Page 64 of Mail Order Splash

“I’ve heard there is a resort where the glass bedroom is under water,” Kleine added, truly animated. “I’ve thought about seeing it someday but, then if I saw an injured sea life and couldn’t help it, I’d lose my mind.”

“Good call, Aunt Victoria.” I nodded in her direction. “She already said that.”

“We do not need a honeymoon.” Kleine stood and paced by the railing. “No more money needs to be spent.”

“We can come back to this topic when you’ve had a little time to digest it.” Aunt Victoria flipped to the next page. “Guest list. Do you have anyone to invite?”

“I want Dr. Garcia to walk me down the aisle, Josh’s two friends who helped me move, and that’s it. Josh’s parents and siblings, too.”

“I was wondering why you left them out.” Josh paced behind her.

“Flowers. What do you like?”

“I like whatever you pick.” She stopped pacing. “I’m being unfair. I thought I was being less difficult, but I hear myself saying ‘I don’t care’, which means all the work falls on you, Victoria.”

“I have assistants to do the busy stuff and I generally let the florist pick the flowers based on the colors.”

“I like that. The only thing I can add to that is maybe white orchids, the one with purple in the middle.”

“Yes, add some white roses and something with the other colors for your bouquet,” Murphy said, excited.

“Invitations will have to be emailed or sent by courier,” Victoria explained, “a bit out of the norm, but who cares?”

“My parents are God knows where. I should send them a message, but don’t expect them to show up.”

“That’s terrible.” Kleine touched my shoulder.

“It’s nothing new. They will hardly be missed.”

“I will speak with them, but I agree, don’t count on it. Uncle Henry will be there, for sure.”

“Back to the bachelorette party. I looked it up, and they have a suite available for tomorrow night.”

“Murphy, there is too much to do to be concerned about a party,” Aunt Victoria said.

“Mom, she needs every experience. We’re going; you only have to decide if you’re joining or not.”

“We can have a small party for Murphy and still be close by to get the rest of the details completed.” Kleine took charge. “If we hustle tomorrow, we can see the florist, baker, and bridal shop.”

“Agreed. The caterer can be done online, including the band.”

“I thought we were meeting with Sydney tomorrow afternoon.” Josh spoke. “Is she anywhere near the bridal shop?”

“Murphy, leaving the area isn’t logical. There will be dress fittings.”

“Mom, they can get the measurements before we leave and we’ll be back that night or the next day.”

“This is what I think: florist, bakery, bridal gowns before lunch, Sydney after lunch, then quick change of clothes and bachelorette party and we can combine them since Josh would be out of place with the girls.” Kleine finished spelling it out. “Sorry. Murphy, we could make the boys leave us alone for a few hours, would that work?”

“Now, there’s the girl I met with the knife in her teeth.” I clapped my hands. “Welcome back, Ariel.”

“What about rings? Whose ring is this on my hand?”

“I called my jeweler. He helped me pick one. You two should go decide on whatever shape you like. I merely guessed based on your personality.”

“You guessed correctly. It will be in a safe most days, but beautiful when I can wear it.” Kleine held her hand up, showing the ring. “This is a serious rock. It could feed at least ten whales in a month’s time.”

“Don’t you dare sell it.” Josh grabbed her hand. “You can get a plain band for swimming days, or a tattoo.”

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