Some things were actually going right. The weather was glorious, the flowers were gorgeous, and the ocean was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting little puffy white clouds that looked like a flock of lambs.

“Maybe that hurricane they were forecasting won’t happen, after all,” said Amelia Bedelia’s father.

“What?” said Aunt Mary.

“Stop joking,” said Amelia Bedelia’s mother. “I am down to my last nerve.”

“What could go wrong now?” asked Amelia Bedelia’s father.

As much as Amelia Bedelia loved asking questions, she knew that asking a question like that was like asking for trouble.

Everyone had taken off their shoes to walk in the sand, except Aunt Mary. “I am wearing these heels—they’re my something-new charm,” she said. “I can’t afford any more bad luck at this point.”

That’s when Aunt Mary turned around and came face-to-face with the same young woman she’d seen with Bob at the café. Aunt Mary’s mouth dropped open and her eyes grew large.

The young woman hugged Mary and said, “Hi, I’m Anita. I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you and Uncle Bob. I’m so glad you two found each other.”

“Uncle Bob?” said Mary.

“Bob’s brother Tom is my father,” Anita said. “I love your dress.”

“Oh, thank you!” said Aunt Mary. “I’m so happy to meet you!”

Everyone was ready. The guests had gathered, and even Amelia Bedelia was amazed at how official Captain Will looked. His dark blue jacket had four gold stripes at the bottom of each sleeve. Those, and his white hat with gold braid, showed he was indeed a captain. He was carrying the Nautical Rules of the Road, making him appear even more serious.

Bob strode down what would have been the aisle, if they weren’t at the beach. Following him was the groom’s party of Tom—the best man—and Jason and Amelia Bedelia’s father.

Then the bridesmaids walked down the aisle—first Aunt Wanda and then Amelia Bedelia’s mother, the matron of honor. Amelia Bedelia had never seen her mother look so beautiful. She kept staring after her and did not move until Flo gave her a prod from behind. “Your turn, kiddo.”

Amelia Bedelia wore a dress that Aunt Wanda had found for her at a different vintage shop. It was gauzy and white, with tiny flowers sewn all over it. She wore a little wreath on her head, covered in wildflowers, with four long strands of different-colored ribbons tied to it, trailing down her back.

Amelia Bedelia carried a bucket filled with blossoms, and she began tossing them on the beach, making a path for Aunt Mary. Aunt Mary was supposed to be following her, but when Amelia Bedelia arrived at Captain Will, she turned to see Aunt Mary struggling with her wedding dress.

All the guests turned, looking for the bride. When she saw her, Amelia Bedelia quickly circled around to help her aunt. Flo was pulling on the ends of the big bow that held up the dress. Amelia Bedelia heard a big RRRRIIIIIPPPPP!!!

“Oh, great,” said Aunt Mary.

“This dress was not built for the stresses of modern life,” said Flo.

“Neither was I,” said Aunt Mary. “My stomach is in knots.”

In an instant, Amelia Bedelia knew just what to do. She took the wreath off her head and yanked off the ribbons. She tied them together, end to end. Then, facing Mary, she looped the ribbon over Mary’s head, crossed in front and circled both ends behind her. Then Amelia Bedelia tied the only knot she knew, the one she could tie with one hand and her eyes closed. She took a round turn around Mary’s waist, securing it with two half hitches.

“You’re good to go,” said Amelia Bedelia, sticking her finger into the knot, testing it with a tug.

When Aunt Mary heard “go,” away she went, with Amelia Bedelia’s finger stuck in the knot.

Quickly, Amelia Bedelia scooped up her bucket and began tossing blossoms behind her with her free hand. Most of the guests assumed it was part of the ceremony, but Captain Will knew better. When Aunt Mary and Amelia Bedelia arrived at the flowered arch, Captain Will stepped forward to see if he could help. He spied the knot and understood the situation.

“A round turn with two half hitches,” he said, loosening the knot just enough for Amelia Bedelia to slip her finger out. “Nice job, young lady!”

Captain Will cleared his throat. “Mary and Bob, your wedding day has been filled with hitches, everything from a broken bridge to an ill justice of the peace. Hitches such as these might have sunk another couple. But with the support of your families and your sense of humor, you stayed on course. Sometimes a hitch is good. It builds character and commitment. Even a couple of half hitches can come in handy.”

He winked at Amelia Bedelia. “After a day like today, it will be my privilege to pronounce you two totally hitched.”

Everyone laughed and applauded and cheered. Not one person thought that the best hitch was still to come.