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Chapter 2

A slow smile spread on Melissa’s lips as she pulled into the driveway of her parents’ home, the house in which she had been born and raised. Gone were all thoughts of Aaron as she saw her mother sitting on the porch swing. As Melissa exited her navy Chevrolet Malibu, her mother got to her feet, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Melissa!” her mother exclaimed. “Ooh, come here, child.”

Melissa quickly closed the car door and rushed up the porch steps. Her mother’s arms were already spread wide, and Melissa threw herself into her embrace. Her mom hugged her long and hard against her large bosom. Instantly, Melissa felt a sense of comfort, the same way she always had as a little girl when her mother had wrapped her in her arms.

The weekend was going to be okay. Why had she been worrying herself silly?

“My baby.” Her mother broke the hug, leaned backward to check her out and took both of Melissa’s hands in hers. “Looks like you could use some good home cooking. You’re getting a little thin.”

Her mother had grown up in the South, and practically everything she made had a stick of butter or lard in it. It was a diet Melissa tried to steer clear of, for the most part. “I’ve been working out.”

“I’ll get some meat back on your bones,” her mother promised. Then she said, “It has been way too long since you’ve been home. It’s like you’ve forgotten your father and me now that you’re living in the big city.”

“You know I could never forget about you and Dad,” Melissa said. She squeezed her mother’s hands affectionately, then released them. “I meant to come back after Christmas, but I’ve been so busy with work.”

“Some days I wonder about that job of yours.”

“I love it,” Melissa said quickly, walking into the house. “Even the crazy hours and the emergencies.” Being the program coordinator at a group home in Newark was deeply rewarding. Melissa made an impact in the lives of troubled youth, helping the kids get back on track.

“I know your job is important. But I don’t like that you have to devote so much time to it. All work and no play, you’ll never find a nice man.”

Melissa offered her mother a small smile, though what she wanted to do was roll her eyes. Her mother would never be fully happy until Melissa had been married off.

Though her mom should know by now that marriage didn’t mean happiness. Her sister, Arlene, had just endured a nasty divorce. Her parents had viewed Craig as the son they’d never had, only to be devastated when he’d turned his back on not only Arlene, but also on them. He’d cheated with his secretary, then had the nerve to be unapologetic about his actions. The ensuing scandal had caused much embarrassment for Arlene and the family.

“Where’s Dad?”

“He’s lying down,” her mother said, and now she was the one to roll her eyes. “The crazy fool tired himself out retiling the basement bathroom. I told him to hire someone, but no, he swore he could do it himself. I think he threw his back out, but he’ll never admit it.”

Oh, yes. Melissa was home, all right. Her parents always bickered, sometimes from sunup until sundown, but despite their small disagreements, their deep love was never in doubt.

“I’m about ready to tell him that if he doesn’t call in a professional, I’m leaving him. This time I mean it.”

Melissa chortled. “Mom, you know you’re not going anywhere. You always threaten to leave, but you never will. And you know why? Because you and Dad would be lost without each other.”

Melissa crossed through the living room en route to her parents’ bedroom. She found her father lying in bed, his eyes closed, but when he heard her, he opened them and immediately smiled.

“Melissa,” he said warmly, starting to sit up.

Melissa hurried over to him. “No, Dad. Don’t get up. Mom said you threw your back out.”

Her father made a face and waved a dismissive hand. “I’m fine. Ripping out tile is hard work. I just needed a little nap, is all.”

“You didn’t pull your back out?”

“Of course not,” he scoffed, his tone saying the idea was ridiculous. But he winced after speaking the words.

Melissa leaned down and hugged her father, then sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s good to see you, Dad.”

“It’s always good to see my favorite daughter.”

“And what do you say to Arlene?” Melissa asked, raising an eyebrow in a feigned gesture of seriousness.

“That she’s my favorite, too. A father is allowed to have two favorites.”

“Only two?” Melissa asked.

“Two favorite children. And numerous favorite grandchildren.”

“Hmm, that’s convenient,” Melissa said. Then she grinned down at her dad. “I love you.” She got up off the bed. “You need anything?”

“I’d tell you to get me a beer, but your mother is watching me like a hawk. She thinks if I cut down on beer, my belly will disappear.”

“How about water?” Melissa suggested.

“How about a new wife?” her father shot back.

“Sure. Should I go into town and pick one up for you? Bringing her home could be tough, though. It could get ugly with Mom.”

“I’ll have some water,” her father said grudgingly.

Melissa smirked, then exited the bedroom. She heard her cell phone ringing and quickly ran to the front of the house, where she’d dropped her purse. Seconds later, she had her phone in her hand and saw her sister’s smiling face flashing on the screen.

“Hey, sis,” Melissa greeted her.

“You here?” Arlene asked without preamble. “In Sheridan Falls?”

“Yep. Just got to Mom and Dad’s.”

“Great. We need you here ASAP.”

A loud wail sounded in the background. “Where are you?” Melissa asked. “And what is going on?”

“We’re at the bridal shop,” Arlene told her. “Tasha is having a meltdown. She’s worried your dress won’t fit, and there’s only a short time left for alterations. Tasha’s maid of honor put on ten pounds and her dress has to be altered.”

“I’m sure my dress will be fine,” Melissa said. “I sent in my exact measurements for every part of my body, and my weight hasn’t changed. I might have lost a couple of pounds, actually.”

“Yeah, well, nothing’s going to appease Tasha unless she sees it with her own eyes. How quickly can you get here?”

“I’m on my way.”

