love it,” Melissa said quickly, walking into the house. “Even the crazy hours and the emergencies.” Being the program coordinator at a group home in Newark was deeply rewarding. Melissa made an impact in the lives of troubled youth, helping the kids get back on track.
“I know your job is important. But I don’t like that you have to devote so much time to it. All work and no play, you’ll never find a nice man.”
Melissa offered her mother a small smile, though what she wanted to do was roll her eyes. Her mother would never be fully happy until Melissa had been married off.
Though her mom should know by now that marriage didn’t mean happiness. Her sister, Arlene, had just endured a nasty divorce. Her parents had viewed Craig as the son they’d never had, only to be devastated when he’d turned his back on not only Arlene, but also on them. He’d cheated with his secretary, then had the nerve to be unapologetic about his actions. The ensuing scandal had caused much embarrassment for Arlene and the family.
“Where’s Dad?”
“He’s lying down,” her mother said, and now she was the one to roll her eyes. “The crazy fool tired himself out retiling the basement bathroom. I told him to hire someone, but no, he swore he could do it himself. I think he threw his back out, but he’ll never admit it.”
Oh, yes. Melissa was home, all right. Her parents always bickered, sometimes from sunup until sundown, but despite their small disagreements, their deep love was never in doubt.
“I’m about ready to tell him that if he doesn’t call in a professional, I’m leaving him. This time I mean it.”
Melissa chortled. “Mom, you know you’re not going anywhere. You always threaten to leave, but you never will. And you know why? Because you and Dad would be lost without each other.”
Melissa crossed through the living room en route to her parents’ bedroom. She found her father lying in bed, his eyes closed, but when he heard her, he opened them and immediately smiled.
“Melissa,” he said warmly, starting to sit up.
Melissa hurried over to him. “No, Dad. Don’t get up. Mom said you threw your back out.”
Her father made a face and waved a dismissive hand. “I’m fine. Ripping out tile is hard work. I just needed a little nap, is all.”
“You didn’t pull your back out?”
“Of course not,” he scoffed, his tone saying the idea was ridiculous. But he winced after speaking the words.
Melissa leaned down and hugged her father, then sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s good to see you, Dad.”
“It’s always good to see my favorite daughter.”
“And what do you say to Arlene?” Melissa asked, raising an eyebrow in a feigned gesture of seriousness.
“That she’s my favorite, too. A father is allowed to have two favorites.”
“Only two?” Melissa asked.
“Two favorite children. And numerous favorite grandchildren.”
“Hmm, that’s convenient,” Melissa said. Then she grinned down at her dad. “I love you.” She got up off the bed. “You need anything?”
“I’d tell you to get me a beer, but your mother is watching me like a hawk. She thinks if I cut down on beer, my belly will disappear.”
“How about water?” Melissa suggested.
“How about a new wife?” her father shot back.
“Sure. Should I go into town and pick one up for you? Bringing her home could be tough, though. It could get ugly with Mom.”
“I’ll have some water,” her father said grudgingly.
Melissa smirked, then exited the bedroom. She heard her cell phone ringing and quickly ran to the front of the house, where she’d dropped her purse. Seconds later, she had her phone in her hand and saw her sister’s smiling face flashing on the screen.
“Hey, sis,” Melissa greeted her.
“You here?” Arlene asked without preamble. “In Sheridan Falls?”
“Yep. Just got to Mom and Dad’s.”
“Great. We need you here ASAP.”
A loud wail sounded in the background. “Where are you?” Melissa asked. “And what is going on?”
“We’re at the bridal shop,” Arlene told her. “Tasha is having a meltdown. She’s worried your dress won’t fit, and there’s only a short time left for alterations. Tasha’s maid of honor put on ten pounds and her dress has to be altered.”
“I’m sure my dress will be fine,” Melissa said. “I sent in my exact measurements for every part of my body, and my weight hasn’t changed. I might have lost a couple of pounds, actually.”
“Yeah, well, nothing’s going to appease Tasha unless she sees it with her own eyes. How quickly can you get here?”
“I’m on my way.”
* * *
Melissa arrived at the upscale bridal shop twelve minutes later and found the bridal party in the back. Tasha was slumped in a velour armchair, two of her bridesmaids on either side of her. Maxine, Tasha’s older sister, stood to her right and held Tasha’s hand. The friend who must be Tasha’s maid of honor was on her knees beside the chaise. She was also holding Tasha’s hand and worrying her bottom lip.
“How can you tell me everything will be all right, Maxine?” Tasha demanded. “Bonnie’s dress doesn’t fit. And she’s my maid of honor. She has to look amazing.”
Tasha shot a glance at the woman on her knees. Yes, she was definitely Bonnie. “It’s only the zipper,” Bonnie said. Her plump face lit up with a reassuring smile. “Enid already said that can be fixed. Plus, I’ll eat only salad for the next two days.”
“But what about Melissa?” Tasha countered. “What if her dress doesn’t fi—”
Tasha’s words died on her lips as her eyes ventured beyond the women trying to console her and landed on Melissa. Tasha immediately eased up in the chair. “Melissa?”
“Hey, you.” Melissa beamed as she moved toward her cousin. The moment Tasha got to her feet, Melissa took her in her arms.
“You’re here,” Tasha said, then burst into tears.
“Hey,” Melissa said softly, easing back and taking Tasha’s hands in hers. “What’s this all about?”
“I just want everything to be perfect, and if your dress doesn’t fit...maybe they won’t get all the alterations done in time.”
“It’ll fit,” Melissa assured her.
The attendant, a red-haired woman with a worried expression on her face, whom Melissa had briefly noticed as she entered she shop, tentatively approached the group. “I’m Enid.” She looked Melissa directly in the eye. “I take it you’re Melissa.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, thank God.” The woman’s shoulders slumped with relief.
Melissa fully turned to face the woman, asking, “Where’s my dress?”
“It’s hanging in dressing room number four.” Enid pointed toward the door. “You can try it on any time you’re ready.” Then she leaned close to Melissa and whispered, “But sooner would be better.”
“Got it,” Melissa said, facing her cousin and giving her a bright smile. “Everything’s going to be okay. Don’t you worry.”
Tasha nodded, but her glum expression said she didn’t believe Melissa’s