Page 1 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

Chapter 1

Morgan braced as the seamstress pulled tightly on the bodice of her gown—an exquisite plum tulle creation. “I’m glad this is the final fitting.”

“It had better be the last,” her grandmother sighed. “It’s almost crunch time.”

“Crunch time” being the homestretch leading up to the big day, Elizabeth Easton’s marriage ceremony to Gerard Ainsworth, followed by a gala reception, both of which would take place at Easton Estate.

From the moment she and Gerard had bumped up the wedding date, it was all hands on deck, or in this case all hands on land, to begin putting together a lavish affair, a celebration of one of Easton Island’s most prominent residents.

No expense had been spared, not that Morgan was surprised. When her grandmother did something, she did it on a grand scale.

Being privy to the details and even giving her two cents when asked for an opinion, Morgan couldn’t wait for the celebration, kicking off with the pre-wedding surprise party she was hosting at Locke Pointe Bed-and-Breakfast that evening.

Which was why she was eager to wrap up the fitting and head out. She had an entire laundry list of last-minute tasks to take care of. “Don’t forget, you and Gerard need to be at Locke Pointe at six on the dot.”

“You and Ronni don’t have to host a special dinner for us, although it is a thoughtful gesture.” Elizabeth’s brows knitted as she tugged on the strap of her wedding gown. “I had better notgain an ounce from here on out or you’ll have to grease me up and slide me in.”

“The gown is stunning,” the seamstress remarked. “You’re one of the most beautiful brides-to-be I’ve ever met.”

“Grandmother is positively glowing.”

Elizabeth waved dismissively. “More like sweating bullets.”

Tink.Her cell phone chimed. She glanced at the screen. “It’s Quinn again. She’s on her way to the gallery.”

“I’m done with the alterations,” the seamstress announced. “You’re free to take the dress off.”

“And me?” Morgan asked.

“Both of you. I have a few small nips and tucks to make, which means I’ll be done within the hour.”

Morgan made quick work of carefully removing her gown, swapping it out for jeans and a pink cotton blouse. She traipsed past the counter and into the art gallery’s exhibition room to wait for her grandmother, who appeared a short time later.

“The gowns are in the office for you to work your magic,” Elizabeth said. “Thank you for making the special trip here to the island for the fittings.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve loved Easton Island since I was a child.” The woman’s expression grew wistful. “It’s a magical place…a wonderful spot to host a wedding.”

“I hope so. We’ll soon find out.”

“While we wait for Quinn, I’ll help you rearrange the wall art,” Morgan offered. “I noticed you’ve been selling quite a few pieces lately.”

“Even a Pietro Chardeux piece,” her grandmother said. “I do miss seeing it, though. It was one of my favorites.”

“As soon as Quinn gets here, I need to run a few errands before tonight’s party.”

“Party?”

“I-I meant to say dinner.” Morgan quickly changed the subject and began helping her grandmother unwrap several pieces, strategically filling in the blank wall space. After finishing, she stepped back to admire their handiwork. “I like this piece. It reminds me of Locke Village.”

Elizabeth tilted her head. “You’re right. If you squint your eyes, you can almost see Elin’s bakery.”

The overhead bell chimed. Morgan’s best friend and gallery employee breezed in, carrying a bulky shopping bag. “Sorry if I’m late.”

“Not at all.” Elizabeth dusted her hands. “The seamstress is wrapping up the final alterations. Morgan has helped me fill the blank wall spaces and you…look like you’ve been busy.”

Quinn tapped the top of the bag. “I picked up Morgan’s arrangement from the flower shop on my way here.”

“Thank you.” Morgan reached inside and gingerly removed a bountiful bouquet of fall flowers—deep burgundies, burnt oranges, and golden yellows with sprigs of lush green foliage.

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