Angels Everywhere - Debbie Macomber [196]
“Hannah?”
Her gaze continued to follow the man she’d promised to marry. It astonished her that she could ever have agreed to be Carl’s wife, especially when it was so painfully obvious they were mismatched.
“Carl is a wonderful man. He’s loyal and dedicated.” Hannah lowered her gaze, hoping her grandmother wouldn’t guess the love she nurtured in her heart was for another man.
Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Together Hannah’s parents brought one food tray after another out from the kitchen. The buffet-style meal was set on the dining room table. Because her parents were in the food business, this had been a labor of love, and the spread was something to behold.
“I’ve taken enough of your time,” Sylvia insisted, patting Hannah’s hand. “It looks like your mother’s ready for you and Carl.”
It didn’t escape Hannah’s notice that her grandmother didn’t comment on what a nice couple Hannah and Carl made. She was deeply relieved Sylvia hadn’t pressed her with more questions. It was difficult enough to deceive her mother and father, but nearly impossible to maintain the pretense in front of her grandmother.
Hannah joined Carl, and it seemed everyone was staring at them, waiting for something to happen.
Carl reached for her hand and whispered, “I spoke to my father.”
A sense of relief nearly swallowed her whole, and she turned to face him. “You did?”
Carl’s gaze shifted about the room. “He’s going to talk to the school board as soon as possible and see what can be done. I’m confident he’ll be able to straighten everything out.”
“That’s wonderful, Carl.”
His fingers tightened over hers. “I can’t tell you how worried I’ve been over this.”
Hannah had been concerned as well, but not for the reasons Carl assumed.
“Everything’s going to work out, Hannah, I promise you that.”
“Of course it will.” And as soon as Carl’s misunderstanding with the headmaster was cleared up, she’d be free to break the engagement.
Hannah’s father asked Carl’s father, Rabbi Rabinsky, to say a short prayer before they ate. The rabbi stepped forward and placed one hand on his son’s shoulder and the other on Hannah’s. He closed his eyes, and the room went still.
The prayer was short and potent, asking God to shower His love upon the two of them and to fill their lives with good things.
When he raised his head, there was a murmur of agreement. Her family loved her, Hannah realized, and they wished her and Carl much happiness.
Soon her relatives and other guests were busy filling their plates. Hannah wasn’t the least bit hungry, but to not eat might have alerted her mother that something was wrong, so she dished up with the others.
Hannah and Carl were ushered to the seats of honor, and she noticed that he didn’t seem to have much of an appetite himself.
The party sat in a large circle, their plates resting on their laps. It was Aunt Edith who asked the question first.
“Well, you two, don’t keep me in suspense any longer. When’s the wedding date?”
Everyone seemed to wait for Hannah to answer. The room filled with an expectant silence. Hannah looked first to her mother for help and then to Carl. Neither seemed inclined to respond.
“I believe Mother and Helen felt that the wedding coordinator should be the one to decide that,” Hannah explained when no one came to her rescue.
“Nonsense,” Edith said, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand. “It’s up to the two of you to set the date. Let the wedding coordinator work around the one you’ve chosen.”
“But—” Hannah wasn’t allowed to finish.
“I agree,” Cousin Hariette intoned. “If you’re going to have an outsider make all the arrangements, then it’s vital they know from the first who’s in change. A wedding’s no small thing, and it’s best to get started on the right foot.”
“I’ve wondered about this,” Hannah’s father murmured, looking to Ruth.
“Springtime,” Edith suggested next. “When the flowers are starting to bloom. There’s nothing like fresh flowers for a wedding.”
“Oh no,” Hannah said quickly. “We can’t possibly have the wedding so soon