Page 33 of Love Over Easy

Patrick gives a determined nod in my direction. “We’ll keep our eyes open.”

Rod rests his elbows on the table, the card game forgotten. “And I’ll keep watch on the ferry. Maybe I can give you a heads up before they lay foot on the island.”

“Be careful, David. Don’t get too involved until you know her story,” Patrick cautions.

“I know. I’ve been telling myself that since the night I picked her up.” I’m afraid Patrick’s warning comes too late. We are involved. Casually involved.

Bode clears his throat and our eyes move his way. “There’s something I’d like your help with.”

I can tell whatever Bode needs help with makes him nervous from the panicky look in his eyes. “What is it, man? You know we’ll help with whatever you need.”

He takes a deep breath, but that in no way helps his stress level. “I know. And that means a lot. But wait until you hear what I want to do.”

“Go on, don’t keep us in suspense,” Case prompts.

With another calming breath, he swallows and says, “I want you to help me plan a wedding.”

“Of course we’ll help with your wedding. I didn’t know you’d set a date.”

Bode shakes his head. “That’s just it. We haven’t been able to pin her mother down with a date she approves of. The entire wedding is getting out of hand and Kimberly is making herself sick worrying about every little thing. All anyone has to do is mention the wedding and she starts scratching her arms until she has red welts. Most nights she even scratches in her sleep. I can only imagine what she’s dreaming about.”

Case nods in agreement. Everyone experienced the Westmorelands at the Inn’s grand re-opening. “I can see how Mrs. Westmoreland could take over.”

“Kimberly is going along with her mom because she’s the only daughter of one of the richest men in the world. She feels like she owes it to her parents.”

“That’s crazy. Kimberly should have the wedding she wants,” Patrick adds.

Bode pauses and looks around the group, making eye contact with each of us. “I agree. That’s why I want you all to help me throw a surprise wedding. Before the end of the month.”

You could have heard a pin drop as we process and then Case slaps the table and shouts, “Are you crazy? If Kimberly doesn’t kill you, her parents surely will.”

Bode’s jaw tenses. “I’m willing to take that chance to make my bride happy and healthy. Later, her parents can throw the biggest reception they want to, but the wedding is going to be for us.”

“So what do you have in mind?” Rod asks.

Bode rubs his hands together before giving us the grand plan. “First, I’m going to tell Kimberly I have an overnight fishing tour, but I’m really going to fly to California to have a talk with her parents. I know they love her. Once I explain, I’m hoping they will agree. But even if they aren’t, we are still going through with the surprise wedding.”

No one hesitates before coming on board. I ask, “What can we do while you’re gone?”

Bode leans in and says, “Here’s what I’m thinking…”

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