Page 82 of Threads of Kindness
“Everyone wrote their best piece of marital advice on a note and dropped it in that box.” Susan pointed to a rectangular box covered in an ivory and mauve floral chintz. “We thought you could read those aloud before we open gifts.” She guided Sunday toward a cozy armchair in the middle of the circle. For the next hour, Sunday sipped sparkling cider and nibbled cheese straws, caprese skewers, and meatballs while her friends shared stories, advice, and more than a few hilarious wedding mishaps.
“These crab puffs are heavenly,” Nancy said. “Who brought them?”
Loretta raised her hand. “I’m glad you like them. They’re easy.”
“I’d love the recipe,” Joan said.
“I’ll email it to you tomorrow,” Loretta replied.
“Keep eating,” Susan said. “There’s plenty of food, but I think we need to move on.” She handed Sunday the fabric-covered box. “Now it’s time for the advice.”
Sunday pulled out the first slip. “This is from Gloria Vaughn. She writes, ‘The most useful words in marriage—or parenting—are:‘Tell me more.’”
She looked over at Gloria. “I’ll remember this.”
“They matter most when you’re angry or don’t agree with someone,” Gloria said. “My instinct was always to argue toprove my point. But we resolve things faster—and with more compassion—when we really listen.”
“I’m writing that down,” Susan said, grabbing a pad and pen from under her chair.
Sunday finished reading the rest of the notes, then hugged the box to her chest. “I can’t wait to share these with Josh. I love that you did this.”
“Now—time to open gifts,” Susan said. “I’ll record who gave what so you can write thank-you notes. Mom’s going to hand out the gifts.”
Maggie handed Sunday a small rectangular box. “This one’s from Judy.”
Sunday untied the narrow satin ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a delicate white linen handkerchief, embroidered with forget-me-nots and edged with blue satin.
“Oh, this is perfect,” Sunday said, her eyes wide. “Anita and I were just talking about how I need a hanky for my gown’s pocket.”
Anita winked at Judy.
“You two planned this,” Sunday accused, laughing. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I can’t possibly use it to wipe my tears.”
“I made it for that exact reason,” Judy said. “You’resupposedto use it.”
“And now you’ve got something blue, too,” Loretta added. “New and blue.”
Maggie handed Sunday a large box. “From Lyla.”
Inside was a scrapbook filled with printed screenshots from Dress Cam, photos of the gown’s progress, and online viewer comments. Sunday flipped through the pages and passed it into Nancy’s outstretched hands.
“This will be as precious as our wedding photos,” she said.
Lyla smiled so wide her cheeks pushed her glasses up on her nose.
Sunday unwrapped a set of luggage organizers and packing cubes from Loretta, a kitchen wisdom book from Gloria, an ivory silk robe from Anita, a blank travel journal from Nancy, and a china jewelry tray from Joan.
Susan and Maggie lifted the cloth from under the gift table to reveal the final surprise: a robin’s egg blue luggage set.
Sunday scooted to the edge of her chair. “These are gorgeous!”
“TSA-approved locks, built-in phone charger, cupholder, and a hook for your bag,” Susan explained.
“I remembered that your luggage was damaged on your London trip,” Maggie said. “Josh mentioned you hadn’t replaced it. We thought this would be useful.”
“You’re all set to travel now,” Loretta added. “Do you have a honeymoon planned?”
“Not yet,” Sunday said. “We’re saving for a house. We plan to take a trip on our first anniversary. But now, with all these amazing travel gifts … I don’t know if Icanwait!”
