“Marry in May and rue the day, marry in April and joy for maiden and man” ~Irish saying

Lizzie’s cream dress falls in soft folds and pools at her feet. In her shaking hands a horseshoe. It’s heavy but she clings to it. Her mother always said the bride had to hold onto it, point up, thus the luck of the marriage slip away.

The ring is upon her finger and she and Bobby have exchanged the glinting gold coins. “This I give you as a token of all my worldly goods.” Bobby’s wheat colored hair is falling into his eyes which are shiny.

Lizzie can feel them all behind her, the soft scuffling of feet and the ever present scent of rosemary and mint. Her stomach growls like a roar in her head and she sees Bobby, curse him, smile in his eyes.

Following the wedding is a large traditional Irish breakfast. Fried eggs, beans, sliced tomatoes, potatoes, toast, rashers and black pudding. There will be fruitcake to follow, if Lizzie makes it that long. Her flat stomach feels as though it is moving under the cream and smoothness. The stirrings of hers and Bobby’s unborn son making his presence known if only just to her.

Suddenly the stream of sunlight blinds her and she sees none but her best friend Lucy. Standing in the halo of light, a rose-colored dress with a sweetheart neckline and a traditional three leaf clover sewn into the cuffs. Lucy is not smiling. Her beautiful face seems like carved stone. There is a locket on a long gold chain around her neck and her long fingers hold it, pressing it close. Lizzie has a moment of uncertainty and almost stumbles but Bobby’s hand is a firm pressure on her back. And then it’s over. There are voices and laughter and Bobby’s breath is in her ear and his hand on her ass. The sound of music is coming from the small hall beyond the doors of the tiny church on Canal street. The sun moves behind the clouds and a shadow passes over her guests. Lizzie sees Lucy smiling and cradling little one- year old Anne in her arms. Joe, as always, close by her side.

Lizzie returns the hugs and kisses and holds tightly to Bobby’s hand as he leads her into breakfast. Her stomach is light again and her heart lifted and hopeful. 

Next Chapter: Lyllian, 2017, her office - or?