Page 32 of All Dressed Up

Rachel snatched the negligee out of his hand. “Thisis for one lucky groom’s wedding night and courtesy of Mary. Apparently, last December she sent all of this merchandise to Bethany.”

“Really?” He didn’t understand Mary Reed and what she was capable of. All he knew was that she was dead, but yet somehow kept leaving things around town.

And last February, he’d been given her purse by Donovan for some bizarre reason. The old bag now hung on his coatrack behind his front door, and he hadn’t given it a second thought until now. “Are you suggesting we sell this stuff?”

She folded the black nightie and put it back. “More like get rid of it. Your brides can select from the tables things they’ll want for their wedding day and night.”

He chuckled, picking up a garter belt and snapping it in the air. “Naughty things...”

That got a huge eye roll. Rachel continued, “Since there’s really no reason to charge for these items, you’ll let them play in here and take whatever they want.”

“For free?”

“I like the word ‘complimentary.’”

“That’s not how supply and demand works.” He paused, then to not insult her business sense, he added, “And I know you know that.”

“I do, but do you really want to sell items that originated from a ghost?”

“Good point.”

Rachel continued to explain her vision. “So, they’ll get their flowers, enjoy some wine, and pick out any items they want. Then, they’ll come over here.” She crossed the room to a pink sheet fully covering something underneath. “This is the best part.” She whipped off the sheet “Ta-da!”

Will came up next to her, staring down at an old trunk with a brass handle. This is what has got Rachel all excited? He’d never in a million years peg her for anAntiques Roadshowkind of girl, but she was surprising him left and right today. “What’s in there?”

“Nothing yet. It’s Mary’s.”

“Seriously?” That statement piqued his interest. He’d heard in addition to the purse that a trunk had been found at the Lakeside Inn belonging to the spirit. He’d also heard rumors that both Emma and Bethany opened up the trunk and found wedding dresses inside.

That old relic must weigh a ton. “How did you get it up here?”

“Magic.” She laughed, folding the pink sheet and setting it on a small oak table behind her.

“Oh, really.” He didn’t believe her for a second. Although, if Adam was involved...

“Just kidding. Adam and Donovan hauled it over last night in Adam’s truck. Brandon was all too happy for us to take it off his hands.”

He bent down and ran his hands over its intricate wood carving, glancing over his shoulder. “Have you opened it?”

“No,” she admitted, but added, “Not since it’s been here.”

So, Rachel had also opened the trunk. Interesting... Did she find a wedding dress, too? “Why don’t you see what’s inside?”

She stepped a couple of steps back and then a couple more, shaking her head. “I don’t think so.”

He studied the frown on her face. She looked uncomfortable. He’d been around her countless times and knew just about all of her expressions. “If I open it, will there be a tux in there?” he asked to lighten the mood.

Her lips curved up. “Maybe. See for yourself.”

“Maybe I will.” He smiled at their banter. He had no desire to open the trunk. “So, why exactly is the trunk here?”

“I’m glad you asked.” She took a seat on its lid. “What you are going to do is call all thirty of your brides and schedule a time for them to come by and open this baby up.” Giving it a pat, she continued, “I have it on good authority that the perfect replacement dress will appear every time.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Every single time.” She nodded repeatedly.

“You’re not kidding.” Well, that could make things interesting and would certainly save the day if it worked. “How do you know for sure?”

---