Chapter 12
"Beth! You look absolutely gorgeous. Where in the world did you find that dress?"
Beth twirled around at the sound of her mother's voice. She wasn't expecting her parents back for another week, but they were standing in her bedroom watching her as she admired herself in the mirror. "Mom, Daddy, what are you two doing here? I can't believe it! Oh gosh, is Kevin here? He can't see me in this dress." She rushed to shut the door.
Her father laughed. "No, Annie let us in. She said you would be in here, that you haven't taken that gown off since you brought it home yesterday." He walked over to kiss his daughter. "We cut our trip short when we got your email. We wanted to be here in case you needed anything. Plus, your mother couldn't let you plan this wedding without her."
Beth gathered them both in a hug. "I'm so glad you're here. Can you believe this is actually happening? I've dreamed about this day for so long, and it's finally happening in just one week. One week! I have so much to do! Thank goodness they gave me the week off, although I can't imagine that I'll be able to stay away from all the planning anyway." She picked up the veil and handed it to her mother. "Will you help me with this?" Her mother placed the pearly headpiece on her head and straightened the lacy tulle train.
"You look like an angel, Beth, truly you do," her mother exclaimed as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Quickly she switched into planning mode. "Let's get down to business. We only have seven days until the rehearsal dinner and eight until the wedding. What is top priority?"
Beth reached for the white satin binder on the bed and opened it. "The embassy has the entire reception covered. I went over everything with the staff this week. They'll let me know if there's anything they need from me, but for the most part, I'm letting them do their jobs. We'll need to pick up the decorations and favors on Monday to put everything together so we can decorate the chapel on Friday." Beth continued to show her mother the necessary details that needed attention over the next week. "All the attendants will be here by Thursday. We've figured where everyone will be. Annie will stay here with me, you, Helen, Joan, Grace, Annika, and Jocelyn. Daddy and the boys - Kevin, his dad, Luke, Adam, Jack, Jerrod will be at Jack and Annika's place. Extra family members will be at Jerrod and Jocelyn's, which is between here and there. There are rooms at a hotel in town that a few of the guests were able to get. I'm not sure exactly where everyone is, but the wedding party is covered."
Her mother looked up. "What about Sonia?" she asked, referring to Beth's college roommate. "Is she coming?"
Beth sifted through the papers on the bed. "I haven't spoken to her since the summer after we graduated. She called me to say she was getting married. To Jake."
Mrs. Reinhart gasped. "You never told me that. Why didn't you say something before now?"
"I don't know. I was so surprised, but then again I wasn't. It just showed me what kind of people they were. We hadn't been broken up for three months, and they were engaged. I think she actually wanted me to be happy for her," Beth explained. "I'm going to get changed. Kevin has a game in half an hour. You all coming?"
Her parents agreed they would. Annie had already taken their luggage upstairs. They said they weren't hungry, having eaten on the plane. They went upstairs to freshen up as Annie helped Beth out of the wedding gown. About ten minutes later, the four of them piled into Beth's car to go watch Kevin play basketball.
A couple of hours later, they waited outside the locker room for Kevin to emerge. His team had won and Kevin, true to form, had been the star of the game scoring 25 points. As they waited, Beth introduced her family to the family members of the other players. Somewhere during the exchange, Beth realized that this would be one of the last times they would spend their Thursday evenings with these people who had become close friends.
Beth looked around, each family had a story much like hers and Kevin's. Some had dealt with disability better than others, but they all had relied on each other to get through the hard days. Kevin still tried to pretend that he didn't need anyone or anything, but sometimes he definitely did need someone to talk to. He'd been pretty good about going to Jack, but there were times when he needed someone who understood what he was going through in a more personal way. That's when he called his teammate Kerry. Formerly a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Kerry O'Donnell had been preparing for a career as a fighter pilot when he was injured in a rock climbing accident just weeks before receiving his first commission. The two had quickly become friends when Kevin joined the league, and Kerry would be a groomsman in the wedding. Beth walked over to Kerry's wife Lily who was holding their brand new baby daughter Aurora. Lily was stressing about how she was going to look in a dress only eight weeks after Aurora had been born. Beth assured her she would look lovely. The two were discussing wedding plans with Beth's mother and sister when the guys finally emerged from the locker room.
