Unfinished Business

Jack put in, taking Joanie’s arm to lead her away. “Or he could wear his shoes and forget his pants, all because you were standing here worrying about it so you didn’t get home and change and get back in time to nag him.”
    “I don’t nag,” she said with a chuckle as he pulled her along. “And Brady, don’t forget to check with Mrs. Leary about the cake. Oh, and—” The rest was muffled when Jack clamped a hand over her mouth.
    “And I used to put my hands over my ears,” Brady murmured. He twisted his head to look up at Vanessa. “Want a ride home?”
    “Sure.”
    He trooped off, still carrying her, through the neighboring yards. “Putting on weight?” He’d noticed she was filling out her jeans very nicely.
    “Doctor’s orders.” She gave his hair an ungentle tug. “So watch your step.”
    “Purely a professional question. How about I give you an exam?” He turned his head to leer at her.
    “Look out for the—” She ducked down so that the clotheslines skimmed over her head. “You might have walked around it.”
    “Yeah, but now I can smell your hair.” He kissed her before she could straighten up again. “Are you going to make me some breakfast?”
    “No.”
    “Coffee?”
    She chuckled as she started to squirm down his back. “No.”
    “Instant?”

    “No.” She was laughing when her feet hit the ground. “I’m going to take a long, hot shower, then spend an hour primping and admiring myself in the mirror.”
    He gathered her close, though the dog was trying to wiggle between them. “You look pretty good right now.”
    “I can look better.”
    “I’ll let you know.” He tipped her face up to his. “After the picnic, you want to come by, help me look at paint chips?”
    She gave him a quick, impulsive kiss. “I’ll let you know,” she said before she dashed inside.
     
    Loretta’s nerves seemed to have transferred to her daughter. While the bride calmly dressed for her wedding day, Vanessa fussed with the flower arrangements, checked and re-checked the bottle of champagne that had been set aside for the first family toast, and paced from window to window looking for the photographer.
    “He should have been here ten minutes ago,” she said when she heard Loretta start downstairs. “I knew it was a mistake to hire Mrs. Driscoll’s grandson’s brother-in-law. I don’t understand why—” She turned, breaking off when she saw her mother.
    “Oh. You look beautiful.”
    Loretta had chosen a pale, pale green silk with only a touch of ecru lace along the tea-length hem. It was simple—simply cut, simply beautiful. On an impulse, she’d bought a matching picture hat, and she’d fluffed her hair under the brim.
    “You don’t think it’s too much?” She reached up, her fingers skimming the hat. “It is just a small, informal wedding.”
    “It’s perfect. Really perfect. I’ve never seen you look better.”
    “I feel perfect.” She smiled. As a bride should, she was glowing. “I don’t know what was wrong with me last night. Today I feel perfect. I’m so happy.” She shook her head quickly. “I don’t want to cry. I spent forever on my face.”
    “You’re not going to cry,” Vanessa said firmly. “The photographer— Oh, thank God, he’s just pulling up outside. I’ll— Oh, wait. Do you have everything?”
    “Everything?”
    “You know, something old, something new?”
    “I forgot.” Struck by bridal superstition, Loretta started a frantic mental search. “The dress is new. And these…” She touched a finger to her pearls. “These were my mother’s—and her mother’s, so they’re old.”
    “Good start. Blue?”
    Color rose in Loretta’s cheeks. “Yes, actually, under the dress. I have, ah… My camisole has little blue ribbons down the front. I suppose you think I’m foolish buying fancy lingerie.”
    “No, I don’t.” Vanessa touched her mother’s arm, and was surprised by the quick impulse she had to hug her. Instead, she stepped back. “That leaves borrowed.”
    “Well, I—”
    “Here.” Vanessa unclasped the thin gold braided bracelet she wore. “Take this, and you’ll be all set.” She peeked out the window again. “Oh, here comes Doc Tucker and the rest of them.” With a laugh, she waved. “They look like a parade. Go into the music room until I can hustle them outside.”
    “Van.” Loretta was still standing, holding the bracelet in her hand. “Thank you.”
    Vanessa waited until her mother was out of