Buried In Buttercream by G. A. McKevett

to her heart. Even to the painful spot in her chest. She smiled and said, “You’re right. And thank you, for everything you’ve done.”
    Madeline shrugged. “Nothing special.”
    â€œHey, I owe you ... especially for pinning Marietta’s gown in the back so that her pink paisley bra straps wouldn’t show.”
    â€œEh, no biggie. I always have spare safety pins. I’ve never been to a wedding yet where they didn’t come in handy.”
    â€œAnd giving Macon the right socks.”
    â€œI always carry a pair of black dress socks in my bag, too. You’d be surprised how many guys show up in a tux, wearing white crew socks.”
    â€œI just want you to know that I appreciate it.”
    Madeline smiled, and it occurred to Savannah that she looked very tired. In fact, she looked far more exhausted than even Savannah, herself, felt.
    â€œJust a few more minutes now,” Madeline told her. “Are you ready to do this?”
    â€œVery ready. My sister has a couple more songs to sing. She’s been practicing for weeks. If I don’t let her do the whole set, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
    â€œShe’s quite good.”
    â€œYes. She is. We’re very proud of her.”
    The cell phone Madeline was holding in her hand rang with a cheerful little tune that sounded familiar to Savannah, but she couldn’t place it at the moment.
    When Madeline glanced down at the caller ID, a look crossed her face that Savannah could only describe as worried ... maybe even frightened.
    Quickly she switched the phone off, then shoved it into her purse. She glanced out at the congregation on the lawn. “As soon as your sister finishes, you can go. I think we’ve got your bridesmaids all corralled.”
    Savannah surveyed the long line of women standing behind her in their assorted blue dresses. The Reid girls. All of them, except Atlanta, the performer.
    Marietta, Vidalia, Jesup, Cordele, and Alma. Each so similar to Savannah, yet unique in their own special way.
    For the past few days, they had nearly driven her crazy, but she wouldn’t have taken a million dollars for any of them.
    â€œYou have a nice family,” Madeline said, as though reading her mind. “I don’t have any sisters. You’re lucky.”
    â€œYes, I am.”
    â€œI don’t think you need me anymore. I’m going to run back to the bridal suite and just tidy it up a bit. I don’t want you and your groom going to a messy room afterward.”
    â€œI did leave my clothes thrown around and my rollers out,” Savannah said.
    Madeline gave her a sad, wan smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it and get back here in time to see you two kiss. Good luck.”
    As Savannah watched her walk away, she wondered why she had disliked the woman so much at first. But it didn’t matter now. Some people just took some getting used to, and Savannah had decided that Madeline Aberson was one of them. Sorta like grits and liver without bacon and onions.
    Â 
    Two songs later, Savannah turned to her entourage. “Okay,” she said, “it’s about time. Are we all ready?”
    There was a lot of nodding of big hair, some nervous grins.
    Savannah did a quick check. “Bouquet, Granny’s white Bible, Grandpa Reid’s wedding band ...” She turned to Marietta. “You have the ring, right?”
    The blank look on Marietta’s face struck terror in her heart.
    â€œOh, Lord, Mari! You do have the ring, don’t you? You’re the maid of honor, for heaven’s sake!”
    â€œI put it in the bag.”
    â€œWhat bag?”
    â€œThat big trash bag that had all your junk in it.”
    â€œYou just tossed Grandpa’s ring in there? Are you crazy? I’m supposed to be putting it on Dirk’s finger in a couple of minutes!”
    â€œI didn’t know what to do with it! I was gonna put it in my bra for