* * *

Melissa arrived at the upscale bridal shop twelve minutes later and found the bridal party in the back. Tasha was slumped in a velour armchair, two of her bridesmaids on either side of her. Maxine, Tasha’s older sister, stood to her right and held Tasha’s hand. The friend who must be Tasha’s maid of honor was on her knees beside the chaise. She was also holding Tasha’s hand and worrying her bottom lip.

“How can you tell me everything will be all right, Maxine?” Tasha demanded. “Bonnie’s dress doesn’t fit. And she’s my maid of honor. She has to look amazing.”

Tasha shot a glance at the woman on her knees. Yes, she was definitely Bonnie. “It’s only the zipper,” Bonnie said. Her plump face lit up with a reassuring smile. “Enid already said that can be fixed. Plus, I’ll eat only salad for the next two days.”

“But what about Melissa?” Tasha countered. “What if her dress doesn’t fi—”

Tasha’s words died on her lips as her eyes ventured beyond the women trying to console her and landed on Melissa. Tasha immediately eased up in the chair. “Melissa?”

“Hey, you.” Melissa beamed as she moved toward her cousin. The moment Tasha got to her feet, Melissa took her in her arms.

“You’re here,” Tasha said, then burst into tears.

“Hey,” Melissa said softly, easing back and taking Tasha’s hands in hers. “What’s this all about?”

“I just want everything to be perfect, and if your dress doesn’t fit...maybe they won’t get all the alterations done in time.”

“It’ll fit,” Melissa assured her.

The attendant, a red-haired woman with a worried expression on her face, whom Melissa had briefly noticed as she entered she shop, tentatively approached the group. “I’m Enid.” She looked Melissa directly in the eye. “I take it you’re Melissa.”

“Yes.”

“Oh, thank God.” The woman’s shoulders slumped with relief.

Melissa fully turned to face the woman, asking, “Where’s my dress?”

“It’s hanging in dressing room number four.” Enid pointed toward the door. “You can try it on any time you’re ready.” Then she leaned close to Melissa and whispered, “But sooner would be better.”

“Got it,” Melissa said, facing her cousin and giving her a bright smile. “Everything’s going to be okay. Don’t you worry.”

Tasha nodded, but her glum expression said she didn’t believe Melissa’s mollifying words.

Melissa greeted the other women with smiles and hellos, then briefly hugged her sister before heading into the dressing room. The bridesmaid dress was hanging on the back of the door. Melissa’s eyes widened as she checked it out. It looked even more beautiful in person than it had in photos. The lavender dress was a floor-length, one-shoulder stunner. The charmeuse fabric was soft and shimmery. The bodice of the dress was covered with a layer of lace, and a ribbon of satin surrounded the dress’s waist.

A lump of emotion suddenly formed in Melissa’s throat. She’d always thought that by thirty, she would either be married or on her way to being married. Yet here she was, single with no prospects, while her twenty-seven-year-old cousin had found the love of her life.

Melissa disrobed and put the dress on. It was meant to be fitted from the waist up and flowed elegantly from the waist down. There was a slit in the dress that came to midthigh.

“Do you need any help?” the attendant asked.

Melissa opened the door. “If you could zip me up...”

The attendant eased forward and zipped the dress at the back, then Melissa fully exited the dressing room and moved to stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The rest of the bridesmaids gathered around her. Through the mirror, Melissa could see their eyes lighting up. That was when she fully took note of her outfit, giving it a slow gaze from the top of the one shoulder, along the lace-covered bodice that somehow managed to make her breasts look more shapely, and down to the length of the flowing skirt. A smile spread on her face. It fit her perfectly. And she looked beautiful.

Tasha came up behind her, and her eyes filled with fresh tears. She had already cried a lot, given how puffy and red her eyes were. But at least these tears were happy ones.

A bubble of laughter escaped Tasha’s throat. “It’s perfect. You look gorgeous. Just stunning.”

“I told you not to worry,” Melissa said.

“You look so beautiful.”

Melissa turned and faced her cousin, the gown swooshing around her bare feet. “But not nearly as beautiful as you’ll be. The picture you sent me of you in your dress...you’re going to knock Ryan off his feet.”

“You think so?” Tasha asked, a hitch in her voice.

“I know so.” Melissa reached out and tucked a strand of her cousin’s curly hair behind her ear. “How could you not?”

Tasha beamed. “Everything’s going to be fine, isn’t it?”

“Of course it is,” Melissa said. “Why wouldn’t it be? You’re marrying the love of your life, and he absolutely adores you. Everything is going to be perfect.”

Tasha wiped at her eyes. “You’re right.” Then she glanced at the rest of the bridal party. “I’m sorry I’ve been such an emotional mess.”

Maxine looped an arm through her sister’s. “You’ve just got the prewedding jitters. It’s perfectly normal.”

“But Bonnie’s dress—” Tasha said.

“Will be fine,” Enid said, stepping forward. “There’s enough room to let the dress out at the sides so that it zips up. I’ll be working as long as necessary to make sure that everything is just right.”

Tasha inhaled and exhaled deeply. “You’ve been so good to me, Enid. Working overtime to make sure that all is perfect.”

“I’m happy that you gave our boutique the opportunity,” Enid said, smiling. “A big wedding like yours... I thought for sure you’d find a boutique in Buffalo or New York City.”

“Never,” Tasha said. “You and I go way back. Fourth grade. Of course I’d give you the business.” She squeezed Enid’s hands, then glanced at her wristwatch. “Ooh, we only have a couple of hours before the welcome dinner. We should really get out of here so we can get ready.”

Melissa glanced at Enid, seeing relief wash over her face. “The alterations will be started immediately,” she said in an effort to allay any possible concerns that Tasha might have.