Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

"Well, we can't afford--"

"Don't worry about the costs. Just buy your own wedding gown. My parents will take care of everything else. They would insist."

"But I don't... I don't think we need such a wedding."

"We'll talk about it later. honey. I've got to get back to the office."

"What was that all about with Linden?"

"I asked him to serve as my best man." he replied.

"You want Linden to serve as your best man?" I repeated for Mother's ears.

"Yes. I thought that would be nice and might do some good to help bring us all together. Was it all right?"

"Yes, of course. I'm just surprised."

"Listen, there was a point there where I was nearly convinced he was my half brother. I want him to think of me that way."

"That's very kind and considerate of you, Thatcher."

"Talk him into it, then." he said.

"I'll try."

"I've been able to get us the reservations in Eze. France," he said.

"That's wonderful."'

"It's exciting." he said. "All of it. Isn't it?"

"Yes," I said, reluctantly agreeing. Seven hundred or more guests, elaborate flower

arrangements, a twenty-six-piece orchestra-- how could it not be?

"I'll call you later." he promised, and hung up. Mother and I just looked at each other.

"I don't think he'll do it," she finally said. "Do you?" "Maybe," I said, and headed for his room.

He was sitting on his bed staring down at the floor. I knocked on the open door and he looked up slowly, so slowly it made it seem as if his head were made of stone.

"You put him up to that, didn't you?" he accused before I could say a word.

"Absolutely not. Linden. I was just as surprised as you were. I do think it's a very nice thing. and I hope you will do it." I said.

"He's a schemer, always plotting, conniving," he muttered. I drew closer to him.

"Can't you give him a chance. Linden?"

"Give him a chance? You forget. I've lived here all ray life and so has he. I've given him hundreds of chances."

"Please try." I begged, and sat beside him. My action widened his eyes. "I so want us all to get along, to be a family. I know deep down you want it, too. for Mother as well as for us, don't you?"

He studied me for a moment, then looked away.

"Best man. Me, a best man? I suppose I'll have to wear a tuxedo and all."

"Of course. We're all going to be quite dressed up. Mother's going with me to pick out the wedding gown, and I'll get her to choose a beautiful new dress. I'd be happy to go with you to help you get fitted for a new tuxedo. too," I offered.