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Mama had made Baby Celeste's dress out of the same material used in her own and styled her hair similarly as well. No one looking at them could think the child was anyone else's, and since she had inherited some of Mr. Fletcher's facial features, the foregone conclusion rested comfortably in the faces of our guests.

Mama and Baby Celeste came down the stairs and walked toward the arch where the Reverend Mr. Austin, Mi. Fletcher, and I waited, At the beginning of the short aisle we had created with chairs for our wedding guests. Mama released Baby Celeste's hand and knelt down to whisper something to her. She nodded and looked toward the rest of us with such a mature expression, everyone smiled. Mama continued down the aisle and took her place.

The ceremony began, and at the proper moment Baby Celeste walked down the aisle as she had rehearsed and gave Mama the wedding ring. Then she stepped back and took my hand. I exchanged a glance with Mr. Bogart. Something in his face told me he knew more than anyone else about us. His face was fall of kindness. though. I felt no threat, no reprimand or accusation.

I heard Betsy's smothered laughter and glanced back to see her and her boyfriend giggling together. They looked drunk or already high on something. That was probably the pill I had seen him hand her. When the ceremony ended, everyone gathered around Mama and Mr. Fletcher to congratulate them. I lifted Baby Celeste in my arms and stepped back to watch.

"So. I guess this means I've got myself a new brother," I heard Betsy say, and turned to her and Dirk. "Whether I like it or not. Say hello to my brother, Noble man. Dirk."

"Yeah, hi." he said, and squeezed my hand hard. I didn't grimace and he laughed and then brushed Baby Celeste's hair. "Hey, you did a great job carrying the ring, kid."

She just stared at him the way Mama would, her eves full of ice.

"Noble used to be my real brother's friend until he died, right, Noble?"

"Yes."

"Noble raises plants and chops wood all day."

"I'm going to go help bring out the food." I said.

"Noble's perfect. He's a perfect child and never causes his mother a moment's brief." Betsy told Dirk in a voice loud enough to follow me.

I paused and turned back to her. "If you want to help, follow me."

"Right." she said. "Just lead the way."

I started toward the house and heard them both laugh, Mr. Bogart's wife and Tani Austin were already inside preparing to bring out the food.

"I just love a down-to-earth wedding like this," Tani Austin said. "Too many affairs we go to are impersonal." She turned to Baby Celeste and me. "Your little cousin is the cutest child I have ever seen. I can see the family resemblances," she added, but not like a busybody.

"Thank you." I said, then helped bring out the food. Mama had prepared it all with her special herbal seasonings. We had turkey and roast beef, creamed onions, mashed potatoes, an assortment of vegetables, and homemade bread. Mr. Bogart had brought white and red wine, and Mama had permitted Mr. Fletcher to get the wedding cake from a baker who was one of his customers and who wanted to do something special. It had three layers with a chocolate trim around each. At the top were the two figurines under an arch created out of candy cane.

Before we began to eat, the reverend rose to make a toast: "There is no more magical word than family. It is truly a human garden in which the plants have to be nurtured with love and care. Both of you" -- he looked at Mama and Mr. Fletcher -- "have had more than your fair share of hardships, but somehow, through it all, you have endured and grown stronger. Nothing will make you both stronger than your union today, and nothing will be more of a blessing to your children than the love you bring to bear on them all. To your good fortune."

Everyone drank.

I glanced at Betsy. She wasn't laughing. She was staring with such anger and distaste at Ma-ma and her father that it put a dark spot of terror in my heart. Then she turned to Dirk, whispered in his ear, and they both laughed again. They ate what they wanted and suddenly decided they were going to leave.

Betsy asked me if I wanted to join them. "We're going to meet some friends and party. Why don't you come along?"

They haven't cut the wedding cake yet." I said.

"So what? It's just cake. Where were going there'll be lots better." I shook my head. "It's their wedding and its not over."

"Oh, brother. What am I going to do about my new brother, Dirk?" He shook his head. "Hey, if he's happy, let him be."

She stepped closer to me. "Are you happy. Noble? Should I let you be?" She deliberately brushed her breasts against my shoulder.

I looked about in a panic.

She laughed. "Don't worry." She took Dirk's hand. devote myself to helping you get over your shyness,"

It sounded more like a threat than a promise. Trailing laughter, they hurried away to Dirk's car, not even taking the time to congratulate her father and Mama or tell them they were leaving.

Once again. Mr. Fletcher apologized for her. and once again Mama told him not to worry.

"I hope you will someday soon think of me as your new father," he said to me later. He had drunk quite a bit of wine by then and he looked a little sad. I thought. "I hope like me you will see all of this as a new start, a new chance for happiness."


Tags: V.C. Andrews Gemini Horror