“You look absolutely gorgeous.”“Thank you.” Mellie had turned out to be as innocent as her pure white gown. Kay had confronted her, and Mellie told the whole story. Over a year before, she’d stumbled upon Vera and Maxwell kissing, but they’d threatened her into silence. When the threat resolved, Mellie demonstrated her forgiveness by extending mercy and not reporting them.“Tom will do cartwheels down the aisle when he sees you.” Georgie wove her needle through Mellie’s hem in some unnecessary repair.“I just wish . . . I wish . . .” Mellie’s voice warbled.Kay grabbed her friend’s shoulder. “No blubbering. You’ll ruin your makeup.”Regardless, tears glistened on Mellie’s thick lashes. “I wish Papa could be here.”“Oh, honey!” Georgie enfolded her in a hug.Kay whipped out her handkerchief and blotted her friend’s tears before they could leave trails in her face powder. Mellie’s father had been trapped in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded and was interned in a prison camp for civilians.
