Page 85 of Fathers of the Bride

“And the corset!”

As soon as Timpani was gone an uncomfortable silence descended like a cold rain. Pudge, Lissa and Martha squeezed onto the sofa. Raj turned to say something to Andy but thought better of it. Instead, he walked over to Jeffery, and said, “You’re very tall.”

“I am.”

We all sipped champagne. Then Raj said to Kelly, “Make sure I have a moment to get a really good picture of each dress. I’m going to put themallup on the ‘Gram.”

“But you can’t,” said Lissa. “What if Avery sees them?”

“Well, he won’t know which one Kelly chooses.”

“It’s really not a big deal,” Martha said. “I’m sure lots of grooms see the bride’s dress before the wedding.”

“And a lot of grooms end up divorced,” Pudge snapped. “It’s bad luck.”

“Actually, Raj,” Kelly said. “I’d prefer no pictures.”

“But—”

“She said no,” Andy said.

“Well, I’ve got some information you just have to say yes to,” Pudge said, then paused dramatically. “It’s possible The Beverly Wilshire will be available on the eighteenth. Can you believe it?”

“The invitations have already gone out,” I pointed out. “Weeks ago.”

“Yes, but there’s email, telephones, Facebook… everyone could be informed of this nearly insignificant little change.”

“No.”

“But you don’t understand, I’ve already hired someone to make it available.”

“A hitman?” I guessed.

“No, but that’s not a bad idea. I have a negotiator attempting to buy out—”

“You’re ruining someone else’s wedding?” Kelly asked.

“Not at all. We’re just buying them out of the venue. They get to have a wedding elsewhere for virtually free. I’d say they’re lucky.”

“Oh my God.”

Just then, Timpani came back carrying a gigantic white cloud of a dress spread across both arms. She walked to the back of the consulting room and hung it on a hook, then she invited Kelly back with her and attempted to slide a drape across the room, but not before Pudge, Lissa and Martha jumped into the room with them.

That left me standing with Jeffery, Raj and my husband. Suddenly, Raj held out his left hand and wiggled his fingers. “I don’t want to steal the limelight from Kelly but… look! My engagement ring!”

We all turned to look at Andy who said, “Well, don’t look at me. I didn’t buy it for him.”

I took a reluctant look at the ring: rose gold with black sapphires or diamonds. I couldn’t be sure. Attractive, if a bit trendy.

“Where did you get it?” I asked Raj.

“A jeweler in Beverly Hills saw my posts and contacted me. He gave it to me at cost.”

“You bought your own engagement ring?” Jeffery asked.

“Well, someone had to.”

“We’re not getting married,” Andy explained.