Kevin was as excited as Beth had been to see the Reinharts. He and Kerry approached the group, and he introduced Kerry to Beth's father and mother. Aurora began to cry, so the O'Donnells excused themselves but promised to get together next week when Kerry's mother would be in town to keep the baby during the wedding festivities. Dr. Reinhart congratulated Kevin on a well-played game. The two of them headed toward the door still discussing basketball. Beth called ahead to ask Kevin if he was hungry. He pivoted the chair around and looked at her.
"Of course I'm hungry. I'm always hungry," he shot back. They all laughed and Kevin said he and Dr. Reinhart would go in his car and that Beth should bring the girls. Beth didn't have to ask him where he was going, he always chose the same place.
She pulled into the parking lot of the little Italian restaurant a few minutes behind him, but by that time Kevin and her father had already gotten a table. Kevin was waiting at the door to show them the table, and Dr. Reinhart had already ordered a bottle of wine. When they all arrived, Dr. Reinhart proposed a toast to Beth and Kevin's continued happiness. They all raised their glasses and drank.
They ordered and Kevin began the conversation. "I guess it's a little late, but Dr. and Mrs. Reinhart, I'd like to ask for your permission to marry your daughter."
Beth's father turned to Kevin and smiled. "Kevin, I know that the past few years have been extremely trying for you, but I want you to know how proud we all are of how you've stuck with it, finishing school and starting out with this new job. We've known you and your family for a long time, and over that time you've become more and more a part of our life and Beth's. She has never been happier than she is when she's with you, and it's obvious that you love her as much as she loves you. All that being said, I'm very pleased to give you my blessing for this marriage."
Mrs. Reinhart added to her husband's speech, "You have mine, too, but I guess you already knew that."
Kevin held Beth's hand and gently kissed it. He looked up at his future in-laws and smiled. "Thank you so much for always being there for me, for us. Because of your generosity, we'll be able to sell the townhouse and use that as a down payment on the new house. I do love Beth, more than anything else in the world. I don't pretend to know do be a husband to Beth, but I'm going to do the best I can to listen to her needs."
Dr. Reinhart extended his hand to Kevin. "I know that you will, Kevin. I know that you will do everything in your power to make Beth happy."
Their orders arrived, and the conversation switched to Kevin's game, the wedding, and the new house. Kevin glanced around the table as Beth and Annie talked about childhood memories in the house they grew up in. Dr. and Mrs. Reinhart added their own anecdotes while Kevin stored as many of the stories in his mind as possible. He already felt like he was a part of Beth's family. They were so kind and welcoming. This never ceased to amaze him, considering the past that he and Beth shared. Finally, the family finished eating and piled back into the cars for the ride home.
When they arrived at the house, Beth laid out the next day's plans. It was Independence Day, the Fourth of July, and the whole nation would pour into the capital city for the festivities. The family would drive into the city early the next morning. Beth had prepared maps and schedules for everyone listing the exact time and location of each of the day's main events. Kevin chuckled as he folded his and placed it in his pocket. It was so much like Beth to do this, and it was a quality he admired in some ways, but he knew he'd be spending the day with her. She'd definitely make sure that he was where he was supposed to be when he was supposed to be there.
Beth declared that they all needed their sleep since there would be so much to do the next day. She shooed her parents off to their room, sent Kevin to his and retired to her own with her sister, citing they had a lot of catching up to do. Kevin knocked on the door and entered to kiss Beth goodnight. Annie rolled their eyes saying they were being way too dramatic. They would see each other in the morning. Beth stuck out her tongue at her younger sister and turned back to Kevin. He pulled her onto his lap, kissed her on the lips, and then released her and left the room.
