MARY JO GETS MARRIED

Mary Jo Halan is going to get married to George Hannagan. Everyone in Calhoun County and even a few “outsiders” have been invited. The wedding will take place at four this afternoon and Mary Jo is still taking care of last minute details.  She has outfitted her bridesmaids in what she thinks are wonderful dresses – I dare you to find a bridesmaid dress that has been worn more than once.  She has checked and double checked the seating arrangements to make sure no one will be sitting close to any one they might not like.

She has made sure the cake was delivered and looked just like she always dreamed it would. She has checked the weather report to make sure there will not be any rain on the reception and taken care of all of the bothersome details that a bride has to take care of.  She could have allowed her mother to take care of these details, but Mary Jo just had to double check to make sure everything was just right.  The flowers had all been delivered and those that went on the tables were in there place so it was time for Mary Jo to get ready.

Mary Jo was just putting the finishing touches on her dress when a delivery man knocked on the door of the changing room.  Mary’s mother opened the door a crack and then opened it all the way. There was a nervous deliveryman standing outside the door of the changing room holding more red roses than Mary Jo or her mother had ever seen in one place before. He asked if Mary Jo was there and when Mary Jo replied she was the person he was looking for he placed the roses on the only space he could find on a table, Handed Mary Jo and envelope and left as fast as he could.

Mary Jo looked at the roses for a moment than opened the envelope to read the note inside. After she had read the note the first time tears were filling he eyes. How could he...after all these years?

Darling Daughter, the note began, I do not know if I will be here when you wed but I always want you to be as happy as your mother and I were so I have made arrangements with the florist for him to deliver one red rose for each year of your life on the day you get married. I know it is a small thing, but as you look at the roses remember I am there with you in spirit as I could not be in person.

Mary Jo blotted the tears from her eyes and found someone to place the roses in a prominent place where they could be seen throughout the ceremony.

Her father had died two years before she was to get married, and Mary Jo felt he should be a part of the wedding also.

© Tina Rice 20 June 2008