by Diane Rapp
Kayla leaned close and whispered, “I’ll keep you to your promise, Steven.” She turned her back on Cynthia and guided him away from the dangerous vixen. “Let’s help get the crowd moving before Emily has a stroke! I’m tired and want to go to bed.”
Chapter 4
Meeting Future In-Laws
Sitting in an airport bar at SEATAC, Kayla leaned against Steven’s shoulder and nibbled his ear.
“You shouldn’t do that in public, Luv. It makes it difficult for a chap to concentrate on his reading.”
“That’s why I did it. What’re you reading that’s so important?” She looked at the magazine Steven purchased in the airport gift shop. “Salmon fishing? Are you going salmon fishing on our honeymoon?”
“Technically it won’t be our honeymoon until we leave Glacier Bay. Dad’s been talking about catching salmon for years. I suppose your parents have outings in mind and don’t plan to go alone.”
She shrugged. “My dad wants to see Kodiak bears in the wild and my mom wants to see bald eagles and whales. Maybe we can take care of it on one excursion.”
“Don’t count on it. Bears fish for salmon in shallow streams while whales prefer deep channels. You might get lucky and see eagles trying to steal fish from the bears.”
“Perhaps I should take my parents on a wildlife trip while you go fishing.”
Steven pointed at the article. “There are tours offered at several ports, but we land in Kodiak after the wedding. By the way, do you know what Shannon has planned for our wedding day?”
Kayla shook her head. “Emily and Shannon both say it will be wonderful and we should enjoy ourselves. They quizzed me about favorite colors and flowers and promised they’ll take care of everything. It’ll be a small wedding so they’ll do a great job.”
“I never imagined we’d get married on Glacier Bay. It sounds ever so cold.” Steven rubbed his arms and pretended to shiver.
“We won’t be outside on deck, so it’ll be warm enough. Did you pack a down parka like they suggested?”
He rolled his eyes. “Yes, but a parka over a tux will look silly in wedding photos.”
“I bought a lovely faux fur with matching ear muffs. Is your parka blue? You know the color scheme is blue.”
“Good job it isn’t bear brown or salmon pink. I’d look strange dressed in my midnight blue tux with pink ear muffs.”
“I love that tux. It brings out the deep blue in your eyes. You wore it that first night I saw you on stage and literally took my breath away.”
“I love to take your breath away,” he murmured and leaned in for a kiss.
The waitress arrived at their table and they popped apart. “What can I get you?” she asked with a knowing smile.
“Gin and tonic for me,” Steven said.
Kayla ordered a diet cola and squeezed Steven’s hand to stop him from drumming his fingertips in anger. After the waitress delivered their drinks, Kayla whispered, “We’ll have privacy soon.”
“I doubt it. There will be wedding guests to greet, parties to attend, and paintings to guard during each auction,” he grumbled.
“After the wedding, we’re off duty,” Kayla said. “Emily promised us a wedding we’d never forget.”
“I won’t forget our last cruise,” Steven said, “We worked to evict a ghost as smugglers tried to scuttle the ship. I’ve had my fill of excitement.”
“Don’t blame Emily for those smugglers. You were already working that case long before you boarded the Sea Mist. I sailed on the Aurora for years, and there are no ghosts aboard.”
“Let’s toast to a quiet cruise. Why are you drinking diet soda? I’m not sure it’s a proper toast with a diet drink in hand.”
“I can’t waste calories on alcohol if I want to fit in my wedding dress.”
They tapped glasses and licked their fingers when liquid slopped out.
*****
Kayla checked her watch. “My parents’ plane is landing soon, I’d better go.”
Steven nodded. “The International Terminal is miles away. I’d better get moving. We’ll meet you at the hotel restaurant if the plane lands on time.” He handed her a copy of the airline schedules and kissed her cheek.
“We’re not even married, and you’re already pecking my cheek?”
He grinned and his eyes darkened. “I’ll wait for privacy, Luv. Then you’ll see the romantic side of my kisses.”
