Chapter 16: The Luncheon

Mrs. Koehler's note for the Foundation luncheon had two lines.

"Wear green. Bring the nurse."

On the twelfth of December I walked into the Koehler house with Kirk behind me and sixty people turned around.

They had all read the post.

Preston saw me from across the front hall and dropped his glass of juice on a waiter's tray.

He crossed the floor quickly.

"Matilda."

He took both my hands and held them in front of him, where the whole room could see.

"Everyone," he said, loud and warm. "Everyone, this is my bride."

The room clapped.

I made myself stand still for it.

Kirk stood one step back and said nothing, and I felt him not saying it.

"You came," Preston whispered. His eyes were wet.

"I said I would."

"I'm sorry about all of it. I'll make it up to you."

"You'll have a lifetime," I said.

He heard the words and not the voice.

He kissed my cheek, and I let him, and over his shoulder I saw Kirk look at the ceiling.

Preston's mother came up next, silk-wrapped and pleased, and patted my arm.

"Welcome back, dear. Nobody holds a temper against a bride."

"Thank you," I said.

I looked past her.

Kendall stood by the window in a bottle-green dress.

Her mother stood beside her with the cream envelope held against her chest.

Neither of them was smiling.

Kendall's eyes went to Preston.

Preston looked straight through her.

He had made a promise by text, and he was keeping it where she could watch.

I saw her understand it.

Lunch was served at five round tables, with name cards in gold.

Mine was beside Preston.