From the Journal of Nikki Barrett-Carpenter

June 10, 1976-June 14, 1977

June 10, 1976

Back to the district. Grandmere is watching me like a hawk these days, more backlash from Cooper's elopement. Even if I wanted to elope, Joshua probably wouldn't; honor means so much to him, honor and duty, must be the Army thing. As of September, Joshua will be a civilian. He is going into the family business, which happens to be my Father's passion, Antiques. Maybe he'll come to accept Joshua. Grandfather knows, I think, that I still see Joshua whenever I can. He has never said anything, but I think he knows.

September, 24, 1976

Finally, my last year at Foxcroft! Ames and I have the best room, all to ourselves. Cooper is still married to her polo player, I told Ames so. My courses this term are tough! But I still have a 3.7 average, and I need to keep that. I told Grandfather about my PLAN. He thinks it is a "Capital Idea". He is very sweet. However, I also have a secret plan. To marry Joshua as soon as possible. We are secretly engaged. He asked me, formally, on the Mall, during the Fourth of July Fireworks. It was actually quite romantic. The only person who knows is Amanda.

December 31, 1976

In less than 6 months, I will be Mrs. Joshua Carpenter. I won, I WON!!!!! Grandmere is not happy, but finally my Father found his backbone and voice! He has given Joshua permission to marry me! I still can't believe it! I would have eloped if I had had to, but my Father wants me to have a proper wedding. Aunt Lucinda is already planning. (She recovered quickly) Oh and Richard and Cassie got married Christmas Night, who'd have thought?

February 21, 1977

Wedding plans! Wedding plans, I could scream. Aunt Lucinda sends me fabric samples, and seating plans by the truckload. She is really into this. Ames and Todd are now officially engaged, he asked her on Valentine's Day, of course, and they have set the date on June 21, 1980. After Todd finishes school of course. Ames will go to Radcliffe until then. I wonder if she'll ever get her degree? I have been accepted at Georgetown, and I will start classes in the fall. Joshua understands, well, everything. Ames thinks that its very strange that I should care about being a lawyer when I will be getting married in a few months. She is so shallow! But she is my best friend, and will of course be my maid of honor. In either, lavender or rose. I haven't decided yet. Cooper suggested red and black, but really, she goes to far sometimes. She visited just last week, very very happy lady. Amanda and Joe will be Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, and the boys will be twin ring bearers, along with Joshua's cousin's girls. I have invited Danny, but I don't know if he'll come, he writes every now and then, but I have my doubts if he'll attend my wedding. He seems to blame Father for Mothers death.

June 14, 1977

My last day as a Nicole Barrett. Tomorrow I will be Mrs. Joshua (Nicole) Carpenter. It is very trendy to retain ones maiden name these days, but I want the world to know I am Joshua's, completely. I still can't believe it. Amanda was right, TRUE LOVE will prevail. She went with me yesterday for my last fitting. She almost cried, she said she couldn't believe how grown up I was. (Neither could I) I look so different in the dress, it really is very simple, despite the pomp of the wedding. Amanda talked me out of a veil, she says they are awkward. I finally got the nerve to talk to her, about the wedding night. I mean, I know the mechanics (if that is the right word) of the big event, but I am still a little scared. And since I have no mother and would die before I talked to Aunt Lucinda or Grandmere about this, I went to my real best friend, Amanda. I think she was sort of embarrassed, but she calmed my fears and told me it would be wonderful. I have to believe her. Danny arrived two days ago, I was shocked. He is very sweet and funny, my brother. He did all the correct brother things, testing Joshua and all that. We had dinner with him, and Joshua invited him to his bachelor party. One of Joshua's Army buddies, Lee Stetson, I think is his name, will be the best man, and has planned a blow out after the rehearsal tonight. According to Joshua, this Lee is a lady killer, and I should warn my single friends. I can't believe this man, Lee, being interested in any of my friends. He seems quite worldly. Joshua says he is working for a film company or something. He is cute though. Not that I have noticed, but my cousin Cynda did. Cooper will arrive early in the morning, they've been on safari or something, she had better. I have only met her husband Raoul once, he is very suave and smooth, but seems nice. She hates the dresses, I knew she would, but hey, its my (Grandmere's?) choice. I like lavender. This wedding is Grandmere's dream for me. A little much for Joshua and me, but it is her consolation prize. Ames and Todd have been her all week, acting like an old married couple. Todd is bored with school and can't wait to graduate, and Ames, she just wants to get married, now! Joshua and I will never be like that, predictable.