Page 2 of 3 Daddies to Go

She nods.

“They’ll do. I wish I’d picked something other than lilies though. Lilies are so clichéd. It’s too late now, though. It is what it is.”

Before I can say anything more, the wedding photographer approaches us.

“Can I get a picture of the bride posing with the flowers?”

Trudy smiles.

“Of course!”

We smile, trying to look at ease, as the young woman takes a hundred pictures. I don’t even want to see how they come out because I’m sure I look dumpy next to Trudy. She’s sleek, blonde, and absolutely stunning no matter what she does or wears. Meanwhile, I’m curvy and brunette, and about twenty pounds on the heavier side. While I can look attractive depending on what I wear, this dress is not doing anything for me.

“How about a few of the bridal party milling about before the ceremony?” the photographer asks. “Before pictures are always a big hit.”

Trudy shrugs.

“Sure, you’re the expert.”

We fuss about, trying to look casual, as the photographer snaps away for the next twenty minutes. But this has to end at some point, and eventually, Trudy’s wedding planner emerges from inside the church.

“Ready, ladies? We’re just about to start.”

I’m not sorry that she interrupted, and neither is Trudy, judging by her beaming face and teary eyes. I’m so glad they invented waterproof makeup. Not that Trudy ever looks messy or sloppy because she’s the epitome of style. Hell, raccoon eyes would probably just make hermorestylish, as if it were the latest trend.

“We’re ready!” the other girls chorus.

I distribute the bouquets to all the girls, and we get in line. I’m last, just before Trudy, which is a special position given to the maid of honor, I guess.

“Girls,” Trudy says quietly. “Thank you for being here with me. It means a lot.”

My heart swells. Trudy may be high maintenance, but at least she knows how to show appreciation.

I turn and offer her a smile.

“We love you, girl. There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”

Actually, I can think of at least twelve places I’d rather be, and not one of them involve this itchy, heavy dress, but Trudy doesn’t need to know that.

“Okay!” says the planner. I have no idea what her name is. Honestly, I don’t think Trudy does, either. She only ever refers to the woman as “the wedding planner,” which seems rude, but it is what it is.

“In a minute, I’m going to cue the organist,” the wedding planner says. “After a few bars, the doors will open. We’ve got people to do that, so don’t worry about opening them yourselves. After the doors open, Jenny, wait five seconds. No more, no less. And then walk in.”

Jenny, who has been friends with Trudy nearly as long as I have, nods in understanding. The wedding planner continues to jabber.

“Trudy, you stay off to the side so no one can see you as the bridesmaids enter. We don’t want to spoil the big reveal!”

Trudy obeys immediately, hiding off to the left where she’s mostly concealed.

“Perfect!” the wedding planner beams, clapping her hands together. How the woman can be so cheery, I have no idea, but at least she’s getting paid to have a good attitude.

“Monica, you’ll start walking when Jenny gets to the third pew. Understood?”

Monica nods. We went over all of this at the rehearsal last night, so it really isn’t necessary. There’s no point in saying anything though because Trudy would bite my head off.

“Same goes for you, Leonore. When Monica gets to the third pew, it’s your turn to walk out. When Leonore gets to the third pew, June will go. When June gets to the third pew, you walk out, Kendall.”

“What about me?” Trudy pipes up, as if she doesn’t already know. The wedding planner just smiles.