Beth climbed into bed with her sister. The two giggled like schoolgirls about how cute Kevin was and how well he had played in the game that night. Beth admitted that she couldn't believe that they were actually going to be married. It had been almost ten years ago that she had first gone out with Kevin. He had been the star of the school, she had been a cheerleader, and it seemed perfectly natural that the two of them would be together. Kevin was a year behind her in school, almost two years younger in age, but they became friends and eventually more. They both had written off the relationship as just a teenage thing, especially after Beth left for college. Then they officially broke up, the accident happened, and things just got more complicated between them. She was so thankful that Joan had gotten them back together. Annie agreed. Kevin and Beth absolutely belonged together. The two girls said goodnight to each other and tired to sleep. Beth wasn't sure she'd be able to do so, but after a few minutes her thoughts turned into dreams. Before she knew it, the alarm was sounding, beckoning her to start the day.
No one else was awake, not even her sister, so she crept silently into Kevin's room and crawled into bed with him. He turned toward her to reveal that he was really awake. She softly kissed his neck and collarbone. She wanted to continue, but he pulled her away. "Your parents are upstairs."
"I know that. No one is awake yet. We're safe. Besides, I just want to be with you for a minute. Are you okay? You look a little pale?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. I had a really weird dream, and it kinda freaked me out. I don't exactly remember what happened, but I have the feeling that it wasn't good." He tried to shake the dark cloud that seemed to have settled over him, but that was easier said than done. He shifted slightly in the bed to wrap his arms around her. He tried to change the subject. "Are you excited for today?"
She turned to look him in the eye, then she ran her fingers through his hair. "Sweetie, are you really okay? Can you tell me anything about it? Maybe that will make you feel better."
"Beth, I don't remember it, only that I felt really crappy after I woke up. Today's a big day, and I'm not going let a bad dream ruin it." He was beginning to get a little impatient with her patronizing tone. "Why don't you go get ready before everyone else gets up. I'll go make some coffee." He reached for his chair and left her alone in the bed.
She watched him leave the room and head toward the bathroom. When he finished, he continued to the kitchen. She got out of bed a few minutes later and walked into the bathroom. Under the shower's cleansing flow, she thought about the argument they had just had. Was it even considered an argument? She just wanted to make sure he was okay. She loved him so much. The knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Her sister entered the bathroom and called for her to hurry. She snapped back to reality and told Annie she'd be finished in just a moment.
By the time Beth had finished dressing, the rest of the family was eating the breakfast Kevin had apparently prepared. She looked around the house for him until she heard the shower running. Her mother walked behind her and reached down to hug her. "Did you spat?" she asked. Beth just shrugged her shoulders because she really wasn't sure. "I'm sure everything will be fine," her mother assured. Beth took another bite of her cereal and looked unconvincingly at her mother.
A few moments later, Kevin joined the Reinharts in the kitchen. Mrs. Reinhart asked if he wanted anything else to eat. He declined, so everyone exited the house to load the car. Kevin drove his car with Dr. Reinhart in the front seat and the three women in the back. Kevin seemed to be in a decent mood, Beth decided, although he hadn't really spoken to her since the bedroom. He was talking to her father about something, she really wasn't paying attention, until she heard her mother's voice asking, "What do you think about that, Beth?" She looked around, having no idea of the topic of conversation.
"What was the question?" she asked, turning from the window.
Kevin looked at her in the rear view mirror. "I thought we could show your folks the church before we go to park at your work."
"Oh, yeah, that's fine. There shouldn't be too much traffic there now. Most people will take the Metro in later," she replied. In response, Kevin turned down the next street and pulled to the curb in front of a small chapel. Beth, Annie, and Mrs. Reinhart ran in to look at the interior while Kevin and Dr. Reinhart continued their conversation. The girls were only gone for about ten minutes following which, the group continued to La Maison Française.
