Flower Girl World: Rosie and the Wedding Day Rescue (4 page)

“Before I knew you, who was I? You're the one who changed my life.”

“Hey, I know that song,” Rosie said.

“Me too,” added Iris. “That's Gaby Snow. I love her.”

Starr twirled around. “Did you see her on the cover of this month's
Kids Now
magazine?”

“I love that picture,” said Iris.

“Me too,” Rosie agreed.

Iris and Rosie picked up brushes and joined Starr. In their gowns, they looked like the best-dressed girl band ever.

“You're the one who makes things better. I hope that we're together forever.”

Starr's twin brothers cheered like fans at a rock concert as the three girls kept singing.

“When times are tough, you're always there.

I know I don't have to be scared.

We'll be together until the end. Why?

YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND!!!

Woo, yeah. YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND.”

The girls were really rocking out. Ricky and Randy started crazy-dancing. They bumped into a table, scattering hair clips all over the floor – things were getting out of control. That's when Greta swung around in her chair and screamed, “CUT IT OUT!!”

Her roar was as loud as a firecracker. It surprised everyone, so much so that Randy lost his balance and slid into Ricky, and Ricky went flying…right in the direction of Greta's bridal gown! Everyone gasped, but only Greta could get a word out.

“NOOOOOOOOO!!” she screeched as she flew out of her chair. But she was too late. To break his fall, Ricky grabbed on to Greta's dress and ripped a big hole in the lace!

The room went silent. After a few seconds, Ricky pointed to Randy and wailed, “It's his fault!”

“You tore the dress, not me,” Randy squawked, heading toward his brother with both fists clenched.

“Stop it!” Starr was angry. “You're both to blame. You wrecked Greta's wedding.” She dragged them away from the dress so she could yell at them some more.

Rosie stood frozen. She didn't know what to do. The wedding was supposed to start in one hour. But now Greta's dress was ruined. Greta sobbed while Amber tried to calm her down.

“Those boys are rodents,” Amber said. “And now you've messed up your makeup too!”

Amber seemed to be making things worse. Rosie wished she could help Greta feel better, but she didn't know what to say. How could a kid help a grown-up?

“It doesn't look too bad.”

Everyone turned in the direction of the voice. It was Iris. She was examining the dress closely.

“I think I can stitch it up and no one will even notice. Let me see if I have ivory thread.”

“Iris?” Greta was able to get some words out between sobs. “Do you really think you can fix it?”

“No problem!” Iris said, holding up a spool from her craft kit.

Iris sat down on the couch with the torn dress and went to work. Rosie was amazed. Iris was saving the day. “I wish I could help Greta too,” Rosie thought.

“All done,” Iris said a short while later. She tried to stand up with the dress, but it was too big and heavy.

“I can't thank you enough,” said Greta, taking the gown from Iris and giving her a hug.

Amber grabbed Greta's arm and led her to the dressing area. “You have to hurry. The wedding starts in a half hour!”

Rosie looked at the clock. Amber was right. Soon they would all be walking down the aisle!

Chapter Seven

Rosie, Starr, and Iris couldn't wait any longer. While Greta finished dressing, they snuck downstairs to peek inside the magnificent grand ballroom.

Through the open door, they could see a long, red carpet aisle that led to a tall arch covered with white roses and lilies. Guests in tuxedos and elegant ball gowns were mingling. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and the wedding hadn't even started yet.

“I'm nervous,” Iris said as they hurried back upstairs. “There are so many people in there.”

Rosie agreed. “There are probably a million guests.”

“Don't worry,” said Starr. “If you get scared, do what I always do: picture the audience as pigs. It works every time. And from the looks of that room, we're going to be staring at some very fancy pigs.”

All three girls were oinking and laughing when they walked back into the bridal room and saw the most beautiful sight: Greta in her wedding gown. She looked like a princess in a royal wedding. Greta's smile was gleaming, just like the pearls on her dress.

“You're so pretty,” Rosie said to Greta.

“Yes, she is,” Amber replied, looking at herself in the mirror, not at Greta.

“Thank you,” the bride said to Rosie. “It's time to get started. Is everyone ready?” Greta took a deep breath. “Ring bearers, do you have your ring pillows?”

“Yes!” Ricky and Randy shouted.

“Flower girls, do you have your baskets?”

“Yes!” Rosie, Iris, and Starr cheered.

“Amber, do you have the groom's ring?”

“What are you talking about?” Amber replied, turning from the mirror, looking confused.

Greta gave her a confused look back. “What do you mean? I gave you the ring to hold during the ceremony.”

Amber's cheeks turned the color of her pink dress. She paused and then looked directly at the twins.

“I thought the ring bearers were supposed to hold the bride's and groom's rings. I gave Mark's to one of them. I don't know which one; I can't tell them apart.”

“I don't have the groom's ring,” Randy piped up.

“Neither do I. We have fake rings on our pillows. See?” Ricky held up his cushion.

“You didn't give us the real ring. You're lying!” Randy shrieked at Amber.

“You two sewer rats are such troublemakers. You probably lost the ring when you were scurrying around the room.” Amber turned to Greta. “I'm so sorry they're causing more problems for your wedding.”

The boys were furious. They yelled at Amber, and she yelled back. Their screaming grew louder and louder. Finally, Greta hollered, “ENOUGH!!!”

Rosie saw Greta take another big breath. “We have to tell the guests there's a delay,” Greta said, looking at Rosie, Starr, and Iris. “Which one of you can make an announcement?”

Rosie gulped. She didn't want to disappoint Greta, but she was nervous about speaking in front of such a big crowd. Even if the room was full of pigs!

“I'll do it,” Starr cried, jumping up and down.

“Rosie and Iris, please go with her. As soon as you've made the announcement, come back here. Amber, the twins, and I will start searching the room for Mark's ring, but we'll need your help.”

“Should we ask others to help too?” Iris asked.

“No.” Greta shook her head. “Having more people in the room will make it harder to search. Let the guests know everything is okay and that we hope the delay will be short.”

Rosie, Starr, and Iris bounded out the door and down the staircase.

“What will you say?” asked Iris, panting as they ran.

“I don't know, but I'll think of something,” answered Starr.

Rosie had no doubt about that.

The girls rushed through the ballroom door and headed toward the front. The guests stopped their conversations, surprised to see the flower girls by themselves.

Starr grabbed the microphone. “Hello, everyone! Welcome to the wedding.” She paused for dramatic effect. “I'm sorry, but we have a little problem.”

Everyone gasped.

“Don't worry,” Starr added quickly. “We have to start the ceremony a little late, that's all. It's no big deal.” She grinned. “We know you want to see us flower girls drop our petals. You'll just have to wait a little longer.”