Even as she said the words, Iva realized that she and Noah had never talked about having a family. Careers, deadlines, moving, and planning the wedding had taken over their lives.
Iva swallowed. "Of course, we'll have children sometime," she added when her mother's face turned crestfallen. "Actually," she added, trying to brush it off. "I don't even know if Noah likes children."
It was the wrong thing to say. Mrs. Remington was horrified.
"Mother," Iva added hastily. "Of course he likes children. He's just, um, never been around children. He only has one brother and no cousins."
Alina jumped in to snap a series of photos of the final moments of Iva's single status, including the glow of her eyes in the mirror of the room as she fixed her lip-stick for the final time.
"Cora already left to walk down the aisle and throw rose petals at the guests..."
Iva gave her a horrified look.
"I'm kidding! You're so serious today, Iva!"
Iva lifted her shoulders weakly. "Knowing my baby sister, I wouldn't put it past her to stick rose petals in people's noses. Anything to get attention."
"Okay, darlin'," Alina went on, brushing at a stray hair on Iva's fancy upsweep.
"Now it's my turn to go walk the walk with the hunk of a best man."
She was referring to Noah's older brother, Booker, who was a devastatingly delicious model. Except the devastatingly delicious model was gay. Lately, the man had been growing a rugged beard for a photo shoot for an outdoor adventure catalog. Alina was a sucker for a man in a rough beard and flannel wardrobe.
Alina turned to Mrs. Remington. "Go ahead inside and get yourself the best front row seat, Mom"
"Yes, Alina," Iva's mother said obediently. Holding her daughter by the shoulders, she gave Iva a pensive, emotional stare, and then departed the dressing room in a bit of a daze. But not before Alina took a few more pictures of the mother and daughter together for the forthcoming wedding album.
"Be sure you get pictures of the chapel and guests before the ceremony begins," Iva reminded her. "I want pictures of every single moment today. I'm too nervous to focus and I won't remember a thing without your photos."
"Yep, taking pictures I'm up to 200 already since before we even left your apartment." Alina gave Iva a look. "You know, girl, you should think before you speak. Especially when it comes to motherhood---and grandmother-hood."
"My mother is insidious about pushing my buttons. Grandchildren! I haven't even been on my honeymoon yet!"
"See you in the chapel." Alina leaned down to smooth a finger over the worried wrinkles on Iva's face.
Finally, she spread out the pearl embroidered train so Iva merely had to walk straight forward through the double doors into the foyer adjoining the main chapel.
"Smile. You look stunning-and you get to see Noah in a few minutes. That should perk you up."
She took a few final pictures of the jittery bride attempting a look of serenity and then departed, her bridesmaid gown shushing across the glazed tile. The room went quiet and Iva carefully bent over to catch her reflection in the mirror and practice her smile. She was happy. Deliriously happy. Just nervous.