Kevin parked the car in the spot marked with Beth's name and the family began their trek across the city. The day was growing increasingly hotter while the crowd thickened. They all took spaces on the sidewalk as the parade began. Red, white, and blue balloons, streamers, tinsel, and every sort of decoration blew by them. Bands blared brass blasts, and beauty queens of every persuasion waved from cars and floats. The afternoon passed with the family exploring the monuments and faded into evening. Beth suggested that they get a firework-watching space soon so that they would be sure to see and hear everything.
The pyrotechnic montage was breathtakingly gorgeous but was over way too soon, in Beth's opinion. She sat on the lawn beside her sister and Kevin waiting for the crowd to thin a bit before they made the journey back to his car. He reached his hand down and motioned for her to sit with him. She climbed into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry I was grumpy this morning. I didn't mean to put a damper on your day. Will you forgive me? I keep thinking about how silly it is to be upset about a dream, so I'm a big dork. But I hope you love me anyway." He kissed her neck and his hand grazed her shoulder blade. She shivered, but he only held her closer.
"I forgive you."
About an hour later they were all on their way back to the car. Suddenly a tall, thin, shabby-looking man appeared in front of them. Kevin pushed Beth behind him for protection. The figure laughed, or smirked, actually. "What's the problem, Kev? Afraid of your old pal?"
Kevin stared through the darkness when an overhead streetlight relit above them. However, it was Beth who answered the stranger. "Andy, what in the hell are you doing here?"
Kevin stared back in shock. Andy Baker was much thinner than he remembered. His hair was long and needed washing. So did his clothes. He watched his former best friend in disbelief and waited for his reply to Beth's question.
"Well, I didn't want to miss out on the family outing. Looks like I'm just in time." He turned to Beth's parents, "Dr. and Mrs. Reinhart, how nice to see you again. You're both looking well."
Dr. Reinhart answered, "Thank you Andy, although I wish I could say the same for you. How long have you been here?"
"Here as in the District? Two days, sleeping in my car. I assumed you would all be here for the 4th, and well, parking at Beth's job wasn't hard to figure out. I've just been waiting."
Kevin glared at Andy, "Waiting for what?"
"To see you. To see what I did to you. You think I screwed up your life that night? Your family moved away. Mine didn't. My little brother was shunned at school, my dad lost his job. Everyone whispered and stared at the 'kid who almost killed Kevin Girardi.' It was enough to drive a person crazy. You think your life stopped that night, well, so did mine."
Beth walked toward Andy, but Kevin grabbed her arm and pulled her back. He looked at his friend standing in front of him, noticing the rounded shoulders and gaunt angles of his mouth. This wasn't the Andy he had grown up with, not at all. Finally he spoke. "What do you want from me?"
Andy's anger melted into sadness. "I only wanted the chance to tell you how sorry I was, how sorry I am. When they arrested me and I went to jail, I begged my parents not to fight it. I deserved whatever punishment they wanted to give me for what had happened to you. I thought that would help my feelings of guilt, but it just made them worse. When I got home, you were back in town, but everyone said I shouldn't talk to you. My mom was afraid your dad would sue us. I didn't care if they took everything I had, I just wanted you to know.
"I started using. That made things even worse. I guess Beth told you I had been in rehab. I've been clean and sober for five years. Getting high was the only time I ever forgot about that night. So, it was the hardest thing in the world for me to give it up. I still hear the screeching tires, smell the burning plastic, and see you lying on the ground not moving, covered in blood. It's what I dream every night and what I wake up to every day. I know it doesn't compare to what you've lost, but I just wanted you to know that I didn't walk away from that crash unharmed. I know you tried to call me a few years back. I didn't recognize the number and redialed it, but I hung up when I got your machine. I've wanted to see you and talk to you for so long, and when I read that you and Beth were getting married, I hoped it would be at home so I could at least know you were okay. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I do want to tell you how sorry I am for what happened to you, for what I did."
