It Had to Be You - Weddings by Belle 03 (2010) by Janice Thompson

Author:Janice Thompson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Christian Fiction, Christian, Weddings, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Planning, General, Religious, Love Stories
ISBN: 9780800733445
Publisher: Revell
Published: 2010-05-01T07:00:00+00:00

15

Seems Like Old Times

From the time I was a little girl, I’d always loved Mama’s favorite expression: Finché c’è vita, c’è speranza. “As long as there is life, there is hope.” For the first time in my life, I truly understood those words at their core. As a result of what I was now calling the swing-band miracle, hope had infused my family, invigorating us for the task ahead.

Friday—the day before Rosa and Laz’s big day—was spent in celebration and preparation mode. I’d never seen so many people moving in so many directions at one time, nor had I heard the Italian language bantered about at such speed. The house smelled of garlic—always a good sign—and Laz had brought in a new shipment of tomatoes from the restaurant to make up for the ones he’d tossed in the backyard. Yep, things were really moving along.

Mama and I were in full-out “Let’s get this show on the road!” gear, and the Italian aunts joined it. So did Sophia, Deanna, and Rocco, who all seemed happy to help. Even Phoebe showed up to offer assistance. Only one person was noticeably absent. Francesca. Emilio explained that she was napping. I tried not to roll my eyes at that announcement, but … really. Napping? On a day like today?

By late afternoon Friday, we had completely transformed the reception hall. I’d never seen so much gold fabric in all my life. And the deep red tablecloths were just the right contrast.

I put the tiny Christmas trees in place, checking the lights on each one to make sure they worked. Off in the distance, Pop hung strands of small white Christmas lights, draping them along the upper edge of the grand ballroom. Oh, how beautiful this place was starting to look! The perfect blend of 1940s ballroom and quaint Italian Christmas.

Rosa and Laz tried to stop by to help, but we shooed them away. No point in working them to death the day before their wedding. Besides, they still had plenty of cooking to do next door. I had it on good authority—Bertina—that Rosa had already started the chicken cacciatore and Laz was hard at work on the meats and the appetizers. Bubba and Jenna were on their way to assist my aunt and uncle with the food prep, and the rest of us were left alone to tend to the decor.

While we worked, Mama played Band of Gold’s greatest hits CD to get us all in the mood. I had to chuckle when the song “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” came on. Reminded me of where we’d been just a couple of short days ago. Oh, what a little prayer and praise could do! I thought about Jehoshaphat and couldn’t help but smile.

Bianca and Bertina helped out by placing the little decorative boxes filled with sugar almonds at each place setting. I’d heard all about the tradition—how true Italian weddings always featured the tasty almonds to symbolize the union of bitter and sweet. Thinking of bitter reminded me of Sal.

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