Who Gives this Woman? -- Inspired by a true story

The phone call came the afternoon before the wedding, as Laura was going over her list of things still to be done. She answered it absent-mindedly; by the time she hung up, the list was forgotten.

It was wonderful news for Kelly, really. She’d been so disappointed when her mother had called to say she couldn’t come to the wedding. Laura’s heart had ached for her stepdaughter, whom she loved every bit as much as she did her own children. Kelly had tried to mask her disappointment, joking that two mothers at the wedding would be too confusing for a small town like Trinity anyway.

Now that had changed — Marilee had called to say she could make it, after all, and that she would be arriving sometime the next afternoon. Laura was pleased for Kelly and angry at herself for that sinking feeling she was experiencing. How could she possibly begrudge Kelly this small happiness? Out loud, she scolded herself, “Every girl should have her mother at her wedding.” Silently, her mind responded, “You’re her mother! You’re more of a mother to her than Marilee ever was!”

“No! I am her stepmother. I’ve raised her and held her and cried and laughed with her, but Marilee gave birth to her; and Marilee has every right to be at her wedding!”

“Mom? Who are you talking to?” Kelly bounced into the kitchen, kissed Laura’s cheek, and plopped onto a chair.

“Oh, just myself.” Laura answered, blushing. “Kelly, I have wonderful news. Your mother called and will be able to come tomorrow after all — she’ll be here sometime in the afternoon.”

“She’s coming?! She’s really coming?” Kelly exclaimed, jumping out of the chair. “Oh, oh Mom! She’s coming!” She danced around the kitchen.

Laura smiled at Kelly’s excitement, her jealousy evaporating. She was glad, really glad, Marilee would be there for Kelly.

That night at the rehearsal, there was some consternation about what Paul would say when asked who gave the bride away. They finally agreed that he would say, “Her mother and I” as originally planned. Laura quickly extinguished the thought that those words would have a whole different meaning now.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, and everyone rose early. It was Kelly’s wedding day! Kelly and Laura had planned to go finish decorating the reception hall. After the second time Kelly asked Laura when she thought Marilee would be arriving, Laura suggested Kelly wait at home, in case her mother arrived early. Laura could finish the decorating by herself.

“If you’re sure, Mom ...” Kelly looked up and smiled. “Hey, I just thought — you won’t mind if I call you Laura while Mom’s here, will you? I can’t very well call her Marilee!”

Laura smiled, smoothing the hair back from Kelly’s face. “That would be kind of strange, wouldn’t it? I’ll see you this afternoon.”

There was more to do at the hall than Laura had imagined, even (or especially!) with the help of seven-year-old Melissa and five-year-old Nicole. Not for the first time, Laura wished they could have afforded to have professional caterers handle the reception instead of doing it themselves. They didn’t get home until 2:00, and Marilee was already there. Laura felt herself steeling up for the encounter and forced herself to relax.

“Hi, we’re home!” the girls called as they rushed into the house. They stopped short when they saw the unfamiliar woman sitting on the couch with Kelly. Laura stepped past them, smiling.

“Hi, Marilee. We’re so glad you could come.”

Marilee rose gracefully, and Laura was struck by the differences between them. Marilee was lithe and tan, her sun-bleached hair pulled back in a pony tail. Her face was artfully made up to appear natural, and the few wrinkles that could be spotted actually looked like laugh lines. She was as pretty as Laura remembered, and suddenly Laura was unhappily conscious of her own shortcomings. Her hair hung down around her face in strands, damp from humidity and hard work. She hardly ever wore make-up but now wished she’d at least put on some mascara. Her clothes, a pair of well-worn jeans and an old tee shirt of Paul’s, were covered with dust and nearly dripping with perspiration. Marilee, she noticed, wore a brightly colored sundress that looked as crisp as if she had just put it on.

“I was just telling Mom all the details about tonight. You know, where she’ll sit and all that. I can’t wait for her to meet David.” Turning back to Marilee, Kelly gushed, “Oh, Mom, he’s so wonderful! Sometimes I wonder what he sees in me!”

Marilee smiled, glancing at Laura. “Why, Kelly dear, you’re a beautiful girl. You come from good stock, you know. You have my mama’s eyes.”

Laura turned toward the kitchen. “Can I get you something to drink, Marilee?

“No, thank you. I know you must have tons to do to get ready, so Kelly and I decided I should take her on over to David’s. It’s so clever of you all to have an garden wedding.”

Laura turned to Kelly. “I thought we were all going over together, a little later?”

“Oh, well, we were, mo....Laura.” Kelly said. “It’s just ... well, I thought I’d get there a little early and show Mom my dress, introduce her around, and all that.”

“Oh, well, yes, I guess that’s a good idea. You run along. I still have a couple of last-minute things to do in the kitchen for the reception.”

“Oh, maybe Mom and I can help you...”

“Kelly, dear, I’m atrocious in the kitchen! I’m sure your step-mama is much better at that sort of thing. Let’s just run on along and get out of her hair, shall we? I’m just dying to meet all your new family!” Marilee smiled sweetly at Laura and pulled Kelly toward the door.

“Well, okay ...” Kelly said uncertainly, looking between the two women. Half way out the door, Kelly pulled away from Marilee and took a step back into the house.

“Kelly, dear, what are you doing? Let’s go!”

Kelly looked at the beautiful woman who had had so little to do with her upbringing. “Just a minute, Marilee,” she said. Turning toward the kitchen, Kelly called out, “Mom? I love you, Mom.”