Bella didn't mean to keep a secret about her wedding from Mariel and Brenda. At the time she just didn't feel too enthusiastic about the wedding. The same goes for her plan of marriage annulment. Instead of being neutral like Christine, the two of them would probably have tried to prevent Bella from proceeding with the annulment. Because Mariel and Brenda were born and grew up in a small community. They went to college only as far away as Portland. Both of them thought that marriage was something sacred. A way out of life that must be defended at all costs. Her friends were very traditional. As were their parents and Bella's parents. Even Aunt Ruth who never married in her life.
And then there was Reef. She didn't want to open up too much to him. Not until she could understand that her feelings for Reef were not just a remnant of past passion and sexual attraction.
