Page 9 of Threads of Kindness
Sunday shook her head. “Not yet. We want to secure a venue first. After the holidays, we’re going to visit some of the local churches.”
“Have you considered the chapel at Highpointe College?” Maggie asked. “It’s absolutely beautiful. As an employee of the college, you’re entitled to get married there. You can also hold the reception in the walled garden outside the chapel for a nominal fee.”
“Really?” Sunday asked. “I hadn’t heard that. I’ve never been inside, but you’re right—it’s stunning from the outside. We’ve been talking about a late spring or summer wedding, after Joshgraduates. Having a reception in the garden would be pretty at either of those times.”
“It’s a popular venue, so be sure to book as soon as you make your decision,” Maggie said. “It’ll require approval from the facilities department. If you get any pushback from them over your use of the chapel or the gardens, let me know. The college should do this, at the very least, for their rare book librarian.” She patted Sunday’s hand. “Especially considering the risks you took to protect our collection.”
“Thanks,” Sunday said, closing her eyes as she remembered that night in the deserted library, alone with Nigel Blythe. He’d killed before and had been intent on taking her life. Shaking her head, she tried to forget their dramatic fight on the stairs, the one where Nigel tumbled over the railing to his death.
Conversation ceased as everyone cast their thoughts back to the decades-long crime spree. Judy broke the silence. “Have you selected other vendors?”
Sunday opened her eyes. “Some,” she continued. “I’ll get my cake from Laura’s Bakery. She displays wedding cakes in the window of her shop and they’re beautiful. Her lemon cake is tied with chocolate for my favorite flavor.”
“You can’t go wrong with either one,” Anita said. “Pete’s Bistro caters weddings. Many of my brides use him for their receptions.”
“Pete’s it is,” Sunday said. “I came in here feeling overwhelmed at the thought of planning a wedding that we want to take place relatively soon. I think the only details I have left are the music, the flowers, and my dress.”
“Have you met Marc Benson?” Judy asked. “He’s here—somewhere. He’s a marvelous pianist and organist. I’ll introduce you before you leave.”
“I’d appreciate that,” Sunday said. “And I have an idea of what I’d like for my dress.” She gave Anita a rueful look. “I knowI don’t have time to order one, so I’ll either get a used one online or buy a sample dress from one of the chain boutiques.”
“Do you have pictures on your phone of what you’d like?” Lyla asked.
“What engaged woman doesn’t?” Sunday pulled out her phone, tapped the screen, and scrolled. She turned the screen around and held it toward Lyla, who gasped. The other women leaned in to view her selection.
“I adore a princess-style gown,” Joan said. “Your wedding may be your only chance in life to wear a dress with a skirt that big.” She tapped the screen. “That dress would be gorgeous on you.”
“Thanks,” Sunday said. “I guess watching Disney movies my entire childhood is catching up with me. I still want to be a Disney princess.”
“If you think you’ll ever grow out of that, you’re mistaken,” Maggie teased. “We’re all like that.”
Anita reached out her hand. “May I?”
Sunday handed her the phone. Anita studied the dress, using her fingertips to enlarge the image on the screen.
“I’m familiar with this manufacturer,” she said. “They make beautiful dresses. The yards of fabric make this a very expensive dress.”
“That’s what I found online,” Sunday said. “I can’t afford a new one, so I’m going to look for something used.”
Anita handed the phone back to her. “If you find it, I’d be happy to take a look at it and tell you if it can be altered to fit you before you purchase.”
“Really? Gosh, that would be so nice. I’d appreciate that.”
“And if you don’t find the dress of your dreams online, I’ve got a small selection of gowns I’ve collected over the years that I sell at a steep discount. These are dresses that people ordered but never picked up. I keep them in case someone needs awedding dress in a pinch. That happens less and less these days of ordering everything online, but I still have them. I don’t have one like that, but, if you get panicky that you won’t find a dress, stop by the shop and look.”
“Thank you. I’ll do that,” Sunday said.
“Do you know where my shop is located?”
“I sure do,” Sunday said. “Laura’s Bakery and Archer’s Bridal are both part of my regular route whenever I’m in the square. I love drooling over the dresses in your window.”
Sunday opened her Notes app. “Can anyone recommend a florist? I can’t wait to contact your referrals. I may have my wedding planned before New Year’s.”
The group around her chuckled.
“I’ll fix a tray with an assortment of desserts to bring in here,” Judy said.
“Terrific idea,” Lyla said. “I’m going to grab another cup of coffee. Does anybody else want a refill?”
