I'm pretty happy with my life. I'm married to an amazing man, my best friend. We're having a baby in less than 2 months, and we're about to help two of our dearest friends tie the knot. What's not to like? Other than the fact that my new best friend is practically in tears because her Mother is still harassing her about the order the bridesmaids are going to walk down the aisle.
Ainsley has been mostly meek and agreeable with all her Mom's last minute changes, but I think she's at her breaking point. When we talked at the Spa, she said for a lot of these things, she just doesn't care that much. It's not worth the fight. But she promised me that if something was important to her she'd stand up to her mother. It looks like this is the moment.
"Mother! Enough. We are not changing how the bridal party walks down the aisle. Sam and the groomsmen will enter from the side. For the last time, they are NOT going to walk the girls down the aisle."
"Ainsley, you know that traditionally only the Maid of Honor enters by herself."
"I don't care. This is how I want it. Then Leighton, Aberdeen, Dixie, Savannah, Donna and Brinley, then Hunter and Gunner, then Magnolia and Clementine, then me. Reverse order- that's traditional."
"Well, but your cousins should be higher, and that way Donna can exit with Charlie."
"Mother. Do not say one more word. Not. one. more. If you do, I will grab Sam walk out those doors and go find a justice of the peace. You know I will."
Daisy Hayes snaps her mouth shut and tightens her jaw. The look in her eyes says that she totally believes Ainsley's threat. I have to say, I wouldn't stop her if it came down to it. This is too important to ignore. At first, I thought it was about me. But it's become quite clear that it's about Charlie. Daisy doesn't really want him in the wedding.
I'm so glad we are in a back room where the guys can't hear this. Oh, I will definitely eventually tell Josh and Sam. They are going to be so proud of Ainsley for the way she's standing up to her Mom. But if any of them, especially Toby, over heard this, they'd have ripped Mrs. Hayes to shreds. And rightly so.
"Now, Donna, would you be a dear and tell them we are ready for the final run through?" Ainsley asks me sweetly.
"Sure. No problem." And thank God. The sooner we are done with this, the sooner we get to eat.
The Wedding coordinator lines us all up again, and I stand here trying not to figet. My feet are killing me. I really should have worn flats.
The music starts, and Leighton goes down the aisle first. Really she is a good choice to lead things off. She's Ainsley's cousin. She's about 26, and she's very pretty. Ainsley's other cousin, Aberdeen is next. She's 25ish, a petite brunette. They perform very well, but then that's why they were chosen. Ainsley has a lot of cousins. She's not super close to any of them. When I asked her why she chose these two, she'd said they were "ringers."
"Donna, I have to have at least 6 bridesmaids or the wedding will look small. These two are practically professional. They've been in at least 12 weddings between the two of them. They'll know what to do. They'll happily buy whatever dress I pick, and it will get my Mother off my back."
All I'd said was "Well, okay then." But I went home that night and jumped Josh's bones for suggesting that we get married in Hawaii. That man is brilliant.
Next is Beau's wife Dixie. She's also a petite brunette, 30 years old and very perky. I really think she did study baton twirling. One of the flower girls, Clementine, is her daughter.
Next is Savannah. Duke's wife. Mother of the ring bearers, Hunter and Gunner. Their names still make me shake my head. I'm not shocked that Ainsley's family are gun enthusiasts. I just can't quite wrap my arms on having it be so important you'd name your children after an issue. At least it gives me a little more insight on why gun control is such a huge battle. It seems so obvious to me that gun reform is necesssary, I've never really grasped why it's so hard to achieve. But I guess if the other side is naming their kids to show how strongly they feel, it just goes to show it's not going to be easy.
I start to ready myself to go down the aisle next. The first thing Ainsley did when she saw me this morning was to promote me to Matron of Honor. I'd talked her out of that. She truly has become one of my dearest friends, and I'd be honored, but her family would never forgive her.
The doors open and I walk slowly down the aisle to the sound of "Air on a G-string." Sam is smirking. This was his only real contribution to the ceremony, other than purchasing the rings, and offering Ainsley his name, if she'll have it. I'm not sure whether or not she's decided. It's kind of ironic, actually. He's the feminist but he really wants her to take his name, while she's the conservative contemplating keeping her own. When she asked me why I took Josh's last name my answer was easy, I want the world to know.
