Page 24 of Love in Tandem
She squeezed Charlotte’s hand and tugged her next to Zach. “Now you two just stand here and smile. That’s right. And keep Darla from pulling her dress over her head if you can. Perfect. Oh, Ethel honey, you made it, I’m so glad.” She darted over to clasp an elderly woman’s hand with both of her own, hobnobbing and gabbing her way through the line better than any politician running for office.
Charlotte stood next to Zach and kept the little girl from lifting her frilly dress over her face and exposing her tights, which turned into a full-time job once the little girl decided pulling her dress over her head was a fun game. Especially when Zach lifted her over his shoulder, exposing her white-tighted bottom for all the world to see.
Charlotte couldn’t help laughing at Darla’s delighted squeals. Or smiling at the way Zach shook hands and greeted those who passed through the line as if there weren’t a giggling, squirming girl slung over his shoulder. No denying, he’d make a good father someday.
What?
Charlotte flinched. Where had that thought come from? Since graduating high school, Zach hadn’t stayed in one place any better than Darla stood still in the receiving line. What sort of father material was that?
“You okay?” Darla’s shiny white shoes nearly clobbered Charlotte in the head as Zach twisted to face her.
“I’m fine. Just having weird thoughts about—” You. “The bathroom.”
“The bathroom? Really?”
“Yes, just . . . you know, haven’t used it in a while. That’s weird. You know what? I’m going to go use it now.”
He lowered Darla. “Mind taking her with you? I don’t know a lot about little girls, but I’m guessing they have little bladders. I’m half scared she’s going to pee down my neck every time she giggles.”
Darla giggled and Charlotte reached for her hand. “Come on, princess. Let’s take care of business. Be back in a jiffy.”
Turned out that taking care of business with a little girl in tights takes longer than a jiffy. By the time they made it out of the bathroom, all the wedding guests must have made their way through the receiving line because everyone had disappeared. Everyone but Zach’s mother.
She rushed toward Charlotte with a huge smile. “Oh, there you are. You just missed them.”
“Missed who?”
“Your parents. But that’s okay. You’ll see them at the reception.”
“I’m sorry, what? What—I don’t—my parents? What?” She must have been squishing Darla’s hand. The little girl tugged it free with a frown, then immediately lifted her dress over her head with a giggle.
“Your mother and father, dear,” Zach’s mom said with a laugh. “I called them after the rehearsal dinner last night and invited them. I couldn’t help myself. I knew there’d be plenty of food. Plus, with you not only being Zach’s date but the maid of honor, it seemed appropriate. But oh goodness, was your mother surprised. She had no idea you and Zach were an item either.” She waved a scolding finger with mock indignation. “You two shouldn’t keep these types of secrets from your mothers.”
“Right. Secrets. Bad.” Charlotte hurried to the glass doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of her parents. Maybe if she could explain things to them right now, before things went any further . . . “Did you say they were just here?”
“Oh, but they’re gone now. I sent them on to the reception. And don’t worry. I pulled a few strings with the seating arrangements. They’ll be sitting with me. You know,” she said, gathering Charlotte’s hands inside hers, “after what Ben did to you, I could hardly bring myself to look either of your parents in the eye these past two years. Oh, I know they didn’t hold a grudge—your parents are too good of people for that sort of nonsense—but all the same, I just can’t tell you how wonderful it is to feel like we’ve made amends. And it’s all because of you and Zach.”
After another fierce squeeze, she released Charlotte’s hands and disappeared out the door. Wow, Charlotte really needed to get to her parents before this got any worse. She started for the door, then remembered her purse. Which was somewhere. Where? She spun in a circle.
“Looking for this?” The photographer stepped out of the sanctuary holding Charlotte’s purse in one hand, her camera in the other. “Cute purse.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem. And thanks for keeping an eye on Darla. Did Zach tell you? We’re driving to the railroad tracks on the south end of town to get some more photos before the reception.”
“Oh. Um, do you need me for those? Sounds like bride and groom photos.” Charlotte really needed to get to her parents and explain. Preferably before Zach’s mom put any more ideas into their heads.
“Shannon thought it’d be fun to include you and Zach in a few of them as well.”
“Did she?” Of course she did.
“Ready?” Zach appeared next to her side. “It might be a good idea if we drive separately. Ben and Shannon can’t stop making out. I don’t think they’ll notice if we’re not with them.”
Charlotte grabbed Zach by his suit jacket. “This is a disaster.”
“Okay, fine. We can ride with them.”
“Not Ben and Shannon. You and me. And my parents. My parents, Zach. My mom and dad. My parents.”
