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The early morning church bell rang and Lily sprang forward off the bed. She wanted to keep to herself, but today, May 16, 1933, marked the most important moment of her best friend Anna’s life and potentially the second-worst of hers. No doubt Ira would arrive at the wedding as if nothing happened. Playing along with the charade would be the only option in order to not put a damper on Anna and Emmett’s day.
Hiding her emotions from her perceptive pal wouldn’t be an easy task. The day they met in third grade Anna must have sensed her discomfort on the playground. Their schoolmates wouldn’t let her skip rope. No matter how hard she’d always tried to fit in, she never did. Lily was grateful for Anna’s friendship. Those trying experiences gained her an emotional strength she planned to draw from when she faced Ira again.
By late morning, Lily had removed the curlers from her hair, ironed the wrinkles from her dress, applied mascara to her lashes, and brightened her lips with rose lipstick. She left her house and followed the sidewalk around the corner to the church. Guests gathered near the main entrance, so she slipped into the side door. Inside Saint John’s Catholic Church light streamed through the gothic stained-glass windows. The rays cascaded onto the pews and across the floor. She stopped in the middle of the aisle at the presence of such beauty. Varying hues of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet illuminated the walls where fourteen Stations of the Cross hung. A sense of warmth enveloped her, lifting her spirit. If anyone could help her get through this day without falling to pieces, it was Him. She always found Him here. God’s presence was everywhere and this was the perfect day for a wedding.
Lily opened the door to the bride’s room. Anna stood in front of the mirror in an ivory gown that shimmered against her medium complexion and caramel brown hair. The simple design of the dress accentuated her slim curves. An overskirt draping gave the gown a Victorian appearance while the low back exposed her shoulders. She wore a pair of elbow-length gloves with a small bow at the wrist, which coordinated with the one at her waist. The floor-length skirt flowed around her and the veil met her hemline.
“Your dress is remarkable.”
Anna twirled around. “You’re here!” She smoothed her hand down the side of the dress. “Thank you. I love how well it turned out too.”
“The fabric is beautiful.”
“It’s charmeuse! I’ve never worn a material so soft before.”
Lily glanced around the room. “Is there anything you need help with?”
“Just this nauseous stomach.”
“I know the feeling.” She pulled Anna into her arms. “Everything will be fine. I’ll be by your side.”
“I’ll always be here for you too.”
Lily caught the reflection of her dress in the mirror and cringed. Ruffles flounced across her bustline and hips where she didn’t want the added volume. She appeared out of proportion with her petite stature. “I wish your mother found a more flattering material for me. Look at this color! Who else would you have gotten to wear this yellow dress? I look like a banana!”
“Only you could look so fruity and elegant at the same time.” Anna covered her mouth as she giggled into her glove. “I do appreciate you agreeing to my favorite color and for trying to calm my nerves with humor.”
“Do you feel better now?”
“Yes.”
Lily took hold of Anna’s hand. “I think it’s time to make that fiancé your husband. Am I right?”
“More than ever.”
A few minutes later, Lily stood with Anna’s parents at the rear of the church awaiting the procession. As children, they’d played dress-up and Lily had loved being the bride. Her visionary husband would be tall, dark, and handsome. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if he could also be a sweet prince charming. The fictitious childhood dream hadn’t met reality with Ira and his faults. Before last night, she’d overlooked many things because of his good qualities like honesty and dependability. Now she couldn’t get rid of the pungent taste in her mouth over his lack of shame and immoral character. Anna had what she craved with Emmett. He was a man she couldn’t live without, a man who adored her, a man... Lily’s arm was nudged.
Anna whispered, “Ready? It’s time to go. The music is playing.”
