All of Me

Diana released a laugh on a breath. “You’re right. It’s going to be perfect. And even if it’s not, there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

“Have you eaten today?” Maura asked.

“No. Too nervous,” Diana responded, cringing. “Probably a bad idea, huh?”

“Yes.” Maura rose and walked to the door. “I’m getting you some cheese and crackers. Be back in a flash.” She closed the door behind her.

“She’s nice,” Rena commented. “And a genius. That dress is breathtaking. Marty might just cry.”

Diana laughed. “Me too, which will piss me off. It’ll ruin my makeup.” She stepped to the window and watched as guests arrived. She searched for one car, one person in particular.

Behind her, Rena sighed. “I guess you never heard from her?”

“I didn’t. And she isn’t here yet.” She faced her friend with a forlorn smile. “There’s still time for her to get here.”

“Of course.”

Diana’s body tensed. “Rena, am I making a mistake? Maybe my mom is right. Maybe I’m blinded by love and won’t see the real Marty until we’re married. I mean, my mom says white men don’t treat black women like their equals in marriage.”

“Diana, listen to yourself!” Rena grabbed her shoulders and gave her a little shake to end her tirade. “You love Marty. He is everything you’ve ever wished for, and you know it. Don’t let your mother’s racist hatred cloud what you know is true.”

Diana stared at her friend, listening to her as she spoke true sense. She closed her eyes, took three deep breaths and counted to ten. When she opened them, her calm had returned.

“You’re right, Rena,” she murmured. “I know better than to lose my sh*t like that. Marty is my best friend, the love of my life. I’ve never wanted anything more than to marry him.”

Rena smiled at her and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Every bride has this moment. And every groom. I’ll go put out that fire too.” She winked at her before leaving the room.

Despite telling herself not to, she walked over to the window and watched the guests. Her mother, she had to admit to herself, was not coming. The woman who had raised her had abandoned her because she didn’t like the man she was marrying. Diana lowered her head and silently said good bye to her mother. Good riddance, she thought, I think.

*****

“Knock, knock.” Rena peeked in the door of the guest bedroom where Marty and Marcus were supposed to be getting dressed. Neither of them were dressed and wore only their pants and undershirts. “Well sh*t, guys.”

Marty lifted his shot glass. “We got distracted.” Marcus giggled.

“If you two get drunk before the wedding, Diana will draw blood with those fake nails she has,” Rena informed them with her hands on her hips.

“Not drunk, promise,” Marty told her. “Just relaxed.”

Rena rolled her eyes. “Get dressed. Now. If you’re late, I’ll draw blood with my teeth. You won’t like it.”

Marcus winked at her. “I might.”

“Whatever.” She snatched their glasses from them, ignoring their protests. “Okay, tuxedoes on.”

“Yes, drill sergeant!” Marty yelled, saluting her.

Rena glanced at the whiskey bottle, which had been full when delivered but was now half empty. She stepped out into the hall and saw Maura, just who she wanted to see. “Maura, can you please let the guys have that snack and get Diana another? They’ve had a little too much of the whiskey Diana bought them.”

“That’s not good,” she chuckled. “Diana might maim them.”

“I warned them.” She thanked her and took the plate of cheese and crackers, to which Maura had added summer sausage. “Here you two. Eat this.” The pair of men attacked the plate and polished off the food in under two minutes. “That was impressive. Now get dressed.”

Rena turned to leave but Marty stopped her. “Rena, um, did Diana’s mom come?”

“Doesn’t look like it,” Rena shared with a shake of her head.

“Is she okay?” Marty asked as he slipped on his vest and adjusted it. Marcus was listening closely. He knew how Patty felt about Marty.

Rena looked away for a moment. “Well, she’s upset, I think. Had a small panic attack. But she’s fine now. I think she’s come to terms with this.”

Marty nodded. “It’s really not fair. Maybe I should have called Patty.”

Marcus shook his head. “You know that wouldn’t have helped. Probably would have made it worse.”

Rena nodded her agreement. “It’s probably best she isn’t here, Marty. Diana would have worried about her all day, and this is supposed to be her special day.”

“You’re right.” Marty nodded as he tied his bowtie. “Okay. We’ll be ready in five.”

“Wait fifteen before going down to the gazebo. Diana and I are heading to the shed momentarily, and you can’t see her.” Rena waved and headed out the door.