We’d been watching Archie’s house as the tent went up, and in the early afternoon, the caterer arrived and more chairs and racks of glasses from a rental company and then, of course, flowers. For as badly as I felt about Archie marrying Sharon, and I was really struggling to get over it, some tiny part of me was excited to be a part of it because, well, I didn’t get invited to a lot of big parties and weddings. It would have been much worse to be across the street longing to be a part of it. I wondered if they’d have a band and dancing.

Waiting for the appointed hour seemed like an eternity, but at last it was time to dress and walk over. Leslie and Momma had been invited as well, but earlier in the week they both begged off and sent me to represent the family.

“You don’t need me to hold your hand,” Leslie said. “In fact, you’ll do better without me there. But if there are any hot guys, come get me.”

“Don’t wait around for that to happen. I fully expect this to be a very dull affair.”

“Maybe I’ll drop in for a glass of champagne,” she said.

The QB harrumphed.

“If I never go to another wedding, it’s okay with me,” Momma said. “With the possible exception of yours.”

I knew the real reason she was staying home was because Archie’s wedding would remind her of Leslie’s, and I didn’t think there was a thing in her closet that would work. The dress she had worn to Leslie’s wedding was about five sizes too small and getting smaller every day.

“I’m not getting married any time soon,” I said. “But it’s nice to know you’d come.”

“Listen to you,” Momma said. “You’re starting to sound like me.”

Leslie said, “You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks. And Leslie, thanks for all of this. I mean it.”

“You’re welcome. You know, I know it’s going to be awful for you to watch him marry her.”

“Yeah, it will be. But I’m going for the children. It’s going to be worse for them.”

“You’re a good woman, Holly. I hope your prince is over there waiting for you.”

“If he is, I’ll ask him if he’s got a brother.”

We hugged then, like sisters. Physical affection between us was rare, but Leslie knew I was on edge and I think she just wanted to encourage me to be brave.