A classical bridal tune reverberated from the grand pipe organ in the balcony, creating a rich fullness within the church. Lily moved with the rhythm gazing at the happy couples sitting in the pews. One man sat by himself. He wore a spiffy blue suit which was much fancier than the normal churchgoers every Sunday. As she strolled past him their eyes met, only she found herself unable to continue walking. Warmth swept across her face. At her first attempt to proceed, she stumbled. She refocused her attention on the sanctuary, quickening her pace without regard to the tempo of the music. Among the last few steps to the altar, she took a few deep breaths before turning toward the congregation.
All the guests stood facing the back of the church waiting for the bride, except for the man who kept his gaze upon her. His shoulders were wide and strong as if he could toss her right over and carry her out the door. The instant attraction made her uneasy, especially since nothing like this had ever happened to her before. She couldn’t turn away from his good-natured smile. A grin came over her, not only to reciprocate, but because his image matched her expectations from long ago.
For the next hour, Lily faced the altar while the beautiful Latin words bonded Anna and Emmett together as one. Once outside the church, in Columbia Park, family and friends gathered celebrating the newly married couple. Lily walked across the street to her house assisting Anna’s mother with the meal she’d brought. They carried food over for the crowd, bringing with them a selection of mixed cheese, cucumber and ham sandwiches, a molded potato salad, spiced Seckel pears, olives, and stuffed eggs. Last night’s rain produced a muddy mess in the grass creating a spongy walk, especially for the guests in heels. Lily volunteered to take the tea and coffee around to the tables.
A cluster of Emmett’s friends sat together at the far table, along with Ira. He had his back to her but his plaid flat cap along with his black suspenders unmistakably stood out. She could have stomped away as he had the night before, but she told herself she could be strong. Slow and unsteady across the soft ground she approached the table. She stopped behind Ira, listening to the conversation. As she peered at the person seated across from him, her heart thumped in her chest at the well-dressed man from earlier. The only fitting name for such a distinguished man would be Mr. Spiffy.
“I get what you’re saying, Ira, but I’m a Ford man myself. Why do you like Plymouth V4’s?”
Ira held up a finger. “For one they’re a fair price.” He held up a second finger. “And two, they have increased the horsepower.”
“I agree Fords are a little more for the money, but horsepower, you want to talk horsepower? The Ford V8 is putting out sixty-five horses, and the cast-iron flathead will get you seventy-eight miles per hour. Now that’s a car. Besides, any car that’s fast enough for Bonnie and Clyde is good enough for me.”
Lily held in a chuckle. Mr. Spiffy in his fine felt fedora with an extra-wide ribbon certainly could stand his ground against Ira.
“It’s not only about the power. It’s about the style.” Ira tugged the suspender straps off his shoulders. “See these...they’re not just for holding up my pants. They’re a one-of-a-kind swanky style all their own, just like the Plymouth.”
“You may have a valid point, but did you see the new model Ford came out with this year? It’s the cat’s meow.”
Lily never understood why men talked about cars the way they did. Good looking shouldn’t refer to a hunk of steel. She moved to the side of Ira, “Would you care for some more coffee?”
“Yes.” He looked up at her with a twisted grin insinuating she’d finally come to her senses. “How about another sandwich too?”
Her jaw tensed. “Certainly, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She wanted to say something about his request, but there is a time and place for everything...and now was not the right time.
Ira pointed across the table. “My new friend here from the opposite side of town would probably like one too.”
She glanced at Ira’s new friend.
Mr. Spiffy tipped his hat. “No, thank you. If you don’t mind though, I’d like some tea.”
“Of course.” A light breeze blew a fresh clean scent of him her way. This time the warmth trickled from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. As she tilted the pitcher, a piercing note bellowed out of the band shelter from across the park. She jerked. Her foot slid backward. And her heel sank. The pitcher moved in unison, splashing tea onto the table and barely missing the man’s lap.
“Are you all right?” He grabbed a napkin wiping the spill.
