“We discussed this last week,” Ashley said, stepping closer. “The gray dress was selected to coordinate with the flowers and the bridal party. That coral is far too loud.”
“I am the groom’s mother,” I said. “I did not think a warm color would offend anyone.”
“It does not fit the aesthetic Carol designed,” Ashley said. “You will stand out in the family portraits. It looks entirely inappropriate for someone in your position.”
“My position is Ethan’s mother,” I said, adjusting my gold wedding band on my right hand.
“Please just put the gray dress on,” Ashley said, her eyes narrowing as she looked at my reflection in the mirror. “We have the photographer arriving in twenty minutes, and I do not want to argue about a dress.”
I stayed silent, my hands resting on the bright coral fabric. I did not move toward the brass hook.
Ashley let out a short, frustrated breath and turned on her heel, her heavy silk train rustling against the doorframe as she left. She closed the mahogany door so hard the vanity mirror vibrated.
The wedding chapel was cool and smelled of beeswax. By two in the afternoon, the pews were filling with guests in dark suits and elegant dresses.
I walked toward the double doors at the back of the sanctuary, where a young usher in a black tuxedo stood holding a list.
Before I could give him my name, Carol Vance stepped out from the shadow of the arched entryway. She wore an expensive lavender gown and tilted her chin up as she looked down her nose at me.
“Stephanie, there you are,” Carol said, her booming voice echoing slightly off the stone walls. “We need to make a small adjustment to the seating arrangements.”
“I am the mother of the groom, Carol,” I said, choosing my words with deliberate care. “The front pew on the left is where I belong.”
Carol tapped her manicured fingers against her purse.
“Ordinarily, yes,” Carol said. “But we have several distinguished guests from the university board and the country club committee who require prominent seating. It is a matter of professional courtesy for Ethan’s career.”
