Page 81 of Mail Order Splash

She slapped the water for Netty to come over. “Take me to them, girl.”

“That was fantastic. Can I do that?” I asked when she held on to Netty for a ride around the pool.

“Sure. Do what I did and hold on. You can’t be afraid.” She stayed with me until Netty pulled me away, then back again.

“I thought I was needed for a very sick fish. Instead, he thinks he’s better and you are all playing,” Doc teased.

“Doc, can you take over with Scrapper? We need a break.”

“You’ve earned it. You two will make great parents.” He dove in.

Parents? He knows this is for convenience. He must know, or did Kleine tell him something else? Does she have feelings for me?

“Hey, I need to talk to you quick.” I pulled her into the office. “Things have changed and Kellan is on his way here. He feels bad that what he put in motion could have caused all of this, so a meeting has been set for this afternoon with the city.”

“Okay, what do I need to have ready?”

“A marriage certificate signed by both of us.” I leaned against the desk.

“Um, okay, I thought it was going to be Saturday?”

“It still can be and should be, but we need the certificate before the meeting.” I grinned. “Look at it this way. You’re getting your wish to be married here.”

“You’re saying I get to be in my sweatpants?” she giggled.

“In whatever you want.” I had to laugh at how happy that made her.

“Do I have time to shower, at least?”

“We have maybe an hour. I’m going to shower real fast then go pick up clean clothes for the meeting.”

“And sweats for the wedding,” she added.

“And sweats for the wedding, although I don’t actually own any. I can have Delores get me some and bring them here.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“After what went down yesterday and last night saving Scrapper, I’d do anything you want, even blingy sneakers.”

“I’m going to hold you to that, one of these days, just for fun.” She turned on her heels and hurried off.

I think she means that. Ah, well, couldn’t be too embarrassing, could it?

I dialed Delores. “I have a mission for you. You can hand it off to Sydney, but keep in mind I need it within an hour.”

“Of course, what is it?”

“White sweatpants for me and Kleine, and white sneakers with bling on them.”

“For her, sir?”

“For both of us.” I looked around to see if anyone was listening. “I can’t explain right now. Do the best you can.”

“What about shirts?”

“Find something simple like a t-shirt. It has to be white. I’m getting married in it.”

“Excuse me, sir?” Delores questioned me. “Is there still a wedding on Saturday?”

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