Excerpt Nine: The Lull Before the Storm

Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

—Earl Mac Rauch

On the day of the wedding, as I had promised myself, I ate whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted. Festivities began with lunch at the bride's home. In an upstairs bedroom, a makeup artist worked on the entire bridal party, including this soon-to-be mother-in-law. In the excitement of becoming photogenic, I forgot all about food.

The wedding began with a walk to the mayor's office for a civil ceremony and photographs. Afterward we formed a caravan of cars to the chateau for another ceremony—this one more personal and spiritual. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres followed for guests. After a short break, about a hundred close friends and family members retired to a banquet hall on an estate built in a century past. There we enjoyed a formal dinner complete with entertainers, wine, ceremonies, toasts, a band, and dancing.

Each of the dozen or so courses (too many to keep track of) was accompanied by red and white wines. Interspersed with champagne toasts, we ate our way through the evening until well after midnight and then danced until dawn. Whatever extra calories I consumed were more than made up for by six hours of dancing, an extraordinary feat! By the time I returned to California, I had lost another three pounds and 5 more inches.

Next: Everything changes for Carole.