Page 88 of Saltwater Promises
“Do not fear, Margie,” Luke said, gracefully pulling her aside. “I’ll have all of the troops dressed up in no time.”
“What if these are all wrinkled?” Margie said with a frown.
Matthew emerged from the kitchen, followed closely by his faithful yellow dog, Toast.
He gave Margie a hug and pulled open a closet door. “Don’t worry,” he said. “Unlike the rest of these animals, I’m prepared.”
Inside the closet was a tall garment steamer.
“Oh, IthoughtI liked you,” Margie said, smiling broadly. “But now I’m sure of it.”
He laughed and Hank swooped in, giving her a kiss. “Have you seen Mike anywhere? He was supposed to check in with the DJ.”
“No…” Margie said, checking her phone. “Is there a problem?”
“Of course not,” Hank said, crossing his arms. “He just, uh, wanted to see if he could get microphone privileges.”
Margie shook her head. “Oh dear. I don’t even want to know.”
Sidney popped into the room and gave Margie a kiss on the cheek. “Hey, Mom. How are you doing?”
Margie beamed. She didn’t have to say it; it was obvious that she loved how Sidney started calling her Mom.
“I’m actually pretty good! How are things over here?”
He shrugged. “Never better!”
“Where’s Connor?” Margie asked, looking around.
Sidney frowned. “Hm. I’m not sure.”
Claire followed Margie as she walked over to a spare bedroom. She opened the door to find her son snoozing peacefully. “Connor Clifton!”
He opened his eyes and smiled. “Hey Mom!”
“You are supposed to be getting ready!”
He sat up, yawning, his head of curls bouncing to life. “I’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
She let out a huff. “Good. There are breakfast sandwiches in the kitchen. Eat before you get dressed!”
He smiled. “Okay!”
They made their way back into the kitchen, where the guys, all laughs, slowly pieced things together.
Truth be told, they still had plenty of time, but it made Margie feel better to supervise. She ensured that everyone ate, but after that, Claire convinced her that they would be able to dress themselves.
“If not, they’ll have to answer to Hank.” Claire said. “We should make our way to the church. Guests might be arriving! Come outside. Look how nice it is.”
Margie clutched her hand to her chest as they stepped out of the front door. “I know. I can’t believe it! It’s supposed to hit sixty degrees today. Can you imagine? It’s so beautiful. No chance of rain at all!”
Claire smiled. “What a day.”
Once at the church, Margie was surprisingly calm. They walked around, admiring the flowers, and before too long the ladies arrived. Margie rushed them downstairs so that their grooms wouldn’t see them. Then, true to his word, Hank wrangled the guys and got them there on time, too.
Guests started to arrive, filling in the church and distracting Margie with greetings. In no time, the music started to play and everyone took their seats.
It was going beautifully, and Claire wished Margie luck before shooing her away and taking her seat next to Mike and Lynn.