“I’d better,” she said and headed in the opposite direction. She didn’t wait long at the gate. Weary looking tourists meandered out of the door, searching the crowd for a friendly face. Kayla spotted a red-haired woman and a silver-haired man with broad grins rushing toward her. After hugs and kisses, they all headed to baggage claim.
“How was the flight from Houston?” she asked.
“Tedious and cramped, but it was faster than driving the RV,” her mother said.
“I tried to convince her we should take our time and drive up Highway One in California.”
“Oh Clint, how could I enjoy sightseeing when Kayla’s wedding is nearly here? A breakdown could’ve delayed us and the price of diesel makes it costly to take the RV across country.”
“Yeah, I know. Where’s Steven?”
“He’s picking up his parents at the International Terminal. They’ll meet us at the hotel.”
“Good,” Julia said. “That gives me time to quiz you about the wedding guests.”
Kayla laughed as Julia whipped out a notepad from her purse. “What do you want to know?” They stood waiting while Clint watched the carousel for the bags.
“Go down the list and tell me about everyone.”
Kayla looked at her mother’s list. “You remember Shannon Ferguson. We were roommates when I first joined Constellation Cruise Lines, and now she’s the Chief Pursuer on the Aurora.”
“I remember her, the nice tall blonde with a big family. You cast her as Charlize Theron? I thought she’d be married and back home by now.”
“No. She won’t settle for becoming a farmer’s wife. She organized the great mutiny to oust those corrupt officers and get qualified women promoted. It worked. Four women are now heading their own staff on different ships. Shannon transferred to the Aurora for the Alaska run, and she’s responsible for all the wedding preparations.”
Julia wrote notes on her pad. “Wonderful! I’ll talk to her soon. Now tell me more about Emily Schultz. I believe you cast her as Maureen O’Hara.”
Kayla smiled. “Yes. She’s a savvy business woman. A year after she married Wilheim Schultz, he died and she inherited controlling interest of Constellation Cruise Lines.”
“So she’s the one who hired you and Steven to work security on her ships. I like her already.”
“After we spent months trying to get a fiancé visa for Steven, Emily’s lawyer straightened everything out in a few days. She’s paying for the whole wedding to thank us for saving the Sea Mist.”
“That publicity was good news for a change. Bookings probably increased with heroes like you heading security.”
Clint rolled their bags up and said, “Quit grilling the girl, Julia. You’ve got plenty of time to write your notes. Let’s find a cab and get to the hotel.”
“I’m taking you on the Light Rail. It’s cheaper and faster than a cab,” Kayla said.
Clint grinned. “Lead the way! I’m game.”
The luggage bumped across an elevated ramp and down a concrete walkway. The Light Rail station was not too far, and Kayla already knew how to use the machine to buy tickets. As the train sped across the city from SEATAC to downtown Seattle, they were treated to a view of the city at the water’s edge.
“Our hotel is located near the downtown station, and we’ve got transfers to get to the ship tomorrow.”
Julia said, “It’s so nice to have a daughter like you. We don’t need to worry about anything. When do we meet Steven and his folks?”
“We’ll all get together for dinner. I just hope their flight arrived on time.
You know those International flights can be tricky.”
*****
Steven swept into their hotel room and wrapped Kayla in his arms. “Did you miss me?”
“I missed having help with the luggage,” she said and laughed as he rolled his eyes. “Did your parents arrive okay?”
He nodded. “We’re all meeting for dinner after they take a short nap. Airport aggravations and the time difference got them frazzled.”
“My folks are eager to meet them. Be warned my mom is taking notes about all the guests, so she’ll ask loads of questions.”
“No worries, Mum has a list of questions too.”
Kayla gazed out the window at the water in the bay. “I can’t believe it’s only been a month since we docked the Sea Mist safely in the Mediterranean.”
“Emily didn’t waste time getting this wedding arranged.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” Kayla’s voice quavered with visions of Cynthia intruding into her mind. Is this wedding really going to happen?
