Love Overboard

Chapter 50

Two Months Later

TALL ARRANGEMENTS OF LAVENDER ORCHIDS lined the walkway leading to the deck of the MS Buckingham. The bright-green helipad at the bow of the ship had been covered with special wooden flooring for the event. White folding chairs sat on each side of the aisle. Gauzy, transparent drapes stretched above the seating to form a cloudlike tent.

Emily joined her friends near the back and smoothed the sleeve of her gold jacket.

“Where’s your cane?” Gerry asked.

She clicked her tongue. “I don’t need that thing. It gets in the way.”

“This is lovely.” Daisy pulled out her disposable camera to take a picture of the flowers.

Emily shrugged. “I’d prefer a twenty-one-gun salute after everything we went through to make this wedding happen.”

Gerry nodded. “I’m thankful we still live here. We might have been rotting in a Mexican prison if you hadn’t convinced airport security about Collins.”

“Whatever happened to him?” Althea asked around a mouthful of chalky pastel breath mints.

Emily smirked. “Jon told me the man sang like a bird after cutting a deal with the authorities. He discovered Ricardo smuggling the drugs but saw a chance to sweeten his retirement and kept quiet for a piece of the action. Would you believe the man wasn’t as stupid as he appeared? He learned enough about the higher-ups in the ring to wrangle himself a plea bargain.”

Daisy withdrew a fan from her purse and unfolded it. “Can we please refrain from discussing such tawdry subjects at a wedding? I’m glad Lacey chose the simple tulle. So much more timeless than satin. Don’t you think?”

“I think I should’ve tried on this dress as soon as it came in the mail.” Althea tugged at the tight fabric of her own outfit, which was doing its valiant best to contain her hips. “I hope I don’t pass out during the ceremony.”

“That’s what you get for ordering online.” Gerry dusted off the front of her regular dinner dress with the hand not holding a book. “It doesn’t matter what we wear. Everyone will be staring at the bride.”

“I beg to differ, my dearie.” An Irish accent intruded from behind.

The four Shippers found Seamus O’Riley standing nearby with an appreciative gleam in his eye.

“Gerry, you’re a stunner, and no doubt about it.”

She leaned away, her paperback novel held against her like a shield. “Don’t tell me this wedding includes a magic show.”

“Sadly, no.” He bent his head. “I came to sneak a glimpse of the finery, and here you were—the finest of them all.”

“Thank you.” She squeezed the words from lips pressed in a prim line.

“Would you be busy later this evening?” He sidled close to her. “I’d love to escort you to supper.”

Gerry shoved her book in her purse and glowered down at the man. “I don’t mean to be rude, Mr. O’Riley, but I value being honest. I prefer to date someone who can look me in the eye.”

“Gerry.” Daisy pinched her sleeve but received a swat for her trouble.

“No worries, my darlin’.” Seamus waved away Daisy’s concern with an impish twinkle. “What I lack in height, I make up for in confidence.” He took Gerry’s long-fingered hand and bowed over it. “Another time, then.”

He walked away, and Althea locked her arm with Gerry’s. “That kind of gumption is hard to resist.”

“Somehow I managed.”

“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?”

“Deal.” Lacey took a shuddery breath.

“Scared?”

“A little.” She studied the tips of her open-toed shoes peeking out from the hem of her gown. “Am I not supposed to admit that on our wedding day? I should be confident and free from doubt.”

Jon placed his hands on her lace-covered arms. “It’s okay. I promise you’ll be fully confident by our golden anniversary.”

“Fifty years with you?” Lacey reached up and tugged on his tuxedo lapels. “That sounds pretty great to me.”

“Hey.” He batted at her fingers. “Watch the suit.”

Lacey grabbed the silky material and pulled him level to her height. “Don’t worry. I’ll make it worth the wrinkles.”

Jon made one last check to ensure the musicians were ready. The scent of flowers floated on the breeze as he met Lacey in the entryway to the forward deck. The buzz of family and friends drifted through the open double doors. Once the string quartet started, Jon and Lacey would walk out together. He settled his hands on her waist and bent to look into her downturned face.

