Starr and the High Seas Wedding Drama (Flower Girl World chapter book) (6 page)

Ivy began to strum a soft melody on her guitar. Starr and Ivy sang together:

“I know we may be different.

Our likes aren't all the same.

But being BFFs

Should always be our aim.

“On the same side as you,

That's the place where I belong.

On the same side as you,

Together we are holding strong.

Nothing's gonna stop us, baby.

We're a team that's powered by two.

Life makes much more sense now,

On the same side as you.”

Looking down, Starr saw Grandpa Walt reach for Abuela's hand.

“There are gonna be some times

We don't see eye to eye.

I may not see your point,

But I promise I will try.

“On the same side as you,

That's the place where I belong.

On the same side as you,

Together we are holding strong.

Nothing's gonna stop us, baby.

We're a team that's powered by two.

Life makes much more sense now,

On the same side as you.”

Suddenly, Starr saw something that made her heart leap: Abuela and Grandpa Walt stood up and began to dance.

“I never meant to draw a line

That could divide our whole world in two.

I like it so much better

On the same side as you.”

When the song ended, Grandpa Walt dipped Abuela back into his arms. The audience erupted into applause. Starr and Ivy curtsied together. They wanted to jump off the stage and hug their grandparents, but their plan wasn't quite complete. Captain Stanton joined them onstage.

“What a spectacular show!” he said into the microphone. “We have great talent on our ship.”

He looked at Starr and Ivy, who took another bow.

“I understand you two have a special wish.”

The girls nodded and spoke into the microphone together. “We want our grandparents to get married, right now!”

Abuela's and Grandpa Walt's jaws dropped. The audience roared with approval.

“Don't worry, Abuela,” said Starr. “We took care of all the details. We made flower bouquets and rings. You're wearing white, and we're wearing our flower girl dresses.”

“And Captain Stanton can marry you,” said Ivy. “Captains are allowed to do that sort of thing.”

Captain Stanton nodded. “Indeed.”

Abuela and Grandpa Walt looked into each other's eyes.

“What do you say?” asked Captain Stanton. “Do you want to get married now?”

Abuela and Grandpa Walt took a deep breath. “We do!”

As the theater house lights dimmed, the ship's band began to play a Mexican love song.

Da da da deedle da.

The doors in the back of the theater opened. “Here we go!” said Starr with an enormous grin. Ivy had one to match.

The girls started their trip down the aisle carrying tissue paper flowers they had made in the ship's art studio. They grinned at the guests along the way before joining Captain Stanton onstage.

Da da da dum dum dum.

When the beat of the music changed, Abuela and Grandpa Walt started down the aisle, their arms linked. Abuela carried a large, colorful bouquet the girls had made.

Starr felt giddy when she saw their happy expressions. She was quite sure they loved each other very much.

After their grandparents took their places, Captain Stanton began the ceremony.

“We are gathered here to witness the marriage of this special couple. They were brought together later in life—and kept together by their granddaughters.”

The captain glanced at Starr and Ivy, who beamed and blushed.

Captain Stanton asked Abuela and Grandpa Walt to recite their vows.

Abuela looked into her beloved's eyes. “I promise to always love you and try new things.”

Grandpa Walt grinned and said, “I promise to always love you and stay away from the kitchen!”

Laughter filled the theater.

Next, it was time to exchange wedding rings. Ricky and Randy walked up onstage, carrying pipe cleaner rings that Starr and Ivy had made. The boys gave the rings to Abuela and Grandpa Walt, who put them on each other's finger.

“You are now husband and wife,” said Captain Stanton. “You may kiss!”

Grandpa Walt dipped Abuela again as if they were performing a ballroom dance. Then, he kissed her on the lips.

The audience cheered. Starr and Ivy glowed as if they were the proud parents of the bride and groom.

Abuela and Grandpa Walt thanked Captain Stanton.

“You're welcome,” he replied, “but I think there are two other people you need to thank.”

Abuela and Grandpa Walt embraced Starr and Ivy into one big hug.

“Girls, thank you for bringing us back together,” said Grandpa Walt.

“Our fight was silly,” said Abuela. “We will always have our differences. The important thing is to work them out.”

“That's right!” said Grandpa Walt. “We're much better as a team.”

“So are we!” the girls giggled.

Then Starr got serious. “Now that you're married, where will you live?”

Abuela looked at her husband and smiled. “We'll live half of the year in California and the other half in Texas.”

Walter nodded. “Plus, every holiday we'll get both families together.”

This gave Starr an idea. “Maybe we can go on another cruise!”

“And you can get married all over again,” Ivy chimed in. “I love being a flower girl!”

Starr smiled. She couldn't wait to introduce Ivy to her other Flower Girl World friends.

“That's something we have in common, Ivy,” said Starr. “I love being a flower girl too!”

ABUELA

(ah-boo-AY-la): Grandmother

BIENVENIDA

(bee-en-veh-NEE-dah): Welcome

DELICIOSO

(day-le-cee-OH-soh): Delicious

EL VESTIDO BONITO

(el ves-TEE-doh boh-NEE-toh): The pretty dress

FIESTA

(fee-EST-a): Party

HOLA

(OH-lah): Hello

MOLE

(MOH-lay): A Mexican sauce

SÍ

(see): Yes

Hello Reader!

My name is Lynelle Woolley, author of this book. I have a few questions for you:

1. Did you enjoy reading it?
   
2. Who was your favorite character?
   
3. Did any scene make your laugh?
   

I love hearing from readers like you. The best way to reach me is through a
book review.
That means you get to be a writer, too! Be sure to give me your honest opinion. An adult can help you post your review on the
Goodreads
website or on the site where you purchased this ebook.

Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you liked it!

Lynelle Woolley