* * *
“Jesus,” Daniel breathed once they were safe in the car. “I thought you were kidding about your mother.”
“Nope. Not for a second.” James started the engine and pulled out of the restaurant, heading toward his parents’ home.
“And this wedding. Is your mom getting married or your sister? It seems your mama either made a lot of the decisions or forced them.” Daniel fanned himself. “I sure hope all this comes together, because it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”
James sighed. “Why do you think I live two thousand miles away? I love my mama, but I can only take her in small doses.”
“But your sister’s wedding?” Daniel asked. “She’s the one getting married, not your mother, and yet apparently your mother picked out her dress.” Daniel seemed so shocked. It was hard for James to explain that things had always been this way.
“Sometimes it’s easier to just give in rather than fight her.” That was why he’d moved halfway across the country. It was better than dealing with her in his life on a daily basis.
“But it’s your sister’s wedding, and that’s the one day that should be all about her.”
James rolled his eyes. “Every day is about Mama and her expectations. She has these ideas of how things should be, and we all have to somehow live up to them. I swear Mama has been planning Holly’s wedding day since the moment she was born.” He paused when he heard how whiny he sounded. “I don’t want you to think I don’t love her, and I know Mama means well and wants the best for us. She was always there for our school programs and activities. She chaperoned field trips and volunteered for room mother. She cooked barbecue for hundreds to help raise money for Cub Scouts. It’s just that we’re adults now and her expectations feel like none of us can quite measure up.”
Daniel grew quiet, watching out the windows, biting his lower lip nervously. “I wish I could help.”
James patted Daniel’s knee gently. That was one of the kindest things James had heard in a long time. “I hate to say this, but I think all of us may be beyond help when it comes to Mama. At least Holly’s getting married and will have a life of her own with Howard.”
Daniel nodded as they continued driving to the house. Getting out a bag, he pulled down the mirror in the visor.
“Can you do that in the car? I can pull over if you want.”
“I’m fine. I just want to touch up my face and make sure I look okay.” Daniel pulled out some base and fixed his makeup. James wanted to watch, but he kept his eyes on the road. He would never have thought that someone putting on makeup would be so fascinating. Eye shadow followed the base, and then a fresh application of lipstick.
“Why that color? A lot of women wear red, but you use a lighter pink.”
“It’s a color that works for me, and I thought that something subtle would be better for the occasion. I didn’t want to draw too much attention to myself.” He finished and closed the makeup case, flipping up the mirror. “Do you want me to wear something different?”
“No. I think you look great.” James let his gaze flow over him before returning his attention to the familiar road ahead. “I really think this is going to work.” Maybe he could finally relax. His mama clearly bought that Daniel was Daniella, so all they had to do was get through the next six days.
He and Daniel talked lightly, with James answering questions about the scenery outside the windows. James had grown up with the mountains and rugged landscape around them. “Do you think we’ll have a chance to explore some of the area?”
“I’ll do my best. I know you’re doing me a real favor here, and I want you to have a good time.” He turned off the main road, and after winding through a residential area, they arrived at the ranch-style home he had grown up in. Pulling into the drive behind Holly’s Toyota, they got out, and James led Daniel up the walk.
The front door opened, and Holly motioned them inside. “Mama’s in the kitchen.”
James hugged Holly tightly, and she held on to him. “She’s got me wishing Howard and I had gone to Las Vegas and bypassed all this. But you know her…”
He nodded and held her tightly. “Mama’s commandments,” he said softly, Holly hugging him again before letting him go.
“At least I’m complying with the damned things. She should be thrilled.” Holly hugged Daniel as well. “Let’s get you both something to drink and then you can rest for a while.”