Page 16 of Bernadette
“What’s up?” Lucas asked casually, but inside he was freaking out, thinking Morgan was going to ask him to help her escape or something. He’d been secretly watching a lot of bride movies, and that was what the maid of honors did in them. They drove the getaway vehicle. He’d do it, but he didn’t want to. He’d never be able to look his Uncle Wyatt in the face again if Morgan bailed on the wedding.
“I want to tell you where Wyatt and I are going on our honeymoon.” Morgan didn’t waste any time with her explanation of talking to him.
“Really?” Lucas grinned. Neither of them would tell the others what they had planned after the reception that afternoon.
"Yes, but you have to promise me you won’t tell a soul.”
“I promise,” Lucas said, then at her look, he swallowed hard, crossed his heart, and held up his hand, like he was making an oath. “I promise I will not tell a soul where you and Uncle Wyatt are going on your honeymoon.”
“Okay,” Morgan said after several moments of silence. “When we leave the reception, we'll be gone until Wednesday. Please, do not tell a soul where we’re going.”
“I won’t.”
“Good, because that’s not your only mission.”
At that word, Morgan smirked when Lucas stood taller and paid closer attention. “What’s my other mission?”
“According to your Uncle Wyatt, we will be returning by 6 p.m. on Wednesday.” Morgan noticed the younger man shrugged, but she held up her hand and leaned in. “I know it doesn’t seem like much, but I want you to bring in the cavalry if we are not back by one minute after six. I don’t care who you bring, as long as you come looking for us. If we happen to be along the path enjoying ourselves, I will suffer any embarrassment in order to make sure we are safe.”
“Where are you going, so, I can come look for you?”
“I have no clue, but I wrote it down.” Morgan went over to the table in the corner and opened a drawer. She withdrew a small scrap of paper and went back and handed it to him.
Lucas took the paper, opened it, and nodded. “I know exactly where this is.”
“I thought you would. Lucas, I’m serious about bringing in the cavalry. If we’re not back here by one minute after six, come looking for us. But not alone! You bring backup with you. I’m not saying anything will happen, but with everything that’s been going on with Boswell, and the course of the investigation…” she trailed off and saw understanding on Lucas’ face.
“I understand. Just a quick question, then we can get on with the wedding.”
“Okay, what are they?”
“Are you riding the horses?”
“Yes, Wyatt said we’ll leave the reception around six and ride out.”
“Good, there’s a spot at the top of the hay barn where I can see you coming. I’ll be there at six o’clock Wednesday night. If I don’t see you, I’ll go over to the compound and tell the ladies.”
“Thanks, Lucas. I knew I could count on you.” She walked over and engulfed him in a hug, then kissed his cheek. He had just stepped back to head to the door when it opened, and Stan stuck his head inside.
“You ready?”
“I am. Are you?”
“No, with you being my only daughter, I don’t know if I want to pass you over to another man.”
“Dad,” Morgan sighed, and rolled her eyes at him.
“I know, you’ve been independent since the minute you were born, but give a father a break.”
“I love you, Daddy,” Morgan said the right thing, because he beamed at her, then held his elbow out to escort her to Wyatt.
Morgan stood at the back of the area they had designated for the wedding, and the only thing she saw was Wyatt standing at the front. She didn’t see the other guests, the decorations, nor the people snapping pictures, she only saw Wyatt. At one point she had to turn to look at her father, because he refused to move.
“We have to wait for Lucas to get into position.”
“Oh,” Morgan giggled, and saw that Lucas was going slow. “Hurry up!” she yelled and shrugged when everyone turned to look at her. When Lucas finally got into position at the front of the makeshift church, she started forward, but was again held back by her father.
“This isn’t a race, you’ll get there like we practiced. You have the next eighty years with him, two extra minutes won’t kill you.”