Kevin slowly approached Andy. "I got in that car with you knowing full well that you had been drinking. I was out of control, and what happened that night was a terrible accident. I'm not going to say that I didn't blame you, because I did. But I accept your apology and I do forgive you, Andy. I thought my life was over, but there have been a lot of special people who haven't let me stop living or start feeling sorry for myself. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you on the days when you thought it wasn't worth getting out of bed. I know we've both had those. I'm sorry I didn't call, but I didn't know what to say. I'm sorry about my dad. He's still pretty riled up about the accident, actually. I don't know if he'll ever fully get over it. I don't think I will either. It changed everything about me, but I'm doing okay. No, I'm doing better than okay. Things are good. I'm sorry that I've been a lousy friend. Will you forgive me?" Kevin extended his hand to Andy.
Andy started at Kevin, unsure of his next move. He couldn't believe the words his friend had just spoken. Kevin had forgiven him and actually asked Andy to forgive him for letting the friendship die. Andy didn't understand. "Why are you doing this? Are you trying to make me feel more guilty?"
"No, man. I just decided a while back that being angry doesn't get me anywhere. So I'm trying my hardest not to get bent out of shape over stuff I can't do anything about. But we can fix this, you know. We can try to make things better between us. I'm serious about that. I forgive you, Andy."
Andy ran his hand through his too-long hair. "Yeah, okay. I would like that."
Kevin smiled. "You look like you could use a shower and a hot meal. Why don't you come over to our place and get cleaned up? We have an extra couch, too."
Andy nodded and the group continued back to the car. Beth's family had hung back while the two friends talked things over, but they had heard the gist of the conversation. Beth's father offered to ride with Andy since there wasn't room for everyone in Kevin's car, and Andy didn't know the way to the house. A few minutes later they were on their way.
Beth had climbed into the front seat beside Kevin. She asked him if he wanted her to drive. He was shaking, but he said that he didn't. She wanted to hold his hand but realized that he needed it to drive. All she could do was sit quietly and wait. The car was completely silent, so Kevin turned on the radio. Patriotic music cut through the heaviness that had descended on the evening. A little under an hour later, they pulled into the garage. Andy pulled in right beside him.
The cars emptied. Beth, Mrs. Reinhart, and Annie led Andy into the house for a shower and some dinner. Dr. Reinhart stayed back to check on Kevin.
"You okay, bud?" Dr. Reinhart asked his future son-in-law who was still sitting in his car.
Kevin's held his head in his hands and leaned on the steering wheel. "I don't know." He looked up at Beth's father. "I made two mistakes in my life. Two. People screw up a lot more than that and it barely fazes them. Why do these two stupid choices that I made keep my life in such turmoil? Beth and I worked things out, and I would never do anything to hurt her again. But Andy and that situation, I don't understand it. I face the decision I made to get in that car every damned day, every second of every day. I've done everything right since then. Why can't it ever just be over? Why can't I just live my life as it is now? That's all I want. Sometimes I dream about miracles, but I know what reality is, and for the most part I live in it. So why can't I just go forward without looking back every other minute?"
Dr. Reinhart slid into the passenger seat, "Kevin, I can't answer your questions. I'm very sorry that you've had to deal with so much in your life. It's not fair, and yet you've handled adversity with so much class. If there were any way that I could make things easier on you, I would do it, as would your parents, Beth, and everyone who cares about you. All you can do is keep going. That's what you've been doing for the past few years, and you can't stop now. You and Beth deserve a happy, easy life. I'm her dad, I'm supposed to be there to tell her that everything will work out, and I'm telling you the same thing. You're going to be ok. You'll deal with Andy, and then maybe the past really will be behind you once and for all."
Kevin sighed and shook his head. "I wish I could believe you. I'm trying to, I really am."
