A Smidgen of Sky (17 page)

But it was Mama who stole the show in her beautiful peach dress with white eyelet trim, her hair all loose and flowing around her shoulders like a cloud. I'd never seen her smile so big. And I even had to admit that Ben looked pretty sharp in his dark blue suit.

Some of the workers from the prison showed up, including Mr. Stevens, who surprised Mama and Ben with a brand-new digital camera for wedding pictures. Ben stopped Ginger and me from fighting over it by saying she could take pictures during the ceremony but I got it for the reception. But when it came time for Mama and Ben to cut into the sloping, slightly melted chocolate cake, Ginger still hadn't handed it over.

“I made the cake,” she said, “so I should get to take the first picture of them eatin' it.”

“I don't care who made it,” I snapped. “It's the reception, and you're s'posed to give me a turn.”

“I'll give it over in a few minutes.” She scooted behind the beverage table for a better shot.

I scooted right after her. “You'll give it now.” I made a grab for it.

And right as Mama put the first bit of cake into Ben's mouth and all the guests clapped and cheered, the camera slipped from my fingers and splashed right into the bowl of lemon-lime punch. I fished it out of there before you could say “Jack Sprat,” but Ginger still screamed.

“Shut up,” I hissed. “I got it.”

“You probably ruined that brand-new camera!” she cried.

“Did not ruin it.” I gave the camera a good shake and then toweled it off real careful with the hem of my dress.

“I'm telling, Piper Lee. I bet it don't work anymore.”

“I grabbed it out plenty fast,” I said. “Don't be a tattletale.”

She put her hands on her hips, and I could see her weighing her options. A smug little grin spread across her face. “Are you offerin' me something if I keep quiet?”

I rolled my eyes. “Ginger, sometimes you are such a pain in the petunia.” I glanced over at Mama and Ben. Ben was playing around, holding a bite of cake right near Mama's mouth before pulling it back again, and everyone was laughing. Everything was so perfect, I couldn't bear the thought of having either one of them mad at me. “I dunno,” I said. “What do you want?”

Ginger pursed her lips and rocked back and forth on her shiny white shoes. “Top bunk for a month.”

I narrowed my eyes. Ben had put up a brand-new set of bunk beds in Ginger's bedroom. We'd played penny poker to decide who got the top bunk for the first month, and I'd won. “Go tattle if you want,” I said. “But there's no way you're getting it that long.”

“Well, not for the whole month, then. Two weeks— how's that?”

“Ten days,” I said. “Ten days only. And if you don't give it up the second you're s'posed to, I'll throw you off.”

“Fine,” she said. “Ten days. Now I'm gonna go get Mama to cut me a piece of cake.” And she whirled around and flounced off.

I sighed. I was pretty sure this was what having Ginger for a sister would be like—plenty of battles, plenty of bickering, and plenty of standing my ground when I really had to.

I watched Ginger hop up behind Mama and grab her around the waist. She'd started calling her “Mama” even before the wedding vows had been said, and I knew there wasn't any point in correcting her now. I figured I'd keep calling Ben by his regular name. Calling him “Daddy” just wouldn't feel right on my tongue, and I didn't know if he'd want me to anyhow. Maybe “Dad” would be okay someday. But for now “Ben” would do just fine.

I finished patting off the camera and gave it a careful look. It was dry now, and the open and close button worked just fine. Why hadn't I checked it out before giving up the top bunk? I clicked a picture of Ben wiping a drip of frosting from Mama's chin and another of the big bouquet of lavender we'd set up next to the guest book. Then Miss Claudia filled the viewing window in her billowing blue skirt, and I clicked a picture of her horrified look as she spied the big wet punch stains all over my dress.

“Lordy, child,” she said. “I'm not even gonna ask.”

“Good.” I grinned. “'Cause I really don't wanna say.”

Miss Claudia put her hands on her chest and laughed in her loud, joyous way, and I laughed, too. Then I glanced over at Mama and Ben and Ginger standing by the cake table. Mama held out a little paper plate and waved for me to come. And I ran over to get my own piece of sloping, slightly melted chocolate cake.

The publication of this book is the end result of eight years of effort. Not just on my part, but on the part of my agent, Mary Kole, who had not only the faith to sign me on but also the skill and determination to sell my book. Thanks, Mary!

I'm also indebted to the hardworking Harcourt gang who made my first experience with publication such a wonderful one. Special thanks to my editor, Adah Nuchi, whose skillful direction elevated this book from good to great.

Thanks also to the Sandpoint branch of the Idaho Writers League who patiently listened to and made suggestions on the early drafts.

And finally, a hug of appreciation to my husband, Ted, and my daughter, Adriana, who don't seem to object to me hogging the computer. I love you guys!

D
IANNA
D
ORISI
W
INGET
writes fiction and non-fiction for young readers. She is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and lives in the mountains of North Idaho with her husband, fourteen-year-old daughter, and two canine buddies, Lacey and Sassy.
A Smidgen of Sky
is her first novel.
www.diannawinget.com