All I Want Is Everything

Plotting

Listen
Do you want to know a secret
Do you promise not to tell, whoa oh, oh

Closer
Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear
I'm in love with you

The Beatles, Do You Want to Know a Secret

In March, Ella's ankle was doing much better after a needed surgery and she was down to using a cane for stability, as the ankle was still a little weak. Going to the florist with Becca was no trouble for Ella. Although the day was overcast, the florist's store was warm and humid, filled with fresh green scents along with the perfumes of roses and other blossoms. Sam wasn't into flowers, so this was one place where Becca could get exactly what she wanted.

"Not that Sam is being difficult about anything," she told Ella. "The closest thing we've had to an argument was over the cake flavors, but he's having a groom's cake, red velvet, so it's just what he wanted, and we're having lighter flavors for the cake. Honestly, the only reason I didn't want chocolate or red velvet is because I didn't want to have to worry about getting my dress stained."

It seemed reasonable to Ella, but before she could say anything, the florist emerged for their appointment. It was a more exclusive florist, so the attitude was definitely there, and while the florist didn't actually sniff as Becca outlined what she wanted for the ceremony--a floral arch behind the pastor, centerpieces for the table, boutonnieres, and bouquets for her and her attendants--he definitely had an attitude, like he was doing Becca a favor by agreeing to produce arrangements for her. But he was talented to proportion to his attitude, and he brought out flowers in the wedding colors of peach and mint, liberally supplemented with white flowers, and presented a beautiful plan for the huge, all-important cascading bouquet and the smaller ones for the bridesmaids, reflecting the drama of the wedding gown in the design. The floral arch also featured a variety of greens for interest, and he knew the venue that Becca and Sam had chosen, so he understood the backdrop and how to use the flowers. Despite his snootiness, both Becca and Ella were impressed with him, and Becca was happy to give him a sizeable check in down payment.

"So what's new with the planning?" Ella asked as they left the store.

"Ok, I decided on a cathedral veil, they're so pretty and elegant," Becca said enthusiastically. "I got my shoes, and I know that I want my hair in curls, how I want to do my makeup, fashionable but not too hard. Did I tell you that we are getting somebody to tape the ceremony? Mom thinks it's all a little much, but she wants me to have what I want. And we'll have a videotape of our vows that we can force our kids to watch too." They laughed. "We signed a contract with the band, and the menu is set, you'll have your choice of salmon or beef."

"Which has sauce?" Ella asked, thinking of potential drip hazards to her dress.

"They both do, but we're asking for the sauces on the side. I don't want to wear my dinner either," Becca said practically, and they grinned at each other. They reached the car, Ella's because she was chauffeuring the bride on her errands, and got in.

"So what's new with you and Buck?" Becca asked, settling in as Ella pulled out into traffic. "Do you think you're going to get married before it's time for you two to go to the old folks' home?"

Ella stuck her tongue out as she stopped for a long light at a major intersection. Then she smiled slyly. "If you're going to be rude, I'll just keep that idea to myself." Becca rolled her eyes. Then her head whipped around to stare at her friend.

"Does that mean that you've been talking about it?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes," Ella said, relenting, then bit her lip. "He's asked me. We wanted to keep it to ourselves for awhile, both just to enjoy the secret engagement, but also, you're getting married and we're so excited about that."