"I know it's hard Kevin, but you can do this. Just like you got out of bed every day when you thought it wasn't worth it, and over time life became worth living again. Live, Kevin. Live every day because you have it. I was at the accident scene. You should have died right there. You say you are looking for a miracle? You already got yours."
"I know, Dr. Reinhart. I just get so frustrated. I'm sorry to act like this. I need to be a friend to Andy. We were closer than brothers, and I owe it to him to show him that I'm ok, that he can be, too. Can you get my chair from the trunk? I forgot all about it until now. I could have been stuck out here all night!"
Beth's father retrieved the chair and placed it beside Kevin's open door. Kevin moved from the car into the chair. Dr. Reinhart placed his hand on Kevin's shoulder and patted it lightly. Kevin closed his eyes and dropped his head briefly. Then, he looked up and led the way into the house. Mrs. Reinhart met them at the door and shot Kevin a look of support and concern. Dr. Reinhart guided her into the living room leaving Beth and Kevin alone in the kitchen."Where is he?" Kevin asked her.
"He's in the upstairs bathroom. Mom washed the clothes in his bag, so I gave him some of your stuff to wear tonight. I made some sandwiches and soup if you want anything." Beth traversed the kitchen, cleaning up dishes and empty containers.
"Did you have something to do with this?" Kevin asked quietly.
Beth stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. "No, why would you even ask that?"
"He knew where you worked and where to find us. You were really anxious for us to get together before, too. I just thought you might have talked to him recently."
"No. I hadn't talked to Andy since the last time I was home, and only for a few minutes then. He reads the newspaper, and my grandmother is always putting things about me in it. You know how she used to do that. Our wedding announcement had my job listed, too. I didn't have anything to do with it." Beth answered. She didn't seem angry, and for that Kevin was grateful. He realized that he had sounded accusing, but he didn't really mean to.
"Yeah, I guess so. I'm just still a little shocked, you know?"
She was quiet for a minute before she answered him. "I told you to talk to him years ago. Maybe it's just finally time."
He knew she was right. She hadn't nagged him about it, but she had made the suggestion more than once that he and Andy should try to work things out. He had thought about it a few times but just let the opportunities pass. He had even been home visiting family. He had driven past Andy's house, past the high school, and then finally by the scene of the accident. Kevin had wanted to see Andy, but being there was just too much for him to deal with at one time.
During his reminiscence Kevin noticed that the water had stopped running. Andy was descending the stairs but stopped when he saw Beth and Kevin in the kitchen. He missed his friends. He and Beth had been "boyfriend and girlfriend" in elementary school. They had met Kevin in middle school. The three were fast friends. Beth and Andy's love affair didn't last past seventh grade, yet it was several years later that Kevin and Beth became more than just friends. Kevin had been a little apprehensive about a relationship with Beth, but Andy had assured him that it was okay. Andy had always been Kevin's gracious second-the fullback to Kevin's tailback, the second baseman to Kevin's shortstop, the two guard to Kevin's point, the third leg to Kevin's anchor, but it didn't matter to him. He was a talented athlete, and anywhere else would probably have been the shining star; however, his high school years had been fun, happy, fulfilled. Until that fateful April night, that is. He wanted so desperately to put the past behind him.
Beth noticed Andy on the steps and invited him to sit with them at the table. She knew that he and Kevin needed to talk privately, but first the three of them needed to spend some time together. Andy sat at the end of the table with Beth and Kevin on either side. Kevin was the first to speak.
"Maybe this can finally be over."
Andy faced him with a pained look on his face. "God, I hope so. I'm so sorry, Kevin. I wish it had been me."
Kevin shook his head. "It shouldn't have been either of us. We were stupid, Andy, and that's something we have to live with. But we can't let it continue to destroy us, keep us apart. We were like brothers. I'm okay now. Beth is, too. I want to make sure that you are now. What can I do for you?"
