Page 21 of Take Me to the Wedding

Even more baffling was that this woman that I sincerely disliked was bonding with my mother. Helping her to get a dress not in thechichidress shop but in a thrift shop. And acting wildly fun in a way that I’d never seen.

The music ended, and my mom, still laughing, pulled Sam into a big hug. She said something to her that I couldn’t hear, but Sam nodded and looked sincerely touched. Then my mom’s gaze drifted over to me, and she smiled.

That smile could’ve meant anything fromI’m so happytoThis woman is wonderful. I wasn’t sure which, but I didn’t have to figure it out, because just then, Lilly clapped and said, “Mrs. D’Angelo!” and went running over to them.

“Oh my goodness. Hi, Lilly,” my mom said in her usual genuine manner and opened her arms to hug her.

I can’t tell you how I appreciated that because… well, our breakup had been rough. At least on me. Now, I have to hand it to my mom. She’d greeted Lilly unconditionally and warmly, not coldly or judgmentally, which she well could have done.

Sam stopped laughing, smoothed down her flyaway hair, and extended her hand. “Hi, Lilly, I’m Samantha. Sam.”

“Oh, of course,” Lilly said. “Ani’s told me all about you. It’s so nice to finally meet you. We were at the coffee shop—I hope you don’t mind that I stopped in too.”

“Oh, of course not.” My mom flapped a dismissive hand. “It’s nice to see you, Lilly.”

“Mom,” I said, smiling and holding out my hands. “You look terrific.”

She looked pleased. “Sam helped me,” she said a little out of breath. She dropped her voice and swatted at a giant flower that appeared to be resting against her neck. “I seem to be gravitating toward dresses with giant flowers today. Sam said she could snip it right off. What do you think?”

Sam was right behind her, also a little disheveled, her hair now completely loose and free-falling over her shoulders. My mom looked terrific, but Sam… well, she looked… well.

“You’re stunning,” I said. Then I realized I might’ve been staring stupidly at Sam, so I quickly added, “Mom. Er—you should get that dress.” I cringed because did I just call my mother stunning? Even worse, did Imeanthat Sam was stunning? This was disturbing on so many levels. I couldn’t even look at—well, anybody.

Something else superseded my embarrassment—seeing my mom being spontaneous and laughing and dancing and living very much in the moment. “Youneedthat dress,” I said.

“That’s what I said!” Sam said, laughing. She held my mom by the shoulders from behind and poked her head around. “See, Mrs. D., Caleb agrees. What do you think, Lilly?”

“Totally agree.” She nodded. “It’s a winner.”

A shop employee walked up, dressed in jeans with felt flowers sewn all over, a fringy leather jacket, and sunglasses. “It really is a great dress,” she said.

“Well then, I’ll take it!” my mom said, beaming. She gave Sam a hug. “This was so much fun, honey. Thank you.” They both walked into adjoining fitting rooms to change. Lilly and I browsed a little until they both came out at the same time.

My mom took the dress that Sam had draped over her arm.

“Don’t pay for that!” Sam said in a panicked voice.

“Too late,” my mom said, sweeping up the dress and carrying both over to the counter. She handed over her credit card. “Here you go.”

Sam rummaged through her own purse.

“Save it,” I said quietly, walking over to stand beside her at the counter.

“I don’t need your mom to pay for my dress too.” She looked genuinely distressed.

“How much is it?” I asked.

“Twenty bucks.”

Was she really upset about twenty bucks? I put my hand on her arm to stop her rummaging. She looked up.

“She wants to do it. As a thank-you.” I lowered my voice. “It would make her happy. I’d just let her.”

She surveyed me with those big eyes. I saw the struggle. It spoke volumes.

My mom, still looking like a kid who’d just opened six birthday presents and was now ready to dig into the cake, gave Sam a squeeze. “Will you help me later with the flower amputation?”

“Of course,” she said. Then added, “Thank you for buying my dress. It wasn’t necessary but—I love it. Two great finds!”

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