The Desert Flowers--Mistletoe & Holly by Judith Keim

Author:Judith Keim
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Quail Publishing

CHAPTER TWELVE

JUANITA

As Juanita settled into her new, busy routine, she felt happier, more useful than she had in a long time. Most days, she and the Flowers took some time to spend with Maribelle, aware of her loneliness. Besides, talking with her was always interesting. She had quite a remarkable past.

When Juanita told her about Willow’s upcoming wedding, Maribelle clasped her hands together and said, “Oh, I just LOVE weddings!”

Juanita smiled. “Me too. And this is going to be a small, beautiful one.”

“I wish … oh, never mind me,” said Maribelle, letting her voice trail off, but Juanita knew what she wanted and, later, mentioned it to Willow.

Willow, sweet and kind as always, quickly suggested they invite Maribelle to the wedding. “Our wedding is small enough that she could easily attend the service and reception without it being a problem to add one more to the group.”

“I think we should ask Jake too, so he can take care of her,” said Juanita.

Willow gave her a devilish grin. “Then, let’s invite Ivy. That might help the two of them get together. I’ve seen how they look at one another when they think no one else will see.”

Juanita laughed. “You and Lily are incorrigible romantics. But maybe we can add a little Christmas magic to your wedding.”

Willow gave her a high five, and they smiled together.

Later, when Willow and Juanita asked Maribelle together, Maribelle’s eyes filled. “Oh, my dears! I never … but, of course, I’d be only too delighted to come. There’s something about a wedding that makes me believe love never ends.” She dabbed at her eyes with a lacy handkerchief she pulled from her purse. “It makes me believe in my love for Henry.”

Juanita gave her a hug. “In the meantime, we’ll ask Jake to accompany you so you’ll have a gentleman attending to you.”

“You women are the sweetest ever.” Maribelle’s blue eyes sparkled with excitement. “An evening wedding you said? I have the perfect dress to wear.”

Juanita chuckled softly, unable to imagine what Maribelle’s outfit might be.

When Willow told her that Jake had agreed to come to the wedding as Maribelle’s date, a warmth went through Juanita. Sweet Christmas surprises made the holiday special. But they both knew getting Ivy to agree to come would be trickier. Because of her nature, Ivy would be suspicious of their invitation. Willow and Juanita agreed to bide their time before asking her.

###

As the wedding drew closer, Juanita’s excitement grew. Rose and Lily had planned a bridal shower for Willow for that evening at Rose’s house, and she was looking forward to it. Guests had been requested to bring two different gifts—something serious and something fun.

Rose and Lily greeted her at the door and ushered her inside.

“We’re glad you could come early so we can take pictures of you and Willow together and then more with the four of us,” said Rose.

“If I can even fit into one,” joked Lily, rubbing her enormous stomach.

Willow came over to Juanita and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

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