Excerpt: Redwood Violet by Robin Mahle

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In the dressing room of the church, Katie watched the fluttering of people in and out as they assisted the bride on her big day.

“Katie, can you help me find my garter? I can’t see it anywhere.”

“Don’t worry. I saw it in the back of the car. I’ll go grab it.” Katie returned a few minutes later, blue lacy garter in hand.

“I knew there was a reason I chose you to be my maid of honor!” Sam said as she pulled the garter up to her thigh.

“Yes, well, I can only hope you’ll be half as good as I am when it’s my turn.” Katie pointed Sam in the direction of the full-length mirror. “You look stunning, Samantha.”

They looked at each other in the reflection of the mirror. “Thank you for always being there for me. I could not have asked for a better friend than you.”

Katie started to blot her eyes with her fingers, careful not to smudge her makeup. “Stop it already! You’re going to have both of us blubbering like idiots in a minute.”

Sam’s mom entered the room, took one look at her daughter, and nearly burst into tears.

“Okay, Molly, we can’t have Sam messing up her beautiful face with tears,” Katie insisted.

“I know, I know.” Molly swatted at the air as if to brush away her emotions. “You’ve always been the sensible one, Katie. Never letting your emotions get the best of you. It’s we Fields women that can’t keep it under control.”

She was right. Keeping her emotions under control was something she learned from an early age. Her father was an expert.

“Well, I’d better check on your dad to make sure he hasn’t frightened poor Jarrod away with talk of what he will do if he breaks his little girl’s heart. You know how he can get, Sam.”

“I know, Mom. Please stop him.”

Molly left the room and Katie was once again alone with Sam. She wanted to tell her about the dream; ask her for advice. But, this was not the right time. It was Sam’s day and she didn’t want her to worry.

“You’re very lucky to have such amazing parents, Sam. I’ve always thought that.” Katie fidgeted around with Sam’s train. “I always felt like they were my parents too.”

“Me too, Kate. Speaking of parents, you are going to talk to them today, correct?”

“I’m sure the opportunity will present itself.”

The door opened and the wedding planner came into the dressing room. “It’s time, ladies. I’ve gathered the other bridesmaids. Let’s walk you down that aisle, Sam.”

Sam took a deep breath.

“It’ll be fine. Everything will be fine,” Katie said, ushering Sam through the door.

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