Page 115 of Unexpected Entanglement

“That was unusual for Rowan to get that drunk,” Alex stated.

Rae came to them with a cup of coffee and handed it to Chris. “Is she a lightweight?”

Alex shook her head. “Rowan handles her alcohol well, but she doesn’t usually drink too much.”

“She said she had three glasses of wine,” Chris said.

“Three isn’t that excessive.”

“I’d get tipsy, but three glasses wouldn’t make me unable to walk on my own,” Rae said.

“Maybe Gwen poured her more than the usual five ounces?” Alex suggested.

Chris shrugged, now feeling uneasy about Rowan’s drunken state last night.

“Maybe it’s just one of those days. A mix of stress, not eating enough, and alcohol,” he said, to ease everyone’s mind. “Let her take it easy this morning, so she’ll feel good for the wedding.”

“Agree,” Alex said. “I’ll be here, but I need to get back to it.”

“I’m helping in the kitchen this morning, but I can check on Rowan,” Rae volunteered. “I know you both are busy.”

“Sounds good,” Alex said before going back to her job.

Before he left, Chris whipped a smoothie with a mix of fruits and a few extra ingredients. He set a big glass aside in the fridge.

“Give that smoothie to Rowan when she wakes up. The sugar, vitamins, and caffeine will help,” Chris asked Rae. “Make sure she eats something.”

“I’ll force feed her myself,” Rae said.

“Thanks.” Chris laughed. “She is not to worry about the wedding. We have it handled. Remind her that her job today is to be with the bride.”

“Got it.” Rae saluted him.

“All right, I’m gonna head out. Text me how she’s feeling.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Rowan.” Rae smiled with understanding. She grabbed a giant muffin and handed it to him. “Here. Eat. We don’t need you to keel over either.”

Taking a bite of the muffin top, Chris grinned as he left the kitchen.

thirty-seven

Rowan admired how beautiful Meredith looked in her wedding gown. They were getting ready in one of the main house rooms Rowan had secured for the bridal party, so they were closer to the wedding area, while the groom and his party were getting ready in a honeymoon cottage.

With a radiant smile, Meredith swished around, admiring how the dress moved. The flowery lace dress with loose bell sleeves draped over Meredith’s upper arms hugged her torso down to the waist before the full skirt flowed out to sweep the floor. Meredith wore her long strawberry-blond hair in loose curls. She really didn’t need more embellishment.

“You look like an elf princess from a fantasy world.” Rowan beamed. “Beyond gorgeous, Mer. Isn’t she, aunt Caroline?”

Meredith’s mom was dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “I can’t believe it. My baby.”

“Oh, Mom.” Meredith approached her mother, ready to hug her.

“Don’t. I don’t want to ruin your dress with my makeup.” Caroline stepped back.

“Your makeup is set, Caroline,” Daphne, Meredith’s maid of honor, said. “I used waterproof mascara, so even if you cry a river, you won’t look like a raccoon.”

“I hope you did the same with mine,” Meredith quipped.

“On all of us,” Daphne said. “I’m not stupid.”

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