Toss the Bouquet (37 page)

I put my cake plate down. “You'll do no such thing. But, are you serious? Don't you know what it means if I catch it?” I stared at him, not quite believing it. “You're already wanting to do this wedding thing all over again? Don't you think you'd better give your wallet a rest?”

“Yeah, probably. But I know you. When you do get married, it won't be here. It'll be a simple wedding at the church
with a reception in the fellowship hall. I'll toss a couple of briskets on the grill and we'll invite folks to wear their cowboy boots. And you won't be paying fifteen hundred dollars for a high-end wedding cake.”

“You're right about that last part. I happen to know someone who's great at baking, and she would probably be open to the idea of making my cake. But why are we talking about weddings, Dad? Derrick and I have only been dating a while.”

“I know that, but a father can hope, can't he? You know how cool it would be if I could tell people my daughter was going to marry a pro baseball player? I'd be a celebrity at the office.”

“So this isn't really about me?” I shook my head. “You want me to marry a pro ballplayer because it'll make you more popular at work?”

“Hey, just saying it wouldn't hurt. And maybe we'd get season tickets to the Astros games. I'm not asking him to fork them over right now, of course, but maybe one day. And who knows? You and Derrick might fall head over heels in a hurry and decide you can't wait to tie the knot. Stranger things have happened.”

The deejay called for single women to line up behind the bride and, at my father's insistence, I walked over to join the other bridesmaids. My sister counted down—“three, two, one . . .”—and then the bouquet flew up in the air, over her head, headed straight for me. I almost had it in my hands when Sienna took a flying leap and attempted to grab it away.

Really?

Oh. No. You. Don't.

Thank goodness, I grabbed it first. The bouquet was mine, all hundred and twenty-five dollars' worth of it.

The crowd cheered, especially my father, who must've taken it as a sign straight from above. He walked over to Derrick, patted him on the back, and then said something that made my fella laugh.

Derrick looked my way and shrugged. I returned the gesture and then held the bouquet close, concerned that Sienna might still try to nab it. Behind me, I heard my grandmother's voice ring out. “I told you, precious girl.”

I turned to face her. “Told me what?”

“Sometimes, the Lord, he—”

“I know, I know.” Laughter followed on my end. “Don't say it, Grandma Nellie.”

Derrick stepped into the spot beside me, his brow wrinkled in obvious confusion. “Don't say what?”

“Oh, nothing.” I tried not to giggle when my grandmother jabbed me with her elbow.

Derrick extended his hand and then gave me a little nod. “Could I interest you in another dance, Ms. Hays?”

“Absolutely.” I pressed the bouquet into Grandma Nellie's hands and then took his arm. “You certainly may, Mr. Richardson.”

I couldn't help but notice the photographer snap our picture as we headed out to the dance floor. I didn't mind, as long as it didn't end up on the front page of the sports section. Or, heaven forbid, the society column. I cringed just thinking about that one.

Then again, dating a guy as famous as Derrick probably meant my whole life would change, once the tabloids caught
on. Maybe I'd better prepare for life in the spotlight. And while I was at it, I'd prepare for a lot of baseball games in my future. Knowing this wonderful fella was on my team suddenly made the sport much more appealing.

And, as he took me for a spin around the dance floor, I had to admit one other thing as well. I might not be the maid of honor at this shindig, but this guy—this awesome, Godly guy—was certainly the best man for me.

A huge “Thank you” to my editors, Becky Monds and
Karli Jackson. I'm grateful you gals took a chance on me. Working for HarperCollins has been pure delight!

To my copy editor, Jean Bloom: You put a lovely Texas spit-shine on this story and I'm tickled to have your input. Mari's tale is in much finer shape, thanks to you.

To my wonderful agent, Chip MacGregor: you are my biggest cheerleader and faithful guide. How wonderful to walk alongside you.

To my prayer team: Kathleen, Dannelle, Sharen, and Linda: you've been a God-send. Thank you for walking me through the ups and downs of this past year.

To all of the girls out there who've ever walked a mile in Mari's shoes: You know what it's like to be overlooked and to feel left out. Don't let that stop you from responding
with grace and ease. You might be the last bridesmaid in the lineup but you're still #1 in God's eyes.

And last, but certainly not least: to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every word is for You.

1. Mari feels slighted when she's overlooked for the maid of honor position. Have you ever felt offended as a result of being overlooked? If so, how did you respond?

2. Crystal's future mother-in-law is the overbearing sort. If you were in Crystal's shoes, how would you handle Mrs. Hayvenhurst's demands?

3. Sienna falls down on the job as maid of honor and Mari has to fill in the gap. Have you ever had to step up for someone who didn't do his/her job properly? If so, how did you handle it?

4. Derrick is well known and loved for his abilities as a right fielder. Why do you suppose he enjoyed the fact that Mari saw more in him that just his talent?

5. There's a fairly large socioeconomic gap between Crystal's family and Phillip's. How would a typical
upper/middle class father-of-the-bride react to the news that he had to pay for such an expensive event?

6. Mari and Derrick's first “date” takes place as they bake for the bridal shower. What do you learn about his character as he nabs cookies behind his mother's back?

7. In the end, Mari gives the first dance to Tyler, not Derrick. What did you think of this gesture? Would you have done the same?

8. Do you agree with Grandma Nellie? Does the Lord really “work quick” sometimes? Has He ever done so in your life?

Award-winning author Janice Thompson
also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books, and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh.

Janice was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She currently serves as president of her local ACFW chapter (Writers on the Storm), where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.

Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she
particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.

She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she's not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she's cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at
www.janiceathompson.com
.

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