Page 25 of A Winter's Wedding

“What’s Chili Five-way?”

America giggled at the question. “I’m not entirely sure. It’s spaghetti noodles with chili, cheese, onions, and beans, and I think it’s my new favorite dish.”

“You want me to add it to the reception menu?” Carol joked, but America’s long pause before answering made her think that maybe she was actually considering it. “I can call Alfonso if you want me to.”

“No, no. It’s not really a dignified food to eat in a gown.”

America’s mention of the gown made Carol think about her dress appointment. “Spaghetti or not, I’m just glad you’ll be back for the fitting. I was afraid I would have to ask Pa to tag along if you couldn’t make it. How ridiculous would that be?” Carol giggled and picked up an orange lily, having moved down the row from the reds.

“He’d probably enjoy seeing you all dolled up.”

Carol was sure America was correct. Edwin would love it, but the man would have his chance at the actual wedding, not before. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Carol said. “How do you feel about blue flowers?”

“I can’t say I feel much at all,” she said through a mouthful.

“Heard and understood, dear. One more thing before you get back on the road, when are your parents supposed to be back from their cruise? I couldn’t remember whether it was today or tomorrow, and I was hoping to enlist Vivian’s help.”

“I think tomorrow. It’s hard to keep track of time while living the asphalt life,”

“America, really? Asphalt life?” Leo chimed in though his voice sounded far away through the phone call.

“How’s the weather there? I’m getting kinda worried about this storm. Have you thought about what you’ll do if your parents can’t get back in time? Do you think you’ll postpone the ceremony?”

America choked and began coughing.

“Are you alright?” Carol asked and felt helpless.

“She’s fine, Carol,” Leo’s voice came through the receiver louder this time. “Some water went down the wrong pipe is all.”

America cleared her throat and when she spoke, it sounded more like a croaking frog than her normally smooth voice. “I appreciate you asking about it, but I don’t think it’ll come to that.”

“You wouldn’t want to hold off and wait for them?”

“Let’s just cross that bridge later.” America cleared her throat again. “As far as we’re concerned, everything is a go. Thanks for all you’re doing for us.”

“I should be thanking you for including me along the way. I know you didn’t have to, but you made me feel like I’m real family.”

“You are my real family, Carol. We’re gonna hop back in the car in a minute, and you have flowers to arrange.”

America hung up the phone and her face drooped. “I feel so guilty lying to her. The truth will devastate her.” America dropped her head onto Leo’s shoulder. “If we don’t tell them, we’ll have to keep the whole thing a secret forever. I don’t know if I can do that.”

“I mean, it is a pretty good story. What would it hurt to just come clean? We can still have the party and celebrate with everyone,” Leo said and tilted her chin up with the back of his fingers. “I know it was different before when you felt like we weren’t really married yet, but now?”

“You’re right, I didn’t feel it before. But there’s no denying the fact the we did get married on Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas.” She cringed as the words left her lips for the first time since it happened. “Having the wedding in a few days seems dishonest somehow.”

“But what else can we do?” Leo said.

“I haven’t figured it out yet.” America twirled the spaghetti around her fork and took a final, giant bite. A rogue noodle slapped against her chin as she slurped it up. “I need to learn how to make this… correction,” she pointed into Leo’s chest, “you need to learn how to make this.”

“Me?”

“Yes you. You know I don’t cook. Plus, you set the bar pretty high when you made me the absolute most perfect eggs on the morning after we met.”

Leo chuckled at the jogged memory. “I was just trying to get you out of the cabin faster so I could show you the Cove before the fog rolled in.”

“So, nothing changes then.”

“Pardon?”

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