Andy sighed with relief. "You've already done it. I just wanted you to know how sorry I truly am. I didn't think you could ever forgive me. It's like a huge weight off of me to know that your life wasn't completely ruined."
Kevin smiled toward Beth. "No, my life isn't completely ruined."
Beth felt that things were going well, so she excused herself. She went into the living room to send her family to bed. Her parents were headed upstairs. She and her sister went into her bedroom. Kevin and Andy stayed at the kitchen table talking. Beth was so tired. She fell asleep almost immediately. As it was Saturday night and very late, she didn't even set her alarm.
She woke the next morning with the sun streaming in her window. The clock showed only seven o'clock. It was very early for a Sunday morning, but she got up to use the bathroom. As she opened the door into the darkened hallway, she heard voices and soft laughter from the living room. After going through the kitchen into the bathroom, she headed toward the voices. She found Kevin and Andy, each in a recliner, watching old high school football film. She crossed her arms and shook her head. The boys looked back at her and grinned mischievously. She walked over to Kevin and climbed into his lap. His eyes were heavy with sleep. So were Andy's, but it was obvious that the two of them had taken care of things the night before. The laughter had died down and the tape had come to the end. Andy raised the remote to shut off the TV. He and Kevin both raised the footrests on the recliners. Beth remained on Kevin's lap, and the three of them fell asleep again.
It was a little after noon when the rest of the house stirred. Annie found the trio in the living room, and her mother came in with the camera. The flash woke Beth who shooed her mother away so the boys could get some more sleep. In another hour Kevin moved underneath her. He kissed her neck and whispered in her ear. She giggled thinking of how exciting it would be to wake up with him every morning. She hopped up so he could get up, as well. Andy sat up in his chair, his long hair sticking out wildly. Kevin laughed out loud. He promised his friend that they would find him a good barber as soon as possible. Besides, he added, Beth wouldn't let him in the door at the wedding looking like that. Andy looked back at them with wide eyes. Beth assured him that they couldn't have a wedding without him there.
The rest of Beth's family was lounging throughout the house since Beth, Kevin, and Andy had been sleeping in the living room. Kevin headed for the shower downstairs and Andy for the upstairs one. Beth's eyes trailed Kevin longingly, and her mother saw. She reminded Beth that in a week she would be free to shower with Kevin whenever she wanted, but that for the next six days she'd just have to wait. Beth blushed at her mother's comment, but she didn't attempt to deny it. Her mother laughed.
Everyone wanted to know what had happened the night before. Beth said she honestly didn't know. Kevin and Andy had apparently made up, but she really didn't know any details. Dr. Reinhart listened silently from across the room. As much as he liked Kevin, and as sure as he was that Kevin would be a good husband for his daughter, he was still worried that the unsettled rift between Kevin and Andy would never leave Kevin's mind until it was resolved. Now he breathed easier as well. His only reservation about the impending wedding had been erased.
When Kevin finally emerged from the bathroom, he found his mother standing in the kitchen along with the rest of the Reinhart crew and Andy. He could tell that someone had explained everything to her, and she seemed happy to see Andy. Kevin was glad.
"Ma, what are you doing here?" Kevin asked sleepily.
"I couldn't let Beth and Mrs. Reinhart slave away this last week while I was at home doing practically nothing, now could I?"
Kevin noticed that Beth had produced the white satin binder. He knew he was in for it now. He hadn't actually been allowed to see the contents of the binder, but he instinctively knew that it meant trouble. Beth had tried to convince him that it was perfectly normal to have a "wedding folder," but hers looked more like a full set of encyclopedias than a folder. Dr. Reinhart could tell that the women would soon be engrossed in planning and suggested that the guys go out to get some lunch. Kevin and Andy quickly agreed.
Dr. Reinhart knew both of the boys well and had to keep himself from thinking of them as just that, boys. They were men now, and one of them was going to marry his daughter.