Page 73 of Fathers of the Bride

“I didnotsay that.”

No, he hadn’t. It had been written all over his very dear, very expressive face.

“But that’s the real reason you want to wait until after the wedding.”

“No. It isnot.”

“You don’t think this is going to work.”

“Stop putting words in my mouth,” he insisted. “I’m simply more cautious than you are, Andy. Don’t you remember that?”

I suppose he was right. I tried to be cautious, but somehow I could just never manage it. One of the first things I did in our relationship was promise to make Miles a ‘star’—which was very impulsive, I had no idea if I’d be able to do that. And then I did. Which reminded me… “You know, Miles, I made you famous once. I could do it again.”

“What? Where did that come—technically, I think I’m still famous. Or at least fame-ish.”

“But don’t you want it all back? Don’t you want a show again?”

“Different parts of life are for different things,” he said, wistfully, then patted my thigh as he got out of bed. Of course, I didn’t believe him. Not for a minute. Miles had lovedThe Happy Home. He was proud of it.Wewere proud of it. I had to get it back. Or something back. But how?

“I talked with Kelly yesterday,” he said as he pulled his clothes from the closet. “Pudge is miserable. Jeffery is practically living there with them.”

“Jeffery is the sensitivity coach?” I asked.

“Yes. Apparently, he’s relentless.”

“Well, I’m glad I’m here and not there. What are you planning for today?”

“I found a string quartet I like. I need to take them a deposit. Then I need to pop into the rental company and talk about tables and chairs, then there’s the florist, and I still have to find a band.”

“Do you need me to do anything?”

“Oh no, dear. I’ve got it all under control.”

But I wanted to do something. I mean, Kelly was my daughter too. I should do more than simply pay my half of things.

“When you talked to Kelly, did she say anything more about the maid of honor?” I asked.

“No, not really. Why?”

“Did you get to meet the cousin at the party?”

“No, as you’ll recall, I was a little occupied.”

“She’s not right. I mean, she’s not the kind of girl Kelly responds to.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter that much. I mean, I’m doing everything.”

“Still. Don’t you think Kelly should have one of her own friends stand up for her?”

“Well, yes, of course she should. But that’s up to her, isn’t it?”

“Yes. But—” That’s when I knew what I had to do. “You’re right. It’s completely up to her.”

I waited until Miles finished dressing, kissed me, and said, “Don’t hang around too long. Consuelo is coming to clean.”

“Consuelo? It will be nice to see her.”

He cleared his throat, and said, “Maybe that’s not such a great idea.”