Twice in a Lifetime (Love Found) by Ruthie Henrick Page A

the news. “Ben, what do you think about this place?” She waved a fist full of brochures, collected from the possible venues she toured. “Reese and I checked it out today and it might do. They have a pretty patio in back.”
    Ben ignored the pamphlet. “Allie, it’ll still be over a hundred degrees even at six o’clock. Do you really think outdoors is an option?”
    They were planning their wedding for the middle of August because neither of them could wait longer than that. And she wanted to write Mrs. Tate on the blackboard the first day of school.
    She held up another brochure. “I know it’s late, I know you’re tired. But pay attention. What about this place?”
    Ben glanced up briefly and she started in on her sales pitch. “It’s a little over the budget, but it has this big sweeping staircase that would be great for photos.”
    “You decide, Al. Whatever you want is fine.”
    She hit him with a throw pillow. “Don’t be that guy, Ben.”
    His eyelids crept open. “What guy?”
    “The guy that doesn’t help with any of the decisions. This is our wedding. I need your input.”
    “All right then, we’ll have it at my dad’s house.”
    Allie plopped down beside him and grabbed his arm, pamphlets scattering on the sofa. “When did that become an option?”
    “He only mentioned it today. I haven’t had a chance to tell you.”
    “Ben, it’s perfect. It’s a big house with a great staircase, beautiful landscaping for photographs. It’s a little far, but so what. You sure it’s okay?”
    “Perfectly okay.” His eyes drifted shut.
     
    The next Saturday Allie, with the help of Reese and her mom, went searching for the perfect gown. After only three shops they met with success.
    It was all shimmery satin and delicate lace. Sleeveless with a high, sculpted neckline. Seed pearls and sparkling crystals adorned the fitted bodice. Standing on the dais, admiring her reflection in the triple mirror, tears of joy clouded her vision.
    Katie Harper walked over with a veil in her hand. Stepped up beside her daughter and slipped the combs into her hair, smoothing the lace-edged netting over her shoulders and down her back. “You’re an angel, the most beautiful bride ever.” With a soft look on her delicately lined face she spoke tenderly. “Is this the one?”
    With a smile whispering in her eyes, Allie answered. “Oh yes, we found the dress .”
    On Tuesday she shopped again with her mom and Reese, this time for flowers.
    “Here sweetie, this is like the picture you showed me last week.” Reese held up a sample bouquet the floral designer assembled ahead of time. Pink tea roses and white gardenias. “Do you still like this?”
    She really did.
    On a roll, Allie shopped for a cake. A bell chimed as she entered the shop alone and meandered through the bakery. A middle aged woman entered from the back, several years’ worth of crullers and fresh sourdough plastered to her hips.
    Martha Connor, the shop owner, was clearly knowledgeable, but after thirty minutes of looking through sample books, Allie was overwhelmed.
    So many decisions to make over cake? What flavor to choose? Buttercream or whipped frosting? Filling or no filling? Flowers or no flowers?
    “So what do you think, Ben?” She stacked the last dinner plate in the dishwasher. “Chocolate, vanilla or red velvet?”
    “What the hell’s red velvet?” Ben was distracted—Red Sox on the tube and blueprints spread across the table. “Sounds like drapes. In a whorehouse.”
    She slammed the dishwasher closed. “Like it sounds, Ben. Red. Tastes like cake. Pay attention. Which would you rather have?”
    “I really don’t care, Allie. Pick one.”
    Tossing the kitchen towel on the counter, she steamed out of the room. “Fine.”
    They were planning a simple wedding—fewer than a hundred people—but she was only doing this once, everything should be lovely. Reese and her mom were making it very easy and the invitations were already in the