Page 115 of Love Overboard
“Today,” said Althea. “But life is long, and we ain’t dead yet.”
Gerry humphed, and the two left to pick their seats.
Emily stayed with Daisy while she took a few more pictures.
Lacey’s roommate raced up in a Kelly-green sheath dress. Her vibrant red hair exploded in a delightful riot of curls. She resembled a mischievous woodland fairy, except for the tennis shoes on her feet and the backpack swinging from her arm.
Daisy’s mouth twisted at the incongruous sight. “Did you forget to change your shoes, Miss O’Brien?”
“Oh, no.” Abby laughed. She slipped a pair of sparkly gold heels from her bag and set them on the floor. “I hurried here from the childcare center. It’s a turnaround day, and we have to get our station set and ready for the new round of kiddos. I figured I could run easier in these.”
She dumped her backpack on the ground, raised her left foot, and hopped a little as she tugged at the sneaker. Daisy held out a hand, and Abby grabbed it. She changed into her heels and hid the other shoes in her bag on the floor.
“I’ll stow this under a chair until after the ceremony,” Abby said.
“Are you the maid of honor?” asked Emily.
The red curls shook. “Lacey isn’t having one. She said she wanted a simple wedding. No muss or fuss.”
Daisy nodded. “That sounds like her.”
“But I suspect,” Abby said, “she didn’t want me to suffer through the duties a maid of honor has. I’ve been crazy busy lately.”
“That also sounds like her,” Emily said.
Abby admired the profusion of flowers surrounding them and sighed. “I wonder if I’ll ever get a chance to plan a wedding of my own.”
“Oh?” Emily perked. “Lacey mentioned you were interested in our services. Do you want to get married?”
“Desperately.” Abby’s eyes sparkled. “If only someone could help me find the right man.”
Emily took her by the arm. “Pick up your bag, dear. You should sit with us.”
Abby’s smile almost stretched to her eyebrows. “I’d love to.”
Lacey’s insides roiled as she stood alone in the dressing room. All those people waiting outside. She concentrated on breathing.
In and out.
In and out.
A knock interrupted her.
“Who is it?”
Jon poked his head around the door with his eyes shut. “I know I’m not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, but it’s a bit difficult since we’re walking in together.”
“You’d better take a good look, then. I’m not going to lead you down the aisle like a Seeing Eye dog.”
Jon peeked through his lashes and whistled. “Wow … you … wow!”
He gestured at the elegant white dress that skimmed from her shoulders to her ankles. No six-foot train for her. The simple cowl neck highlighted her collarbone. Billowy lace sleeves fell to her wrists. She wore no jewelry except for her engagement ring. Her hair cascaded in soft golden tresses.
Jon crossed the room and took her in his arms. “The day is finally here. I wish we didn’t have to fly to Florida after the ceremony. Are you sure you don’t want to take a quick honeymoon?”
“Watch the dress.” She stepped back a little. “I want to, but your poor father has waited long enough to retire. We’ll take a honeymoon in a few months, when you’ve settled the details.”
He hugged her close. “A long one?”
