"I'll get it," she said, and hurried off to the basement, returning in a few minutes with a dusty bottle of champagne. "I smuggled this out of France during World War II, and have been keeping it for just this occasion my first born's betrothal. Sam, get some glasses while I ice this down."

Betty, her eyes shining with joy, asked me, “May I be your Maid-of- Honor?"

"Of course, Betty, I wouldn't want anyone else." I turned to say some- thing to Jack - but he was just disappearing into his bedroom. I nudged Bert and whispered, "There goes our best man, let's go tell him.” We followed Jack into his room.

He was sitting dejectedly on the bed, fighting back the tears. "What's wrong, Sport?" Bert asked.

Jack looked up at us, his eyes brimming with tears. "It's hard to ex- plain, Bert, but I had sorta hoped I'd be your Maid-of-Honor when you got married."

""

I sat down and took his hand in both of mine. "I understand, Jack," I said, "but we need a best man and we'd be honored if you would stand up with us." I've never seen a black cloud turn to sunshine so fast in my life!

He jumped up and looked at first one of us then the other really want me?" he cried excitedly, "Really?”

"Yes, we do," Bert answered, "how about it?"

―

"Do you

"Oh, yes and kiss best man!" When the champagne was chilled, Sam popped the cork and they toasted us wishing us both all the happiness in the world. Everyone was too excited and happy that night to make any plans, so after much chattering and toasting, we retired.

yes yes." he exclaimed happily, and gave each of us a hug then tore from the room shouting "Hey, Mom, I'm gonna be

I arose early and showered. I took special pains that morning with my makeup and gave my blonde hair a hundred extra brush strokes just to give it a little extra gleam. I was shining inside and wanted to look my prettiest and shiny outside, too. I put on a white ruffled blouse, pink

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