Page 37 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

“Where’s Quinn?”

“She’s home checking on Can-dee,” Elizabeth said. “What’s in the bag?”

“Chicken noodle soup and toasted BLTs.”

Elizabeth ran to the back to grab sodas from the fridge. By the time she returned, Morgan had emptied the bag and set everything out for their impromptu lunch. “I guess we won’t wait.”

“She’ll be along soon, I’m sure.” Elizabeth climbed onto the barstool and reached for her food. “How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. Lunch is on me. I was thinking about Chester’s new role in the wedding and how Mrs. Arnsby might be able to help.” Morgan pressed the edges of her sandwich together and took a big bite. “We have a couple of options for the ring holder. I found a few potential contenders online…or I might ask her to make some sort of box to tie around his neck. It needs to be something he can’t chew off.”

“Piggybacking off his collar might be best.” Elizabeth stirred her soup. “He can be finnicky about his clothing and accessories.”

“Which is why I think a custom piece would work best.” Morgan plucked a piece of chicken from her soup and fed it to her pup.

“I mentioned it to Gerard. He thinks it’s clever and is on board for him to be the ring bearer.”

“Good. I mean, I don’t want to hijack your wedding.”

“You aren’t in the least. I think we’ll come in under the wire as far as the weather is concerned. Any later in the season and I’m afraid we would be dealing with iffy conditions.” Elizabeth filled her in on recent developments and decisions. It was clear she and Gerard knew exactly what they wanted.

The front door opened. Quinn appeared. “I thought about calling to ask if you wanted me to grab lunch.”

“Morgan beat you to it.” Elizabeth patted the empty spot next to her. “We weren’t sure how long you would be. The soup is still warm.”

“Thanks.” Quinn washed her hands in the sink and joined them at the counter. “Can-dee wanted to explore the backyard some more. Not to brag, but she’s so stinkin’ smart. I told her about Chester.”

Chester, hearing his name, trotted over to greet her.

“Would you like to meet Can-dee tomorrow during our girl’s night?” she cooed.

“Are you sure she’s ready? I can always leave him with Mrs. Arnsby.”

“She’s settling in. I don’t see it being an issue.”

“A girl’s night?” Elizabeth echoed. “I believe Morgan may have mentioned it the other day.”

“It’s a housewarming party extended overnight,” Quinn said. “Ariel from Bean Brewing, Grace Coates, Morgan and me…and the pups.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a splendid time.” Elizabeth wrapped up her leftovers and placed them inside the bag. “Thank you for the tasty lunch. I want to freshen up before Mr. Ryze arrives for round two.”

Morgan watched her grandmother disappear down the hall. “I hope this guy has calmed down enough to realize he can’t waltz in here and start demanding money. No one in their right mind would give him a refund before verifying his claim.”

“Honestly, he doesn’t strike me as reasonable,” Quinn said. “Especially if the other art gallery caved and gave Ryze what he wanted.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s used to hearing the word no.” Morgan polished off the rest of her soup only moments before Grady arrived.

“Any sign of your disgruntled customer?”

“Not yet.” Quinn tossed the empty wrappers in the trash. “He said noon, so I’m guessing that’s when he’ll show.”

While the trio chatted, Morgan kept an eye on the clock. Noon came and went. At 12:10, she was beginning to wonder if they had called his bluff. He knew he had a fake and decided not to press his luck.

Her hopes were dashed when at precisely a quarter past, Ryze stepped inside the gallery. His eyes flitted from Elizabeth to Grady MacDonald. “I’ve come for my refund.”

“And as I told you earlier, I’ll need time to verify the piece I sold you is the same one you’re trying to return,” Elizabeth calmly replied.

“You’re running a racket,” Ryze ranted. “I knew I never should’ve purchased the Pietro piece from you.”

---