If only he’d supported her when she told him numerous times she didn’t want to marry Clarence. And why had he been so easily convinced she’d changed her mind? Men were so thick-headed.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.” She spoke through cracked lips. Her mouth felt dry as a desert, and her head pounded. She’d taken a treatment of Belladonna before she’d gotten dressed. But still she couldn’t fill her lungs with air. This was it. In the distance, Clarence stood alongside the Pastor, flashing a bright smile that caused Heidi’s stomach to roll.
Oh God. Don’t throw up now.
Her knees shook the entire length of the aisle. Tears stood in her eyes, and she had the overwhelming desire to scream and run from the church. Maybe Clarence wouldn’t send the information to the newspaper, after all. He could have been bluffing. She took in a shuddering breath, and glanced sideways, into the cold eyes of Gloria. He’d invited his mistress to their wedding!
No, Clarence wasn’t a man who would bluff. He had too much to lose, and everything to gain.
When they reached the front of the altar, the Pastor smiled warmly at her, and bellowed, “Who giveth this woman in matrimony?”
“I do.” Papa stated, his voice ringing throughout the church.
“Wait.” Mary stepped from the pew and joined her husband at the altar. “Don’t I have a say?”
The Pastor’s eyes grew wide. “Uh, yes, I guess you would. I never had the bride’s mother pose that question before.”
“So ask me.”
“Do you give, err, giveth this woman in Matrimony?”
She tilted her head, and studied the pastor. “What does that mean, exactly?”
Her father bent close to Mother’s ear. “What the devil is going on here?”
She regarded him wide-eyed. “Why, I’m only interested in the ceremony. I mean, didn’t you ever wonder exactly why they ask that question?”
Heidi glanced from Papa to her mother and despite her anxiety, she smiled. Her wedding had apparently unhinged Mother.
Papa took Mother’s arm, and spoke to the Pastor. “She does.” He escorted her back to the pew, his face flushed.
Clarence took Heidi’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “You look beautiful, my dear.”
Bile rose in her throat, and her fingers itched to slap his face.
They turned and faced the Pastor.
Silence descended as the Pastor adjusted his glasses, and opened his mouth to speak.
“My baby!” Mother’s wail reverberated off the walls, causing everyone to turn wide-eyed in her direction.
“Mary, what are you doing?” Papa spoke out of the corner of his mouth, even as he smiled and nodded at the people seated closest to them, and patted her hand.
Heidi bit her lip to keep from laughing. What in heaven’s name was her mother up to? She never drew attention to herself. Did she think maybe Clarence would change his mind if he thought Heidi came from a family of unbalanced women? She frowned. Not likely.
Mother stood, and fumbled with her handkerchief. “I just realized my baby is getting married. Oh dear, my baby.” She brought her hands to her face and sobbed, the handkerchief waving as she shook.
“For heaven’s sake, Mary. Sit down, you’re overwrought.” Papa ran his finger under his collar.
This time Heidi giggled. Whatever Mother hoped to accomplish would certainly not work. She glanced in Clarence’s direction. Stiff-necked, and tight jawed, he glared at her mother.
Mother sighed, and patted her eyes. “If I could have a drink of water, I’m sure I’ll be all right in a bit.”
Papa nodded at their numerous guests, and left the pew. He hurried to the back of the church, while Heidi, Clarence and the preacher stood, waiting.
Clarence cleared his throat, and shifted from one foot to another. His eyes narrowed and he looked from Heidi to her mother. “What sort of game is your mother playing?”