Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

"That's all right," Mother said. "Food is food."

"Oh. no. Grace. Food is never just food at Joya del Mar. I hope. you don't really believe that. We're going to insist on having--"

"Whatever you choose is fine with us." I interrupted. "I'm sure you will pick what is

appropriate."

"Oh. Well. good." she said. She took a breath. "When do you think you'll have your guest list available?"

"Tomorrow," I said. I looked at Mother.

"Yes, tomorrow," she agreed.

"I'll have a rush put on everything," Bunny said. "With the way people here plan their social calendars, this is going to be difficult."

"Somehow, I think you'll be up to the task, Bunny," I said. She missed my sarcasm and took it as a compliment.

"Yes, I will certainly do my best. Now, do you want help in choosing your bridal gown? I can get you an appointment tomorrow at Rose Le Cara, Everyone is using her, here and in Monte Carlo."

"No," I said. "I think that's something my mother and I will do ourselves."

"Oh. I see." she said. not hiding her

disappointment. "Well. do remember this is a very formal affair. You need a fioor-length gown. either short-sleeved or sleeveless. with a long train. A long veil. and long gloves. Your bridesmaids will need floorlength gowns. headpieces, and gloves as well."

She paused and stared at me a moment.

You do know that you should have a minimum of four to twelve bridesmaids. don't you?"

"I don't know who I would have except for maybe my cousin from Charleston," I said. "I was unable to attend her wedding recently, so I'm not sure she will want to attend mine."

"Of course she will. But one bridesmaid? That's ridiculous, Don't you have any close girlfriends, college friends, anyone from home you want?"

"No," I said. There were girls with whom I had begun to get close at UNC, but I felt funny sending them such an invitation. and I had last contact with my closer high school girlfriends.

"Well, we'll provide additional bridesmaids. I have friends with daughters who will simply climb over each other to be here and be in this wedding," she said. "I was thinking of Whitney's children to serve as flower girl and ring bearer. Asher's brother and his wife will come from Texas, of course, and bring their two married children, one of whom has a simply angelic little girl who will make a delightful train bearer. Don't worry about any of that, in fact," she concluded,

"Okay," I said. "Is that it?"

"What?" She looked at Patricia, who quickly lowered her eyes. "Of course not. Next, we'll discuss the music. I have someone working on getting us the Bill Renner Orchestra. It's a twenty-six-piece. They are usually booked for a year in advance, but there is a chance we can get them.

"We'll have to think about elaborate floral arrangements, of course. the favors, and the

photographer. I think for this wedding we'll need at least two photographers. You'll have so many pictures. You know how weddings are." she said. "They bring people together who rarely get to see each other. It's nice to have pictures of relatives. and there will be a number of VIPs at the wedding. You'll want a visual record of all that.

"Then there will be the limousines to pick up members of the wedding party and to take you and Thatcher to the airport afterward. I'm sure there is much more. I'm overwhelmed myself. Patricia?"

The assistant reached down into her briefcase. "Bunny, this sounds like it will cost a fortune." I said.

"Of course it will. Willow. It's your and Thatcher's wedding. I don't think you'll be doing it that often. Or at least, we hope you won't. right. Grace?" she said, and laughed.

"No, but we do have a limited income."

"Yes. I know you do, especially with us leaving and your loss of rental income. However. I simply can't have Thatcher married in an inferior affair. can I? We'll talk about the finances later. I think that's the most boring and droll part anyway, don't you? Asher will handle it."

"Yes. well..." My mother's voice trailed off as if it couldn't carry the weight of her thoughts.

"I don't want to sound rushed. Grace, but have you begun to think about her shower?"