Page 19 of My Always One

“That’s what alterations are for.”

Instead of staying in the city, Mom begins driving away from civilization and toward Johnson. Snow mounds line the country roads where the plows have pushed it out of the way. Today the sun is shining, but this time of year, it does little to warm the air. “Where are we going?”

“Home.”

Sami

“Home? Mom, you should have dropped me off at my place. I can get my car. Now you’ll need to drive me back.”

She waves a hand in the air. “Sami, you’re about to be a married woman. I don’t mind an extra hour with you when I can get it. Besides, the invitations came in and I want you to see them.”

“What about the caterers?”

“I need to check with you and Jackson for your schedules and then we can make appointments to try their food.”

As we drive and discuss the wedding, I teeter between excitement and guilt. Mom can say what she wants, but I know without a doubt that this wedding is costing more than Jane’s. When we arrive at my parents’ house, Dad is home.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Dad gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Did something happen?” He turns to Mom. “Are you kicking me out?”

“You’ll know when I do,” she says with a grin. “I’ll change the locks.”

“Eating lunch, sweetheart. How was dress shopping?” Dad pauses the recording he’s watching. “Did you find the perfect dress?”

“I found one.”

“What’s the matter?” His eyes narrow with concern.

“Dad, please let Jack and I help with the cost.”

He shakes his head. “You’re our little girl.”

“I’m not. I’m an adult with a job and money. Jackson has—”

Dad shakes his head. “Can you please let an old man do what he wants? I’ve lived with four women, and it’s about time they let me have my way.”

I giggle. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure that if I don’t finish this recording in the next seventeen minutes, I’ll be late for the rest of my day. I have three more classes and the teacher shouldn’t be tardy.” He shakes his head. “Freshman English. Let me find out who she chooses. It will give me strength to face those kids.”

My dad has been at Johnson High School since I was born. He’s the head of the English department and is always at work at least two hours early. He’s that teacher who makes himself available for help before or after school. His only request is a long enough lunch to go home and watch one of his shows. As I said, he’s obsessed with reality television.

Mom offers Dad her phone. “Look, Paul.”

My dad’s eyes glisten. “Oh, Sami, you’re radiant.” He narrows his gaze as he looks up. “You’re not knocked-up, are you?”

“Dad.”

“Good. We want the dress to fit.”

Why is everyone worried about the dress fitting?

It isn’t until we’re on our way to my car that I say, “You could drop me off at the gym, and I’ll walk to my car.”

Mom sighs. “You’ve been working out a lot.”

“And I’m getting married in four months.”

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