“I want more for you than that. How are things with Greg?”
“You’re not very subtle, are you?”
“I’m your mother. I don’t have to be. I know he screwed up, but he was so sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t change what he did.”
Maggie pressed her lips together. Rachel knew what she was thinking. That Rachel should consider forgiving her husband. It had only been a one-night stand, so she should give him another chance. But what if she did? What if she believed in him again and he hurt her a second time? She would never survive.
“Ready for your party?” she asked. “I’m sure Neil is anxious to see you.”
Her mother rose and faced her. “At least tell me that you’re happy.”
“Of course I am. I have Josh and my family. And I’m about to get a stepfather.” She leaned close and hugged her mom. “You know I’m going to ask him for a pony.”
Maggie laughed. “I wouldn’t joke about that, if I were you. Neil’s a giver and he just might buy you one.”
They were still laughing when they walked out of the room and toward the lobby.
The late-May weather was perfect. Warm without being hot and plenty of sun. They were still about an hour from the party starting, and the west lawn was filled with activity. Large open tents had been installed. Servers were setting the tables where dinner would be served. The pre-and post-mingling area had two bars and a dance floor. Flowers sat on tables and by tent poles.
Rachel spotted Sienna and waved her over. Her sister walked toward them, all long and lean in a stunning ankle-length black dress made entirely of one-inch open-crocheted squares. The dress was lined from the bust to midthigh, but her skin peeked through the rest of it. Even knowing her sister had probably bought it at The Helping Store didn’t take away from the look.
She had accessorized it with classic hoops, strappy flats and simple makeup. Her short hair was spiky.
“Killer look,” Rachel said, knowing she couldn’t in a million years pull that off.
“Thanks.” Sienna smiled at them both. “Mom, you look great.”
“I’m so nervous,” Maggie admitted. “Have you seen Neil? He’s not going to stand me up, is he?”
“I don’t think you can be stood up at an engagement party,” Rachel said.
“She’s right.” Sienna pointed. “He’s over there, telling the staff how amazing you are.”
Maggie saw her fiancé and waved. “I’ll see you girls later.”
“Have fun,” Rachel told her, then looked at her sister. “Where’s David?”
“He’s meeting me here. I wanted to come early to see if anyone needed help. Oh, no.”
Rachel followed her sister’s gaze and saw Courtney carrying a large bowl filled with oranges, lemons and limes. As they watched, Courtney caught her foot on an extension cord, stumbled forward and dropped the bowl.
“It’s been five minutes and she’s already pulled a Courtney,” Sienna complained. “What is with her?”
“Just stop it,” Rachel said, starting forward to help her baby sister.
“What? Don’t snap at me. She’s a disaster. Admit it, Rachel. She never even graduated from high school. It’s been nearly ten years and she’s a maid here at the hotel.”
Rachel ignored Sienna and went to help Courtney with the fruit. Her baby sister smiled as she approached.
“I thought I’d get my awkward moment out of the way early. So I can enjoy the party.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. Nothing bad happened.”
“Oh, but the night is young.”
They collected all the fruit and then stood. As Courtney delivered the bowl to one of the bars, Rachel studied her sister.
The shapeless dress couldn’t have been less flattering on her. The navy-and-cream print was okay, but the length was an awkward two inches above the knee, which just looked bad on Courtney. The elbow-length sleeves were matronly, and the top kept slipping around on her shoulders. As always, her sister had pulled her hair back in a ponytail, which could have looked stylish, but didn’t.
“Come with me,” Rachel said, grabbing her hand. “Give me fifteen minutes.”
“What? No. I’m fine.”
“You’re a mess. Come on, Courtney. You could be gorgeous. Why do you always try to blend in with the drapes?”
“I’m not attractive. I’m tall and gawky.”
“Maybe at fourteen, but not anymore. Fifteen minutes,” she repeated. “You don’t have a choice.”
“Fine.”
Courtney clumped along behind her as they returned to the hotel. Rachel went directly to the bride’s room and started opening cupboards. She found straight pins and fabric tape. A lost-and-found bin yielded a hot-pink scarf that would have to do.