Free Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban Page A

to help.
    Careful not to jiggle the glass bowl too much, Isabelle carried it to the table, holding her breath as citrusy punch splashed over the sides and onto her knuckles. She placed the punch on the linen cloth and wiped her hands on her apron. She breathed relief and turned, nearly colliding with Mrs. Johnson.
    Carrying Isabelle’s donated vase of flowers, Mrs. Johnson barely batted an eye. “These will make a lovely centerpiece.”
    Isabelle nodded but didn’t comment. Better here than at her house.
    “Dear, could you arrange the chairs on either side of the family room? You know, girls on one side, boys on the other.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Isabelle grabbed one dining room chair after another and carried them into the family-room. She positioned them, adding an armchair to each row, only to nick her ankle with one of the wooden legs. Biting her tongue, she hobbled around a second, rubbing the injured spot when she heard the doorbell ring.
    Mrs. Johnson appeared in the room, tugging her blouse in place. “Did you drop something, dear?”
    Straightening, Isabelle shook her head. “No, I just hit my—”
    “Good, I’m glad everything is under control. Would you mind finishing up the dishes? I need to welcome the guests.”
    Isabelle didn’t mind and would have said so, if given the chance. Before she could reply, Mrs. Johnson was out of the room and scuttling down the hall. “No problem.” Isabelle muttered with a smile.
    Standing at the sink, Isabelle reached for another dirty pot and caught a glimpse of her fast-fading nail polish. Lovely. Shaking her head, she dragged the pot into the soapy water and started scrubbing. Her nails didn’t matter. This was Kate and Mark’s day, and...Mrs. Johnson’s.
    Laughter from down the hall poured into the kitchen. Isabelle rinsed the last pan just as Abby, one of the bridesmaids sailed into the room.
    “Sorry, I couldn’t get here sooner. What can I do to help? Mark, Kate, and some of the guests have already arrived.”
    Isabelle laid down the dishcloth and tossed her apron on the back of a kitchen stool. “Nothing. We’re good.”
    “Then let’s get the party started.” Abby led the way into the family room, where eight guests mingled in a tight circle.
    “Isabelle.” Kate caught her in a hug. “Everything looks great.”
    Isabelle opened her mouth to respond but shut it when she felt a presence at her shoulder. Mrs. Johnson skittered around her and gave Kate a kiss on the cheek. “Are you ready for a wonderful party?”
    “Yes.” Kate glanced from Mrs. Johnson back to Isabelle. “Thank you both for all your work.”
    “Dear, you’re welcome.” Mrs. Johnson folded her hands together at her chest. “Marriage is a special celebration. I just want you and Mark to have the most wonderful memories.”
    Isabelle swallowed the rising lump in her throat. Too bad she couldn’t clone Mrs. Johnson.
    “The games.” Mrs. Johnson, gasped, spinning around toward Isabelle, a panicked look on her face. “Dear, I don’t see game-sheets or pencils on the chairs.”
    “I’ll see you in a bit.” Isabelle exchanged glances with Kate then nodded at Mrs. Johnson. “I’m on it.” She wormed her way back into the kitchen for the supplies.
    As maid of honor, Isabelle knew how Cinderella felt. Finishing chores instead of mingling with the guests. Although, unlike Cinderella, there would be no Prince Charming in her future.
    Sighing, she started back to the family room in time to hear the tail end of Mark’s latest introductions. “Everyone, these are some of my classmates.”
    “One of Mark’s friends asked if you were here.” Mrs. Johnson caught Isabelle by the arm in the hallway. Isabelle didn’t need to guess who would be standing in the next room. Of course, Mark had invited his classmates. Why hadn’t she considered that? Better question: why hadn’t Kate told her?
    Isabelle swung back to Mrs. Johnson, shoving the pencils and paper into her hand. “Do me