Going to the Chapel: A Novella Read Free Page B

ago. Well, except that Daisy’s fiery-red hair was straight now instead of wavy, and Caroline’s brown hair was long and flowing over her shoulders instead of the short bob she used to wear.
    But a thick silence filled the air, almost smothering. Both her sisters looked . . . angry.
    No. Sad? Worried?
    Aunt Dottie propped herself against a half-dozen pillows. “Just like always, you brought home another stray.”
    Izzy placed the kitten in the rocking chair in the corner, where it snuggled up to one of Aunt Dottie’s shawls. Her stomach tightened with nerves. Her sisters were watching her as if they expected her to erupt into a raging lunatic any minute.
    She always had been the drama queen, she supposed.
    Izzy gestured toward the crutches. “How are you feeling?”
    Normally, her aunt didn’t have a devious bone in her body, but something about this scenario seemed fishy.
    In fact, she looked deathly pale. Was that white powder on her face?
    “I’m fine, I’ll just be laid up a few days,” Aunt Dottie said with a grin.
    “Are you sure you shouldn’t be in the hospital?” Daisy said, still holding their aunt’s hand.
    “No, all I need is you girls home.”
    Her statement fell between them like an ax slamming into a wall.
    Caroline’s brown eyes flickered with emotions Izzy couldn’t quite define as she plumped another pillow for their aunt. Caroline had always been the motherly one. “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you the way you took care of us.”
    Aunt Dottie rubbed her temple and yawned. “I appreciate you all coming, but I need to rest awhile. Now go on downstairs and catch up while I take a nap.”
    Daisy stood. “Just call us if you need anything.”
    Caroline gestured toward the little bell on her aunt’s bedside table. “Yes, Aunt Dottie, ring the bell and we’ll come running.”
    Daisy and Caroline traded wary looks as they started toward the door.
    “Oh, girls,” Aunt Dottie said, “I also need you to finish decorating the Christmas tree. The ornaments you made are in your keepsake boxes in the den.”
    “I don’t know if I’ll be here that long,” Daisy said.
    “Me neither.” Caroline frowned. “I can only stay a couple days.”
    “Please, girls, I’m just not up to it right now.” Aunt Dottie began to cough, and Izzy handed her the teacup from her tray.
    “Fine, we’ll do it,” Daisy said, her face panicked at the sight of their aunt’s frail demeanor.
    The teacup rattled as Aunt Dottie took a sip. “Caroline?”
    “Of course,” Caroline said. “But you have to promise to stay in bed and get better.”
    Aunt Dottie offered a small smile. “I promise.”
    Izzy inched closer to examine her aunt. “You are okay, aren’t you?” Izzy whispered as soon as her sisters closed the door.
    Aunt Dottie fluttered her hand over her face. “Yes, I will be. Now that you’re all here.”
    “But—”
    “Don’t argue,” Aunt Dottie said. “It’ll be the perfect time for y’all to settle your differences. This feud has gone on way too long.”
    Izzy wanted that more than anything. But how could she face her sisters when she was the failure they’d always thought she’d be?
    “All right, Aunt Dottie, but while they’re here, I’ll stay at the B and B in town.”
    Aunt Dottie looked stricken. “No way. In fact, I have something you can help me with. There’s an empty space next to the antiques store in town. Ruby and Faye, my Zumba buddies, had an idea about making it a consignment shop.”
    Aunt Dottie did Zumba now?
    “They found some old wedding dresses in their attics,” Aunt Dottie continued. “Belonged to their grandmas, you know. Ruby suggested using them to start a secondhand bridal shop.”
    Izzy’s interest was piqued. “Brides on a budget. That might work.”
    “Good. Will you take care of setting up the shop? I left the keys on the kitchen counter, and I’ve already mentioned it to Caroline and Daisy, and they’re going to help.” Aunt