“No, Luv, far from it. I just marvel at the tenacity of Emily and Shannon. What would happen if those two decided to solve the world economic crisis?”
Kayla laughed and released her pent-up breath. “I’ll tell them to start working on it but not until they pull off a perfect wedding.”
Steven raised her hand to his lips and nibbled her fingers. “Do you want to join me in the shower? We’ve got two hours before dinner.”
“Only two hours?”
“You’re right! Let’s skip the shower.” He pulled her onto the bed, and she giggled until they heard a knock at the door. “What happened to our alone time?” he grumbled.
Jason stood at the door with Natalia at his side—both carrying suitcases. “Not interrupting anything, are we?” He peered into the room and beamed as Kayla waved them inside.
Steven closed the door behind them. “What’s up, mate?” he asked, eyeing the luggage.
“Thought we’d better go over plans for security before passengers start boarding,” Jason said as he stowed bags in the closet and plopped onto the love seat.
“This couldn’t wait until the morning? We’ve got parents to meet for dinner soon.”
Jason looked at his watch. “There’s time unless…” He gave Natalia a sideways glance. “You were right, my dear. They can’t be trusted to obey pre-wedding rules. It’s a good job we arrived when we did.”
“Rules?” Steven barked. “I don’t remember hearing about rules during my first wedding.”
Natalia nodded. “And see how well that turned out? You broke the rules and got a divorce. We’re determined to keep you from making the same mistake twice.” She grabbed Kayla’s hand. “You’ll stay with me until the wedding, and Jason will bunk with Steven. Get your bag.”
Steven rolled his eyes. “This is ridiculous! We’ve been ‘bunking together’ for months and I see no reason to change things now.”
Kayla stuffed her toiletries back into her suitcase. “It’s only for a week, Steven. It’ll make our folks more comfortable with the situation. See you at dinner.” She kissed him on the cheek and followed Natalia out of the door.
“Is this your idea?” Steven rounded on Jason with an angry set to his jaw.
“Actually, it’s your parents’ idea. They talked to Shannon this afternoon, outsmarted you, mate, so there will be no arguments until the wedding takes place.” He eyed the room. “So, you want the left side of the bed or the right?”
“I’ve half a mind to chuck you out on your ear.”
“Don’t be rash. I’m organizing the bachelor party, so you don’t want to piss me off.” Jason settled himself onto the right side of the bed and used the remote to turn on the television. “Don’t you need to shower? Better make a good impression on your future in-laws.”
“I suppose you intend to come to dinner, too?”
“Brilliant idea! I’ll keep the conversation rolling so you don’t sound like a dolt.”
Steven grabbed his kit and slammed the bathroom door while Jason enjoyed a soccer match on the big screen.
*****
After Kayla emptied her suitcases, she slumped into an overstuffed chair and watched Natalia retouch her makeup.
“Sorry about dragging you away from Steven,” Natalia said as she applied black mascara to luxurious lashes.
Kayla laughed. “I expected something like this, so it wasn’t much of a surprise. That’s why I didn’t unpack everything when we got to our room.”
Natalia leaned close to the mirror to spread eyeliner over bronzed shadow. “You never revealed how Steven proposed to you. Care to tell me now I’m a bridesmaid?”
“Sure, but it’s complicated, Tally.”
Natalia twisted the lid on the tube of eyeliner and checked her watch. “We’ve got time, and I’m genuinely interested.” She sat on the edge of the bed and stared at Kayla.
“While we investigated Patrick’s death, Steven and I joined forces. At first we interviewed suspects…”
Natalia nodded. “I remember you put me at the top of your list, thought I had a sterling motive.”
“You hated Patrick, since he stole a valuable family heirloom, but we crossed you off the list right away,” Kayla said. “Spending so much time together, we fell in love and finally…well…we started sharing a room after visiting a charming little retreat in St. Kitts.”
“That’s not news. Everyone on the ships knew you’d hooked up, so when did he propose?”