Josh is standing tall next to Sam. He's not smirking. He's looking at me in a way that makes me want to run down the aisle to him. I could live a thousand years and never get enough of that look.
I manage to keep the right pace, even though it feels like it takes forever to get to the front of the church. Once I'm there I smile softly at Josh and take my spot.
I turn slightly toward the doors and see that Brinley is about halfway down the aisle. Ainsley's sister is not what I expected. Ainsley is so professional, so opinionated, so smart, and so sweet, I guess I expected the same thing in a slightly older version. I was surprised to discover that Brinley is actually Ainsley's younger sister by two years. She's a simpering, sickly sweet, trophy wife. Her husband is at least 20 years older and an executive with a soda company in Georgia. Her world revolves around trying to make sure her family projects the right image. The children appear to be window dressing and it shows in their behavior. I wondered why the 3 year old, Stonewall, wasn't in the wedding until I met him. I think it's a very good thing that he and his baby sister will be home with a nanny during the ceremony. Of course, Brinley was lobbying for Stone and Scarlett to be in the wedding right up to the last minute.
Not even five minutes ago I heard her wheedling Ainsley. "Someone can pull them down the aisle in a wagon. I'll be cute."
From what I've seen, I highly doubt the kid would have stayed in a wagon unless heavily medicated. I'm glad Ainsley stood firm on that one too.
The twins are coming down the aisle now. They are cuties, blonde haired, blue-eye, future heart-breakers, without a doubt. But they are very well behaved. They walk slowly, and carry the pillows carefully up to Josh. He takes the rings from them with a wink.
I can't believe they are practicing with the real rings. It seems like a disaster waiting to happen. But Ainsley just shrugged when I suggested fake rings for the ring bearers. They're insured. Besides, neither of them would take a chance of disappointing Duke. They can handle it.
Next are Magnolia and Clementine. They have their baskets, but no flower petals to practice with. The wedding coordinator coached them to drop a few every foot or so. Clementine appears to be practicing. Magnolia is whining. "I'm hungry. Why do we have to do this again?" I know they are only five, but it's not that late. Maggie is really getting on my nerves. Clemmie seems to be fine. Earlier Josh declared that their nicknames were adorable. I think he's afraid these "uncommon names" are going to push me away from his choice and towards mine. Silly man, like I'm not already completely familiar with what it's like to have an uncommon name.
I glance over at Josh to see how he's doing. His mouth is set in a grim line. He doesn't have much tolerance for whiny children, even though for much of the time I've known him he's only been a step above it himself.
When the little girls get to the front and take their places next to their Mothers, the music fades out, and the Wedding March begins. The doors open and Ainsley is standing on her Father's arm. Even though she's not wearing a wedding dress yet, it takes my breath away.
She's looking at Sam like he set the stars in the sky. I can't help but look over at him and see that he's returning the look. No matter how crazy the wedding planning, or how complicated pulling it off actually is, this is all that matters, the way they look at each other. Tomorrow, they'll declare their vows in the presence of a lot of witnesses, but truthfully, they've already made their committment to each other and you can see it on their faces right now.
Once Ainsley makes it to the front, the coordinator reminds everyone on how the ceremony will proceed. I get Brinely's flowers to hold so she can take Ainsley's. Josh hands Sam the rings at the right moment. And then minister let's Sam and Ainsley practice their kiss again.
Sam makes it a good one. Not stopping until Earle clears his throat, saying "That's enough, son." Josh and Toby are grinning. I really hope he does that tomorrow too.
Sam and Ainsley head down the aisle first. Josh shoots me a little pout as he takes Brinley's arm and follows behind. Then Toby smiles brightly at me as he takes my arm.
"Boy did I get lucky. Narrow escape there." He whispers conspiratorily. I grin at him.
Once we are all at the back of the church, the coordinator reminds us about the reception line. It worked out perfectly as far as I'm concerned. Since the bridesmaids are standing to the right of the groomsmen, Josh and I ended up next to each other.
The coordinator claps her hands. "Okay, everyone. That's a wrap here. Dinner should be ready when we get back to the hotel."
"Thank god." Josh mutters. "I'm starving."
