Saturday morning, Lorri smoothed her party dress, twisting in the full-length mirror and relieved she still loved the emerald green. She stood in front of the mirror. It had been a splurge. She wasn’t sure what kind of wood it was, but the slightly reddish hue made her think it was either cherry or pecan. It had been simply leaning against a wall in a furniture store marked “Not For Sale” the day she saw it. She’d tracked down the manager anyway. She told him that she’d fallen in love with the piece the moment she’d laid eyes on it, knowing it would cast beautiful light across her bedroom from the window across the way.
The manager seemed to enjoy her excitement, admitting he’d bought the mirror at a sample sale from a company that was no longer in business. He’d underestimated its size and it wouldn’t fit where he’d planned to use it. “It’s not for sale, young lady, but I have to say you’d give it a much better home than I’d intended. I’ll part with it for you.”
She’d almost fallen down. Those kinds of things never happened to her, but here it was, proof that life wasn’t always predictable.
The whole time she’d lived here, she’d barely used it to check her image. Working at home meant jeans or jammies, but it was nice to dress up again. Heels, earrings, and the pearls Mom and Daddy had given her when she’d graduated from college. She was excited for Cody. Moments like this were exactly what this mirror was meant for.
“Are you almost ready?” Pam leaned inside the door. “Wow, you look beautiful.”
Lorri turned to Pam, who looked elegant in her black lacy dress.
“That dress … wow.…” Pam shook her head. “Twirl. Let me see the back.”
Blushing, Lorri did as Pam said, kind of enjoying the moment. “Think we’ll fit in with all the famous folks?”
“Definitely. I can’t wait to see who was on the guest list. Dressed like this they might think we’re famous. We could make up something.”
“Not like we haven’t done that before,” Lorri said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten this dressed up for anything.”
“Bobby would much rather go to a sports bar and eat wings than go somewhere fancy.”
“We should do it more often. Get the girls together and go somewhere fancy,” Lorri said. “Quarterly maybe.”
“We deserve it,” Pam said, “and without grumbling husbands it would be so much more fun. Poor Bobby can barely swallow in a tie. He’d be happier if we went without him.”
“Wasn’t it sweet how Cody gushed on and on about Kasey, and when he talked about Jake … he truly loves that little boy.”
Pam lowered herself to the edge of the bed. “He does. The bond he and Kasey formed when Jake was missing goes deep. What they’ve got is the real thing.”
And Cody had written that song about her. A song that went triple platinum, and all he cared about was helping her find Jake.
They sat quietly, remembering the circumstances that Cody and Kasey had met under, and the subsequent events that became the foundation of their friendship and love. It was such a strange way for two people to find each other. The only explanation was that it was meant to be.
“You’ll have that kind of love someday, Lorri. I know you will.”
“I wasn’t thinking about that. I’m happier than I’ve ever been the way things are,” Lorri said. “And I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
“We’d better get going.” Lorri grabbed her handbag and checked herself one last time in the mirror. “No tags, right?”
“Wouldn’t that be classy? Sounds like something I’d do.” Pam double-checked Lorri, then herself. “Nope. We’re both good.”
Even though The Wedding Ranch was not far as the crow flies, detour signs had been placed on the stretch of road leading to it, forcing anyone who wasn’t a guest of the wedding to take the long way around.
Lorri ignored the sign as she’d been instructed and drove past the bend in the road to where a portable guard shack was set up. Two official-looking guys in three-piece suits stood there wearing headsets.
The tall one stepped toward the car. “Can I help you?”
Lorri handed him her and Pam’s driver licenses as detailed in the invitation. The guy checked them against his electronic list on a tablet, then gave the other a nod.
“Enjoy your day. Follow the road up to the white tent. Someone will valet your car there.”
“Thank you.” She raised her window.
“He looked like a young Clint Eastwood,” Pam said. “He’s already making my day.”
“Stop.” Lorri stifled the giggle. “We have to behave.”
“Cody was kidding when he said that.”
Lorri pressed the accelerator and followed the signs to the venue. The valet raised his hand to stop her. He took Lorri’s car at the entrance and she and Pam walked into the giant party tent. It was as big as the one at the fair—except this one was open on two sides, with sails as big as a pirate ship in shiny navy blue. Lengths of white fabric with sparkling sequins softened the appearance. Fans lofted the fabric, which created a breeze, making it quite comfortable inside.
“This. Is. Gorgeous.” Pam’s eyes darted around the beautiful decor and well-dressed people already mingling with crystal champagne flutes in hand.
“I don’t know how they did all of this just up the street. I never heard a thing. Crazy.” Lorri snagged two glasses from a passing waiter. They tapped crystal flutes and sipped the fine bubbly champagne.
With every strum of the guitar and tinkle of the ivories from the shiny grand piano, excitement built. Big overstuffed couches around the edges and bar-height tables throughout created inviting conversation nooks. She and Pam commandeered one of the tables so they could have a clear view of the celebs as they arrived.
Staggered arrival times meant it would take much longer for the attendees to gather, but there was already a good crowd. A jam session by Cody’s friends kept folks entertained with music and the vibe was elegant yet casual.
“I can’t believe we’re here.” Goose bumps chased up Lorri’s arms as she scanned the room, recognizing several musicians and a very well-known actor. This may be the best week of my life.