer to the bride and catch the bouquet. Charlie had been dragged into the foray by Spencer’s sisters, but made an obvious show of not raising her hands. When Emily tossed the flowers, they tumbled through the air, almost knocking Charlie in the head. But when she ducked, they fell into Grace’s grasping fingers.
As the young men lined up to vie for Spencer’s garter, Anne noticed Josh had lost his animated smile. He’d been so excited to see Charlie again, but Anne suspected she’d already broken his heart. He’d become a true friend to Spencer and Emily, but no amount of discouragement seemed to be effective in quelling his focus on Charlie. She worried about her youngest who seemed to be so afraid to admit she needed anyone’s help or advice. Perhaps she was also frightened to acknowledge she needed love.
The garter flew out and hit the floor, as no young man seemed bold enough to reach for it. But somehow it ended up in Brad’s hands, and he was pushed forward to have his picture taken with Grace.
Although she was having a great time visiting with friends and hated to see the celebration end, the long day was taking a toll on Anne’s body. She’d developed a terrible backache, and longed to soak in a hot tub of water. Steven noticed her pained expression.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, but my back is hurting. And my feet are awfully swollen. My toes look like little sausages.”
“Well, the kids are ready to leave. Here comes Emily to tell you goodbye.”
Anne hugged her eldest, letting her tears fall freely. “Mom, I’m surprised you aren’t totally dehydrated. You’ve cried buckets.”
“I can’t help it,” she sniffed. “My daughter got married, and my hormones are all messed up. It’s a terrible combination. I’m so happy. Y’all have a wonderful trip.”
“We will. But call us if the babies come early. Steven said that’s why he’s sending us on his jet—so we could fly home anytime we need to. I don’t want Charlie to see them before me.”
“If they come quickly, I’ll still get to see them first,” declared Charlie. “It takes a while to fly back from Europe.”
“I’m not due for another four weeks, so it won’t be a problem.” She made a face and bent forward with her hands on her back. “But I’ve got to get home and soak in a hot tub. My back is killing me.”
Josh, who was chatting with Spencer, overheard her statement. “Uhmm, excuse me. Mrs. Gherring? Is your back hurting regularly? Could it be contractions?”
“Oh, I don’t think so. It’s too early, and it didn’t feel like this with Emily or Charlie.”
“Okay, but I’m sure your doctor told you they might come early.”
“Maybe we’ll stop by the hospital on the way home, just to be sure,” said Steven.
