Read Online The Wedding Sisters by Jamie Brenner - Free Book Online Page A

pulled on one rubber glove, and Meryl’s eyes unwillingly fell to the two-carat, flawless solitaire diamond on her daughter’s left hand. It was a beautiful ring. When she’d commented to her youngest daughter that the ring belonged in a Tiffany’s ad, Jo said it belonged right where it was: on Meg’s finger. Meryl was duly chastened. Time to get on board the Campion train. It seemed it was going to be quite a ride.
    â€œWhat was Tippy talking to you about in here before dinner?” Meg asked.
    She didn’t turn around, and Meryl was relieved that she didn’t have to face Meg. She didn’t want to tell her that Tippy offered to pay for the entire wedding. She knew Meg would be equally mortified, but at the same time, it was a lie of omission and Meg would see it on her face.
    â€œShe suggested we use her wedding planner,” Meryl said.
    â€œAnd what do you think about that?” Meg asked nonchalantly. Too nonchalantly. This was clearly not news to her.
    â€œI told her thanks but no thanks,” Meryl said. “What did you think I’d say?”
    Meg turned around, an exasperated edge to her voice. “Mom, don’t.”
    â€œDon’t what?”
    â€œBe offended.”
    â€œI’m not offended. Why didn’t you talk to me about this if you knew she wanted it?”
    â€œStowe only just mentioned it to me today. You know, it really will save money in the end because she gets such great deals from the vendors.”
    â€œYes, so she said. It’s not so much the expense, Meg. Your father and I are more than capable of throwing your wedding. I don’t need the Campions trying to make it into one of their events. Not to mention, I don’t need them overly involved with the cost and the budget and other things that frankly aren’t their business.” This came out harsher than Meryl intended, and Meg had registered her resentment.
    â€œI think she’s just trying to help. In her own way,” Meg responded stiffly.
    Meryl’s face softened. “Honey, I don’t doubt it. But I told her—nicely—that I am really looking forward to planning my daughter’s wedding—your wedding, with you—and I don’t need help from a stranger.”
    â€œHow did she seem to take it?”
    Meryl looked closely at her daughter. “Are you worried about offending her? Meg, it’s your wedding.”
    â€œI know, I know. And I’m not worried—I just don’t want to freeze her out of the process, you know. She should be a part of it too.”
    â€œDon’t worry, Meg. The Campions aren’t the only ones who know how to be political.”
    â€œOh my God, you are pissed. Mom, please don’t be.”
    â€œI just wish you’d told me instead of letting me get ambushed in my own kitchen.” She wondered if Meg also knew about the far more unsettling offer to pay for the entire wedding.
    â€œI would hardly call it an ambush. Forget it—she offered, you said no. It’s fine. Let’s just move on.”
    â€œGladly. Do you have time to come back for the afternoon sometime in the next few weeks to do your bridal registry?”
    She nodded. “I’ll try. Anyway, we should get dessert out there. Tippy has to go meet Reed.”
    â€œRight!”
    The box from Ladurée was on the corner of the counter. Meryl opened it. “Macarons?” she said.
    â€œYes. The bakery flies them in daily from Monaco.”
    â€œYou’re joking.”
    â€œNo. At least, that’s what Tippy told me.”
    â€œIf it’s true, that’s outrageous!”
    Meryl took the chocolate cake down from the top of the refrigerator, where she’d left it to stand to reach room temperature. “I hope Amy doesn’t miss dessert,” she said quietly.
    â€œWhat’s her problem tonight?”
    Meryl sighed. “Meg, she’s always been competitive. And she’s