“Nervous?” he asked.

She shook her head even as she said, “Yes. Is everything going smoothly with the guests?”

“Not exactly.” One side of Jon’s mouth tilted. “My three nieces are fighting over whose basket has the most petals. I told you we should have chosen one flower girl.”

“But it would’ve hurt the other two’s feelings.” Lacey grasped her orchid bouquet. “I couldn’t start out my job as their aunt that way.”

“This is why my sister adores you already.” He tweaked her earlobe. “She even said she was sitting on the bride’s side of the aisle today.” His smile faded. “Are you sure you’re okay getting married here? Since your family didn’t come.”

Her gaze dipped. “I won’t pretend it didn’t hurt. But Dad was being Dad. When his so-called chronic fatigue flares, Mom has to be there to wait on him hand and foot.” She lifted her chin. “This is par for the course with my family. Your mother and father are in the front row, gloriously normal, ready to treat me like their real daughter. They’re my bonus gift for marrying you. But you get a burden from my side.”

Jon held a finger to her mouth, not quite touching her lips. “Nothing about you is a burden.” His smile appeared. “Except your overly fussy attitude about litter.”

Lacey swatted his finger away. He cradled the sides of her head.

“The best day of my life was when you told me to pick up that piece of trash. You captivated me from that first moment with your passion, your beauty, and your wholehearted commitment.”

Her cheeks flushed as moisture gathered in her eyes. “And you ensnared me with your humor and kindness and your inability to take no for an answer.”

“Ensnared?” Jon’s lips twisted. “Makes me sound like a guy wearing head-to-toe camo, setting rabbit traps in the woods.”

“I tried to run like a rabbit.” Lacey laughed. “More than once.”

“Thank you for stopping.” He went to wrap his arms around her, but she blocked him with her bouquet.

“The dress,” Lacey reminded him.

He groaned, then bent his arm at the elbow and held it out. “Let’s get the ‘I dos’ over with so I can kiss the bride.”

Lacey curled her hand around his forearm. “Thank you for escorting me down the aisle. There’s no one else I’d rather walk with.”

Jon leaned forward and lightly bonked his forehead against hers. “Right back at you.”

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

The guests laughed as Jon pumped a fist in the air. He gathered Lacey in his arms and gave all the leading men in Hollywood a run for their money for best kiss scene.

Emily exhaled. “Case closed.” She offered a thumbs-up to the other Shippers. “Nice work, girls.”

Abby sniffled on the chair at the end.

Daisy opened her clutch purse, located an embroidered handkerchief, and passed it to her.

“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.”

“After much struggle,” Daisy added.

“Oh, you know it.” Althea crossed her legs at the ankles and stretched her arms above her head. “Now the excitement’s finished, I’m going to make dodo for a week.”

“That sounds dirty,” said Gerry.

The New Orleans native blew a raspberry. “It means I’m crawling in bed to sleep for seven days straight.”

“No time for naps.” Emily reached out and tugged Daisy and Althea to their feet. “I’m calling a strategy meeting.”

“What for?” they asked at the same time.

“Our new client. Don’t you remember that cute little redheaded Abby practically pleading with us to find her a match?”

“I don’t recall her pleading,” Gerry said.

“Regardless.” Emily waved a hand. “There’s not a moment to waste. As Althea likes to point out, the love of Abby’s life could be walking up the gangplank in the very next group of passengers.”

“She’s not allowed to date passengers,” Gerry reminded.

Emily put her arms behind the other Shippers and gave them something in between an embrace and a shove. “I’m sure the Lord put her in our path for a reason. We have to create a new folder, gather information for her profile, and compile a list of possible matches. There’s so much to do.”

Emily unwrapped a piece of butterscotch candy as her feet did a little dance against the deck. “But I’m sure it will be our best match yet. I feel it deep down in my bones.”