Page 9 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

Morgan whistled loudly. “We’re going to need a vacation after it’s all said and done.”

“Somewhere on a sunny beach in Florida sounds good to me.”

“Priscilla Finkpin is planning to attend. I ran into her at the harbor yesterday.” Morgan told her what had happened and how she’d given the injured woman a ride home.

Mrs. Arnsby patted Morgan’s hand. “If anyone can bring old Prissy around, it will be you.”

“She seemed so sad and lonely.”

“Because she’s spent her life alienating those around her. I hope she has had a change of heart.”

“Wouldn’t that be something, after all these years?” Morgan polished off the rest of her sandwich and stuck her empty plate in the dishwasher. “Thank you for the tasty treat.”

“You’re welcome.” Mrs. Arnsby followed suit and trailed Morgan to the door. “I miss having Quinn pop in. I suppose now that she’s living near the harbor, there’s no reason for her to drive all the way out here.”

“She’s still getting settled. I’m sure she’ll start coming around again soon.”

“I hope so. I chatted with her last night at the party. Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen her in a while, but she seems much too thin. Perhaps I should whip up a few of her favorite dishes. I don’t think she’s eating enough.” Mrs. Arnsby told Morgan she had an errand to run in town and thought she would drop off some food while she was there.

“I’m sure Quinn will be thrilled to have some of your delicious dishes.” Morgan gave her a goodbye hug and followed Chester out. On her way to her vehicle, she glimpsed Ben who was hard at work scrubbing Burnie, her grandmother’s 1985 Crown Victoria LTD, and changed direction. “Hey, Ben.”

“Good morning, Morgan…or should I say, afternoon. That was a great surprise party last night.” Ben told her Gerard and Elizabeth talked about it all the way home. “You pulled off no small feat, keeping it a secret from them.”

“I’m glad it went off without a hitch.” Morgan motioned to her grandmother’s car. “Are you spiffing Burnie up for the big day?”

“I have all the vehicles spit-polished and ready to go, including the wedding car, the estate’s rare Porsche roadster.”

“Which is the ideal choice for a getaway car,” Morgan joked. “Maybe the weather will cooperate and it’ll be nice enough for them to put the top down as they drive off into the sunset.”

“Knowing your grandmother’s gift for making things happen, I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a picture-perfect day.”

Morgan jangled her keys. “I better get going. Mrs. Arnsby whipped up Guédille au poulet in case you’re hungry.”

“Gooda what?”

She laughed out loud. “Say that five times fast. Sandwiches filled with chicken salad. There are plenty of leftovers.”

“And I’m plenty hungry.”

Morgan said goodbye to the estate’s chauffeur, as she and Chester climbed into her SUV. During the drive to Easton Harbor, she mentally ticked off the list of things she needed to do before the big day.

The next couple of weeks would fly by. The wedding would be over in the blink of an eye and then…life as the Easton siblings knew it would realign and readjust. A new family member also meant changes for the estate’s staff.

There would be more “downtime” when the newlyweds were staying in Toronto at Gerard’s place. On the flip side, they would also have an extra resident to take care of when the couple flew in for some “island time.” Gerard didn’t strike Morgan as being “high maintenance,” although, to be honest, she didn’t know him all that well.

She eased into an empty parking spot and reached for the door handle when she heard her cell phone ring. She glanced at the screen and did a double take. It was Grady MacDonald, Wyatt’s best friend, who also happened to be an Easton Harbor police officer.

Her first thought was something had happened to Wyatt. She quickly dismissed it. Grady wouldn’t phone her if there was a crisis. He would be on her doorstep.

“Hey, Grady.”

“Hey, Morgan. Where are you?”

“In Easton Harbor. I’m parked in front of the gallery. What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you about something. Hang tight. I’ll meet you there in less than ten.”

“Sounds good.”

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