Page 25 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

“Hey.” Quinn stopped Morgan before she made it out the door. “Are you by chance swinging by Easton Estate?”

“I am. Why?”

Quinn held up a small stack of mail. “Your grandmother forgot to take this with her. Although in her defense, she was in a hurry.”

“I’ll drop it off.” Morgan slid the mail into her purse. “What are your plans for later, after you clock out of here?”

“Nothing. Why?”

“Because I might have a small errand I need help with.” Morgan hurried on. “Maybe. I need to check on something first.”

“I’m free as a bird.” Quinn held an imaginary phone to her ear. “Give me a call.”

“Will do.” During the drive to Easton Estate, Morgan contemplated her conversation with Quinn. Although her best friend insisted she loved her new home, it was clear she was lonely.

The more she thought about it, the more Morgan was sure she’d not only come up with a solution to combat Quinn’s empty-home syndrome but also give her a unique and special gift.

She arrived at Easton Estate and found a slew of vehicles parked in the driveway including a catering company’s van, a delivery truck from the harbor’s flower shop and a rental supply van.

Circling around, Morgan tracked her grandmother down. She, along with Mrs. Arnsby, Ben and Jax huddled in the back, near the estate’s cobblestone patio. “The wedding party planning staff is in the house,” she joked.

“Hello, Morgan. I thought you mentioned you might stop by.”

“We need to get back to work.” Ben and the other staff excused themselves.

Morgan waited until they were gone. “I’m here to see if there’s anything I can do to help. Plus, Quinn asked me to drop this off.” She handed her the mail.

“Good heavens.” Elizabeth placed her hand on her forehead. “I forgot all about grabbing it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She motioned toward the wedding planner and the group of people she was meeting with. “How’s it going?”

“As well as can be expected. This should be the last meeting until the big day—or in this case, the day before the big day—when the workers finish setting up. While you’re here.” Elizabeth took Morgan’s hand and led her to the bluff. “Gerard and I have decided to put the trellis in this spot, giving us an unobstructed view overlooking Lake Huron when we exchange our vows.”

Morgan tucked her hands in her pockets and spun in a slow circle. “I thought you mentioned plans for the estate’s beach area.”

“To cut the cake and end the day. We’ll ride off into the sunset, unless there are clouds. If this is the case, we’ll ride off into the cloud set.”

Morgan crossed her fingers. “No way. It will be gorgeous weather. I can feel it in my bones.”

“I checked this morning. If the current forecast holds, we’re in good shape.” Elizabeth filled her in on the plans for the cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing, wrapping it up with cutting the cake down by the lake.

All of it sounded perfectly planned, and Morgan had no doubt it would be executed with precision. “I can’t wait. It’s going to be fabulous.”

“I have one tiny dilemma.” Elizabeth pinched her thumb and index finger together. “It involves the rings.”

“What’s wrong with the rings?”

“Tradition is whoever stands up with the groom keeps the rings. Unfortunately, Gerard’s best man is a bit of a … let’s just say he and I are concerned his friend will misplace them. He’s forgetful.”

“I can hold on to them,” Morgan offered.

“That’s very sweet of you. You’ll have your hands full keeping track of our bouquets. I fear it will be too much to juggle.”

Chester, who had wandered off to greet the tent installation crew, returned to Morgan’s side. “What about Chester?”

“Carrying the rings?”

“Why not?” Morgan warmed to the idea. “He’ll be dressed for the occasion in his spiffy top hat and crisp bowtie. I bet if I ask Mrs. Arnsby, she can help me come up with a box for Chester to carry the rings down the aisle.”

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