Twisting a strand of hair, Kayla said, “We thought we should return to the scene of the crime, so Steven called ahead to arrange a special room in Dominica. He paid for a luxury suite and ordered a romantic dinner to be served in the room.” She sighed and gazed at the ceiling. “When Steven went into the bedroom to answer an important call on his cell phone, I accidently discovered that he lied about his alibi for the murder. Suddenly I realized I might be sharing a room with the murderer.”
Natalia leaned forward. “So what did you do?”
“I panicked, tried to act cool, but then his proposal threw me for a loop. I stammered like a fool, said no, and he took it hard.” Kayla stared at the engagement ring on her hand. “He said he didn’t believe in casual affairs, and he’d sleep on the fold out bed. That night we stayed in separate beds, but I didn’t sleep a wink.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t skip out on you. Most men don’t pursue a woman who rejected a romantic proposal,” Natalia said.
Kayla grinned. “The next morning Steven started asking me strange questions about baseball.”
“Baseball?”
“Yes, he asked how many strikes a batter was allowed. Grateful to discuss another subject, I explained about foul balls. He said, ‘I might learn to like baseball after all. It gives a chap more tries than cricket…it wouldn’t be cricket to give up.’ It was kind of cute. Then we got to the river and searched for Patrick’s lost knife.”
“I remember, you got shot and fell into the water. Earlier I had a vision of your face floating under water.” Natalia shivered. “That was a vivid image.”
Kayla nodded and looked somber. “I almost drowned. After days of rain, the river changed from a pleasant stream into a raging torrent. It bashed my body into rocks, and I swallowed gulps of muddy river water,” she said. “You know how they say your life flashes before your eyes?”
“Does it?”
“Enough that I realized Steven was a good man, nothing like that creep Patrick, and I wanted to live.”
“Whew! That was a close one, and I’m grateful you didn’t cross over. In my vision…never mind… the story ended better this way.” Natalia leaned against the pillows on the bed and pushed her hair away from her eyes. “Steven took you to Colorado during your recovery from the gunshot. Why didn’t you get married there?”
“Steven’s a stickler for rules and filled out piles of INS paperwork for a fiancé visa. To be fair, he worked for Interpol and needed to get ‘proper’ approval through the system. We w
aited for months.” Kayla got up, removed a blue dress from its hanger, and pulled it over her head. “He went back to work so he wouldn’t lose his job.” She slipped into a pair of pumps.
“That’s when you joined Emily and me to investigate the ghost.” Natalia helped Kayla zip up the dress and fetched her own while Kayla brushed her hair. “I remember how upset you were when those smugglers kidnapped Steven.”
“All I could think about was finding him and getting married. After we got rid of the ghost and saved the ship, Emily called her lawyers in the States. A month later, we have all the ‘proper’ approvals.”
Natalia pinned up her hair and shimmied into a slinky maroon dress. As Kayla helped with the zipper, Natalia said, “I’m glad we became close friends on that voyage, but I’m grateful we won’t face another ghost.” She turned to assess their appearance in the full-length mirror. “We both look ready to meet your in-laws, Miss Sanders.”
“I wonder how it will feel to be called Mrs. Young.”
Natalia shrugged. “Think of it as a stage name. You’re still the same woman inside, but you love Mr. Young enough to make a commitment. That’s the important part.”
Kayla grinned and hugged her friend.
*****
Kayla and Natalia entered the dining room, dressed in cocktail-length dresses that emphasized slender legs and trim bodies. Steven admired the contrast between the two attractive women. Natalia’s black hair was swept up into a chignon, giving her long neck a Modigliani appearance, but Steven preferred the loose honey-colored curls draped over Kayla’s shoulders. He felt a twinge of jealousy as other men in the room followed their progress.
As Kayla slipped into the chair next to Steven, she heard a familiar voice. “There’s my little girl!” Her father approached the table and bent down to kiss her cheek. “Sure you don’t want to ditch this Englishman and come home where you belong?” Clint asked before he grabbed Steven’s hand and pumped it vigorously. “Just kidding, so wipe that terrified expression off your face.”
