The Wedding (55 page)

We could do something for her at Christmastime ' or next spring ' Blaire was already planning: a Christmas party for Sam ' a renewal of their vows ' little Christmas trees all over the garden ' a tent ' a younger band than Peter's, something the kids would like' .

Stop, Simon said, laughing at her. Why don't we get married again? That might really be fun. And in their case, perhaps appropriate. Since Matthew had been born, they had had a renewal of their marriage. I love you, you silly girl' . Stop planning Sam's wedding for five minutes. I just want you to know I think you're terrific.

I think you are too. I thought that was a stroke of genius, what you did about Allegra coming down the aisle with Charles. It gave everyone a chance, and in some ways, it was so symbolic' .

It comes from working with actors for forty years ' compromise and creativity. It works every time.

I'll have to remember that when I come to work with you next week, she teased, as they danced to New York, New York. And then Allegra appeared in her white Valentino. She stood on the stage with the band, and turned her back to the crowd, and threw her bouquet high above and behind her, and it flew through the air and landed in Jess's arms, who shook her head and tossed it away again like a hand grenade ready to go off, and this time Samantha caught it. Sam and her sister laughed over it, and as Allegra kissed her good-bye, she whispered to her that their mother wanted to give her a wedding over Christmas.

Oh, no, Sam squealed, like a kid facing spinach. I couldn't' . Jimmy would kill me' . I'd die' . She meant it sincerely. Allegra's wedding had been beautiful, but in Sam's opinion, way too much trouble.

Tell Mom, Allegra said, waving at everyone as they got into the car to leave for the hotel. It had been the perfect wedding.

Blaire and Simon watched her go. She had come to kiss them good-bye and thank them, and Jeff had thanked them too. They'd be back in three weeks from Europe, and as they drove away, Jimmy pulled Sam onto the dance floor to dance with him, Scott disappeared to his room with Nancy, and Simon pulled his wife tightly into his arms and kissed her.

DANIELLE STEEL has been hailed as one of the world's most popular authors, with over 440 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include Irresistible Forces, Granny Dan, Bittersweet, Mirror Image, The Klone and I, The Long Road Home, The Ghost, Special Delivery, The Ranch, Silent Honor, Journey, The House on Hope Street, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death.

A Dell BookPublished byDell Publishinga division of Random House, Inc.1540 BroadwayNew York, New York 10036

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents eitherare the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Anyresemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For information address: Delacorte Press, New York, New York.

Copyright -! 2000 by Danielle Steel

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eISBN: 978-0-307-56699-7