Page 94 of Sunsets at the Beach House

She put the whole lunch bag in the fridge, then wondered if she should text Trina. They were supposed to do her hair today when Trina got back, but now Roxie was wondering if there’d be time.

Willie came home before Roxie could text. “I’m home,” she called out as she walked into the living room.

“Hi, Mom. How was your day?”

Willie held up her hand, practically covering her face. “Pretty good.”

Roxie stared at the ring on her mom’s finger. “What is that gorgeous thing?”

“My engagement ring.” Willie stuck her hand out for Roxie’s inspection. “He’s got great taste, don’t you think?”

“I’ll say. He picked you.” Roxie winked at her. “But, yes, that’s beautiful. Biggest sapphire I’ve ever seen in person. It’s spectacular.”

Willie grinned as she went to her chair and sat with a big sigh. She studied the ring. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. That man spoils me rotten.”

“You were already rotten,” Roxie teased.

Willie laughed. “Thankfully, he likes me that way.”

“Congratulations. That really is some ring. Did you get a lot done on your house?”

“We did everything we could do until things move along a bit. I’m glad about that. They’re nice people and I’m happy to get everything done that needs doing so the building can start. I like seeing more of the community, too, but I’m worn out. That was two days of real work.”

“Well, you can sit and relax now. The only big thing you need to do now is get married this weekend.”

Willie smiled. “How’s that coming? Everything going to work out?”

“Yes. It’s all coming together.” Although Roxie realized she needed to double check with the photographer to make sure he was confirmed. She found him in her list of contacts and sent him a text along those lines.

Willie put the TV on, quickly finding a game show.

Roxie messaged Trina next. I have a date with Ethan tonight at seven. Will that be enough time to do my hair? If not, no worries, it can wait.

Trina answered pretty quickly. I’ve got a casserole in the oven and I’m about to cut Miles’s hair. Already did Alex’s. I should be home in 45 minutes or so. We can still do it.

All right, sounds good. Thanks!

Roxie looked up, about to tell her mom about the jazz concert, when she realized Willie was asleep. With a smile, Roxie went off to her room to look through her wedding notes and make sure there weren’t other calls or texts she needed to send.

Everything seemed well in hand. She still needed to pick up their dresses from the Lady M boutique, but those weren’t going to be ready until tomorrow afternoon. Maybe she’d go down and lay by the pool for a bit.

Then the photographer answered. I can do the wedding, yes. Sorry for being so late with my response. Been trying to find a new location for my studio and it’s not going well.

Roxie read the message again. Then decided to call, because she had too much to say to put it all in a text.

The phone rang once before being picked up. “Hello, Plummer Photography, Thomas Plummer speaking. Is this Roxanne Thompson?”

“It is. I’m sorry to call when we were just texting, but you said you were looking for a new studio location?”

He sighed. “Yes. My lease is up in a month and the landlord’s raising the rent. My shop is very close to the beach and he knows he can get more. I can’t swing the increase, but someone will. Don’t worry, though, it won’t affect my ability to take care of your mom’s wedding. I promise.”

“How much space do you need?”

“Hmm. Well, I need to be able to set up an area for portraits. I do a good business in headshots and that sort of thing. Plus an area for an office, which would need to be a decent size. I don’t need anything massive, though. Why? Do you know of something?”

“I do. And if you want to look at it today, you can.”

“Really? Sure, I’ll have a look.”

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