Page 117 of Love Overboard
“Oh, Mrs. Masterson, you keep it,” Abby said.
“Don’t worry about me.” Daisy produced an identical hankie from the bag. “I came prepared.”
The two petite women with identical builds sat side by side—Daisy in a black cashmere suit with her silver hair woven into a sophisticated French braid and Abby in her vibrant green dress with her fiery red hair spilling down her back.
Gerry leaned to Emily and whispered. “They bring to mind a before-and-after picture.”
Emily chuckled.
The minister dismissed the crowd, and the guests rose from their chairs. They walked to a nearby area, where the reception waited. Twenty-four-inch glass vases with cascading cherry blossoms sat in the center of round tables, and the finest china held the chef’s phantasmagorical creations. The ship’s jazz combo played live music as the diners settled in for a wedding brunch.
Abby sat with the Shippers, still making use of Daisy’s handkerchief. “It’s silly to cry, but I’m thrilled for Lacey.” She wiped away another tear. “And I admit it, sad for me. Who knows what kind of roommate they’ll give me next? No matter who they choose, she could never top Lacey.” Abby’s voice cracked at the end, and Daisy patted her.
Althea leaned over Daisy to add her support. “Never you mind, baby. We’ll make sure you aren’t lonely.” She twinkled at Gerry and Emily. “Right, girls?”
“Careful, Abby.” Lacey’s voice came from behind. “Don’t let them lock you in any closets.”
The group stood to give hugs to the bride and groom. Daisy complimented Lacey on the timeless fashion of her dress. Althea and Abby both begged her to toss the bouquet their way when the time came. And Gerry scribbled in her notebook as the inspiration hit. Emily stood a little apart, rubbing her chest.
Lacey pushed through the Shippers to stand in front of her. “What’s wrong? Is your heart hurting again?”
“No, dear.” Emily smiled. “It’s bursting with happiness.”
Lacey’s shoulders relaxed. “Even though I won’t be here, you have to take your medicine without fail. I’ve already made Abby promise to keep an eye on you.”
“Oh, pish-tosh.”
Lacey hugged the smaller woman and squeezed gently. “Thank you. For being my courage when I didn’t have any.”
Emily smacked her on the spine. “You had plenty of courage. I only helped you find it.”
Jon appeared beside them. “Are we finally forgetting about wrinkling the dress? Because I’d like to get in on this.” He wrapped his arms around both women, bent, and placed a kiss on Emily’s cheek. “How can I ever repay you?” He looked at the other three Shippers. “All of you.”
“That’s easy,” Althea said. “You can have four daughters and name one after each of us. Although, I suppose you could name a boy after Gerry.”
“Hey.” Gerry obviously didn’t care for the idea.
“Four daughters, then?” Jon said. “We’ll get right on it.”
Lacey elbowed him as the tips of her ears flushed pink. “Behave yourself.”
He let go of Emily, took Lacey’s face in his hands, and kissed her just as the master of ceremonies called for the bride and groom’s first dance. Jon led his new wife to the floor and dipped her in front of everyone.
Althea sighed. “I remember when that was me.”
“I bet Jon’s back remembers it too,” said Gerry.
After the dancing and speeches and farewells were done, the four Shippers stood on the deck as Lacey and Jon climbed into the waiting town car on the pier below and rode away.
Daisy collapsed on a nearby chair. “Thank heaven that’s over. They were the most contrary match we’ve ever attempted. I thought we’d never see this day.”
“Oh ye of little faith.” Althea sat beside her and pulled out her phone. “I’m gonna send pictures of Lacey’s dress to my granddaughter. She’ll love it.”
“It was gorgeous.” Gerry wrote in her notebook. “I think I’ll use it in the scene I’m writing, where the jilted bride sits alone in the church parking lot and weeps.”
“Don’t you dare.” Emily shooed her hands at Gerry. “You aren’t permitted to use my girl’s dress for any kind of tear-jerking scene. There’re only happily-ever-afters connected with this wedding.”
“I agree,” Althea said. “Lacey and Jon rode off into the sunset, and we mark another successful couple off our list.”