“Yes, I’m sorry. Excuse me.” She scurried away. This was not the impression she wanted to make. Now he’d think of her as an awkward, clumsy woman. She should have told Ira to get his food, then she wouldn’t have to serve him again. He sure had gall asking her to bring him something. She set the coffee and tea on the serving table. The plate of sandwiches contained only crumbs, so she picked up a few slices of cheese and a stuffed egg, placing them onto a napkin. Ira would have to be satisfied with what she could find.
As she approached, Mr. Spiffy didn’t look anywhere other than in her direction. She set the food next to Ira’s plate stepping behind him. Ira chattered away about the farm, and the man appeared as disinterested in the new conversation as she was. It must be why he stared at her. She couldn’t help but stare back. While she smiled at him, he grinned at her. The longer he looked, the more she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He had a few gentle crinkles surrounding the dark intensity of his eyes, giving her the impression of a warm inviting personality.
“Did you forget the sandwich?”
She recoiled at the sound of Ira’s voice. “They were gone...sorry.”
As Ira turned around, she wanted to leap like a frog on a hot tinplate, but she stayed glaring at the ground. A gentle brush on her arm drew her out of her trance.
Anna leaned into her. “Thank you for serving our guests. Emmett and I appreciate all your help.”
Emmett pulled a flask from his jacket. “I’ve got a little something to top off those drinks.” He poured a swig into the cups on the table. “Did everyone enjoy the wedding?”
Mr. Spiffy raised his cup. “I wouldn’t have stood up, knelt, or sat so many times for anyone other than you two.” He laughed and caused the wrinkles to crease deeper around his eyes. “I’m sure you have your reasons for all the movement. At least I can say I’d never doze off if I attended church here.”
He’s not Catholic. She wouldn’t have guessed he belonged to a different church. But St. John’s is the only Catholic church in town. Her ideal man on the outside believed differently than her on the inside. How could they ever be compatible? Her church would forbid it. The town would frown upon it. And her family wouldn’t permit it. If he grew up as she did, his religion would be a tremendous part of his life too. A relationship with him would be impossible.
The flat pitch of a baritone horn rang out. “If you’ll excuse me, my father’s getting ready to play.” She turned toward Anna and her new husband. “Mrs. Wolff, would you like to come with me to listen to the band?” She snickered. “You can too, Mr. Wolff.”
Emmett shook his head. “Keep a seat open for me.” He kissed Anna. “I’ll meet both of you later. Where will you be?”
“We’ll find a spot up close.” Lily locked arms with Anna as they made their way through the oak and maple trees toward the red-bricked shelter. Her father, Eddie, sat in the last row of the second regiment band on the pinewood stage. A dozen men tapped their toes while the tune progressed in harmony. A few open chairs were near the front and they paraded toward the seats. She enjoyed listening to the music, but her attention remained focused on Mr. Spiffy. A man whose real name she didn’t even know. Maybe for her sake, she shouldn’t find out, but her desire made her touch Anna’s arm.
“Who was sitting across the table from Ira?”
“Why are you grinning like that?”
“I am?” She covered her mouth with her hand.
Anna’s eyebrows rose. “Why are you asking?”
“I almost dumped tea on him.” She leaned closer to Anna’s ear. “So, do you know his name?”
“Benjamin Claussen. Emmett worked for him at the Ebbe Company after high school.”
“He owns the company? I thought he was our age.”
“No, his dad and uncle do. He’s at least five or six years older than us.” Anna tilted her head toward Lily. “It’s my turn to ask a few questions.”
“Yes, certainly.”
“I noticed you’re not yourself today.” Anna placed her hand on Lily’s. “Is there something you’d like to talk about?”
“What makes you think something’s wrong?”
“Don’t forget how long I’ve known you. What aren’t you telling me?”
“It’s not the right time. Besides, it’s your day. Let’s not make it about me.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Lily wanted to confide in her about Benjamin, except that meant she would have to tell Anna about what happened with Ira. Besides, she’d made her decision before anything could potentially develop. It’s the best choice; the only choice. But how can there be such a loss when she and Benjamin were never together to begin with?