Free Pennies From Heaven (The Bella Novella Collection Book 3) by Janice Thompson

parents were going to give us. . .”
    “What about it?”
    “His mom and dad are going in our place.”
    “Really?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s perfect!”
    “Yes, Moggie said they haven’t had a real get-away in years. She’s so excited.”
    “It’s the perfect ending, isn’t it?”
    Indeed, it was. God, in his infinite wisdom, had taken care of every detail so that no one felt left out or overlooked.
    As we went back to work decorating the wedding facility, I saw the group of friends and family members through different eyes. There really was, as Lily said, room at the table. . .for everyone. And maybe, just maybe, I’d learned a lesson, too. From this point on I’d be on the lookout for people who felt out of place. I’d nudge them toward the table, slip an arm over their shoulder, and welcome them to the family.
     
     

CHAPTER NINE
     
    C’est la fin des haricots
    Translation: The end of the beans
    (The last straw ; that’s the end of it )
     
     
    Jenna showed up at two-fifteen with her little boys in tow. I’d never seen her look so frazzled. Her red hair was pulled back in a frizzy ponytail and the girl didn’t have on a stitch of makeup. She still wore her Bubba’s BBQ apron over her dirty jeans and wrinkled t-shirt.
    “Sorry I had to bring Bubba Jr. and Weston, Bella,” she said as she ushered the rambunctious boys into the foyer. “Bubba’s too busy to watch them and Earline’s here with you guys.”
    Bubba Jr. threw his arms around my thigh and let out a squeal.
    “Don’t apologize,” I said, after regaining the feeling in my leg. “They can play on the swing-set with my kiddos. Sophia’s outside. I think she’d rather hang out with the kids than help with the decorating.”
    “Thank God for Sophia.” Jenna looked down at her oldest son and waggled her finger in his direction. “Bubba Jr., what have I told you about sitting on your brother?”
    I glanced down and, sure enough, Jenna’s oldest had squashed her youngest like a bug. Little Weston squirmed on the floor, but finally managed to get out from under his older brother. He sprang up and punched Bubba Jr. on the arm.
    “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on ‘em, too, honey.” Earline took several steps in our direction. “So don’t fret.” She gave Jenna’s attire a pensive look.
    “I know, I know.” Jenna pulled off her apron. “I look like something the cat dragged in.”
    “Well, maybe not the cat.” Earline took the apron from her. “But don’t you worry about these kids. I’ll make sure they’re tended to so you can help Rosa and Laz with our dinner.” She walked off, muttering something about how Jenna would be better served taking a nap. I had to agree with that last assessment. My friend looked as if she needed some time off. Maybe I should suggest that to her hubby. Maybe, like D.J. had recently done for me, he could take her on a vacation. A get-away. Surely Earline would watch the boys for them. I hoped.
    As my mother-in-law headed outside with Jenna and Bubba’s boys she was met by Jolene and Twila, who entered with great fanfare, dressed to the nines. I was happy to see the two of them together again. Hopefully they’d laid their squabbles to rest.
    “Oh my. We’re a bit early for the rehearsal dinner, I see.” Jolene paused to look at her reflection in the foyer mirror. “But you must admit, I’m ready for a weekend of Paris-themed festivities.” She pointed to her large hat and colorful dress. “Do you recognize my gown, Bella? It’s straight out of My Fair Lady. Audrey Hepburn wore this Ascot race dress and hat.”
    “Several sizes smaller,” Twila whispered in my ear. “But I’m pretty sure it’s the same size hat. None of the other wedding rehearsal guests will be able to see past it.”
    I did my best not to snort aloud.
    On and on Jolene went, bragging about her new dress.
    “For your information, Jolene, My Fair Lady was a British film, not French.” Twila