Page 28 of Sunset

“Ahhh, let’s see. His mom was an elementary school teacher, and his dad worked at a factory on the mainland,” I tell him.

“What about Bert? What did he do, before he was mayor?” Kade asks.

“He worked at the bank, doing loans, I think. He became mayor, when I was in high school and has been for years now. I don’t know if any of this will help you, but maybe, it will.”

“No, it’s good background, and it gives me a starting point,” Kade says. “Did you hear we’re moving up the wedding?”

“No, to when?” I ask.

“Two weeks, before the season gets busy.” He says.

“Any reason?” I side eye him.

He chuckles, “No Lin is not pregnant, and that’s the first thing my mom asked. It’s because I don’t want to wait, and when the season ends here, harvesting season begins for my parents, and they won’t be able to get away, so it makes sense to do it now. Since I can make it happen, why not? So, tell me what you need to make the food happen by, then.” He says.

“Just a menu and a guest count. Appetizers, soups, salad, meals, sides. Do you want it to be a sit down or a buffet? Get with Brynn on drinks to be served.”

“Okay, that’s all part of what Lin is talking to my mom about. That and I’m sure my mom is holding up every embarrassing photo she has of me.” He shakes his head.

“Lin and your mom get along?”

“Yeah. Almost too well.” He smiles.

Good. I’m glad Lin is gaining more family, as she doesn’t hide how much she misses her parents. I’m sure it’s even worse right now with them not around to help plan the wedding, so I’m happy Kade’s parents are stepping in.

“Well, I better head home and tell my mom the news. She’ll hang me from the tree in the front yard, if she hears it from anyone else.”

“Alright, then. We need you to cook for the wedding, so hurry home,” Kade says, as we stand up.

He shakes my hand, and I make the walk back to my mom’s house.

Like clockwork, she’s sitting on the living room couch reading, when I get home.

“You’ll want to put your book down for this, Mom,” I say and head to the minibar and pour us both a drink.

“Oh, no. You broke out the rum, what is it? Did you kill someone? I think the shovel is still in the shed, but you will have to do the digging.” Mom says.

The sad part? She’s 100% serious, and she’d help me bury the body, but then, hold it over my head the rest of my life.

“Nothing like that. It’s kind of good news, but I know it will stress you out a bit.” I tell her.

“Well, out with it, then!” She takes a sip of the rum.

“Lin and Kade moved up their wedding,” I tell her.

She pauses mid drink. “To when?”

“Two weeks, and no she isn’t pregnant,” I add in, because I know that’s her next question.

“Two weeks! Bloody good thing that boy is loaded. What made them move it up so soon?” She says.

“Kade said, when the season ends here, harvest season is starting with his parents, so the timing isn’t good. They can get away now, and he doesn’t want to wait,” I say.

Mom takes another sip, and then purses her lips.

“He’s doing it for his parents?” She confirms.

“Yes.”

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