One to Leave (One to Hold 5)

“I love it!” Mariska, sighed.

“You’re going to have to trade in the stilettos for boots,” I winked at Kenny. “But they can be high heel boots.”

“I’ve always wanted a pair of those.”

“Good, because I have a pair coming overnight delivery.”

“Show me!”

We spent the rest of the evening making calls and express-ordering hair scarves, silk flowers, and pastel woolen knee-highs for us to wear with our boots and short dresses. Despite the season, or because of it, we got guaranteed delivery by Saturday, when the fairytale would come true.

* * *

Two Chinook winds so close together in the same year never happened. As in never, Bill said. Sylvia blamed Global Climate Change, but I knew it was my wish on a shooting star come true.

The day dawned frigid then everything changed. A strong wind blew in from the west, and in an hour the snow was gone. Temperatures had risen into the fifties, and we moved everything outside to the barn.

Bill secured a local minister, who was on stand-by in case we got a heavy overnight snowstorm, in which case we’d planned to have the ceremony, and make it official the next time we could make it to town.

The Impossible Chinook changed everything.

Waiting in the living room for the minutes to count down, Sylvia stepped forward. “Elaine,” she said, catching my hand. “This is for you.”

From her pocket, she produced a delicate silver bangle with a dark-blue Cabochon like the necklace she’d worn her first night here.

“Oh!” I gasped as she slipped it onto my wrist. It accented the ivory chiffon dress I wore perfectly. “It’s so beautiful!”

“Patrick’s grandmother gave it to me on my wedding day, so I’m passing it down to you.” She smiled, smoothing my hair over my shoulder. It extended just to the top of my eyelet bodice. “Now you have something old and blue.”

“I loaned her my favorite elephant ring!” Mariska stepped forward, and I hugged her, imagining the day when we’d be sisters.

“And here’s the new.” Kenny handed me a Tiffany-blue box tied with a white-satin bow.

“Kenny!” My eyes went round. “How?”

“Don’t worry about that part.” Melissa stepped forward, holding her shoulders and smiling. “It’s part wedding gift, part thank you gift for being such an amazing mom to my little boy.”

I slid the white ribbon away and lifted the lid. Inside was a silver necklace with two heart pendants. The word “Mom” was printed on one. My eyes flooded, and we hugged each other.

“It’s been a long road,” I whispered, squeezing her.

“You ladies ready?” Bill stuck his head in the door, and I straightened. He wore brown slacks and a cream-colored button down with a brown tie. His thick grey hair was combed back, and when he saw Sylvia, he passed a hand over his mouth under his mustache. Stuart was behind him, wearing dark jeans, a light-green button down, and a maroon tie.

Kenny whistled loudly, Mariska cleared her throat, and my tears gave way to laughter. “You guys sure clean up good!”

Melissa stepped forward touching away the tears under my eyes with a handkerchief. “You look amazing.” As my maid of honor, she handed me a bouquet of wild flowers. “Ready?”

I nodded and moved to the back of the line where Bill took my arm. “Derek and Slayde are on their way.”

He was still speaking when the door opened and Derek walked in, stunning as usual in grey slacks and a light-blue button down with a navy tie. His dark hair was away from his face, just grazing the top of his collar, and his blue eyes went straight to Melissa. They stayed on her until he was at her side, and I was pretty sure I saw my best friend shiver.

Slayde was with Kenny, dressed in a brown shirt open at the neck, Wranglers, and boots. Kenny caught his shirtfront and kissed him hard. It was perfect.

“Mom?” Stuart held his arm for her.

She caught it and rubbed his bicep. “So glad you’re here with us.”

He squeezed her hand, and glanced at Mariska. “I’ll be back for you.”