"You did very well, honey. You didn't whine at all." I pat his arm, teasingly.
"Hey, I have the patience of an adult." He looks over at Magnolia who is laying on the floor. "Good thing too. There are enough children here." He steers me towards the SUV. Toby, Charlie and Will fall into line behind us, glad to be getting a ride from us, rather than someone in Ainsley's family.
"Yet another reason I'm glad we eloped." I say as we climb in.
"Our nieces and nephews would have been fine." Josh insists. "But yeah, absolutely no regrets on my end either."
"Hey Charlie, are you taking notes?" I ask him with a wink. I know he's got a 3 year plan in his head.
"Oh yeah. Believe me, after Ellie's wedding, I was already thinking about how to avoid a fuss. At least we don't have to worry about it being in the White House."
"Hey Toby, I need a favor." Josh says over his shoulder.
"What?"
"Well, I'm supposed to give a toast tomorrow, and I haven't really figured out what to say."
"Why don't you, know, wait a few more hours to ask me? I mean how long have you known that you're supposed to be the best man? And, if I write the speech, doesn't that, in fact, make me the best man?"
"Alright, alright, I'll do it myself."
"Well, I didn't say I wouldn't."
Once everyone is seated, Norm stands up and clicks his glass. As the father of the groom, he's the host for this dinner, so it's his job to start off the toasts.
"I want to thank you all for being part of Sam and Ainsley's wedding. As you know, Sam is our only child. That is until tomorrow, when we welcome Ainsley into our family with open arms. She has been a ray of sunshine in our lives. I think we probably have her to thank for the time that they spent back in California. We are so proud of both of them for their service to President Santos and to our country, but we hope to lure them back to the West Coast when they get around to giving us grandchildren. You know Sam, you could take a page out of Josh's book and get her pregnant in the first year!"
Everyone titters a little bit. And Sam says "I'm not as old as Josh! I can afford to wait a couple more years."
There is more laughter, as Josh gives him a little shove. Sam's over 40 and Ainsley's almost there. They might not want to wait too long. Plus, I'd love it if Lulu had another cousin.
"Anyway," Norm continues "I just want to say," he clears his throat, "I might not have set a good example for Sam, but he's a better man than I am. I know he'll do right by you Ainsley. Welcome to the family."
When Norm sits down, Earle stands up. It's all I can do not to groan.
"Well, we know we raised Ainsley right. Even though I haven't agreed with all her choices. I knew letting her go to Smith College was a bad idea. But she's done alright for herself, and at least she's ready to settle down now. Sam, you're a fine looking man. I know that you and Ainsley will have beautiful children. And I agree with Norm, the sooner the better. You aren't that young. And when you do, you can leave the Washington cesspool, and move here, we'll find a place for you in the company. So, welcome to the family, son. Now, let's eat!"
He walks over toward the buffet, that is set up against the wall. I guess that is the signal. The rest of our table stands up and follows him, and soon everyone else joins the line.
Josh leans down and whispers in my ear. "If that was any indication about how the rest of the night is going to go, I may need to fake a stroke." I get chills. I don't like to hear him talk like that.
"If it gets too bad, I'll make an excuse for us. No one will think twice if the pregnant lady needs to leave early."
"Good idea. You're a brilliant political operative."
"Is this politics?" I ask him.
"It always is, baby. It always is."
Everyone else stops to chat on the way back to the table, but Josh and I are both starving. We get back to the table before anyone else, and immediately start to eat. After a few bites, Josh looks kind of dejected.
"What's the matter, babe?"
"I thought we'd get real Southern Cooking. This is all fancy food and it's not that great."
"Shhh! Josh! You know better than that. You don't complain about the food while you're still in the venue. You never know who will overhear. You need to think of this as a fundraiser. Put on your political operative big boy pants and be polite!" I whisper a bit harshly at him.
"But Donna, I'm hungry, and the last thing I want is for any of these folks to be donating to a political campaign! You know they're not on our side." He angry whispers back at me.
"You just said it's all politics!"
"Donna . . ."
"And you also said you have the patience of an adult." I give him a look. He has the good grace to look sheepish, so I relent a little. "Eat enough to hold you over, and when we get back to the room you can order room service."
"Thanks, baby. You really are the best."
"Yes. Yes, I am."