by Patricia Fry
“Have a bachelorette party?” Savannah asked, her green eyes sparkling under her highlighted blond bangs.
Colbi frowned. “Um, I’m not sure about that. Things can get kind of freaky when we girls go someplace together.”
“We don’t have to go on a weekend trip—we could go out to dinner or spend an evening watching chick flicks...”
Colbi’s face brightened. “Hey, now those are some good ideas. Sure, we could do something like that—might actually settle my wedding jitters.”
Savannah continued speaking, an impish look on her face, “We could bring in a male stripper, and…”
“What?” Colbi shrieked. She lowered her voice, saying, “Oh no; no stripper. I’ve been to parties like that and I find them terribly embarrassing.”
“Your future mother-in-law and my aunt would enjoy it.”
“Yeah, well, it’s my wedding; keep that in mind,” Colbi declared good-naturedly.
The two women pulled back to allow the server to place their meals in front of them. Once Becky had walked away, Savannah began to giggle. “Will Dolly be your flower girl?”
“Oh, wouldn’t that be cute? And Rags could be the ring bearer.” Colbi clapped her hands together. “Yeah, I’d do that. You know me; I can be quirky.”
“And I know how much you love your Dolly-kitty.”
Colbi nodded. “Yes, but I had someone else in mind for our flower girl.”
“You did?” Savannah asked. “Who?”
“Lily, of course.” She took the baby’s hand and kissed her pudgy fingers.
“Oh, I hadn’t thought about her as a flower girl.” Savannah creased her brow. “Are you sure? She’s so young. She probably won’t do what you ask her to.”
“Your Aunt Maggie or maybe your stepson could walk with her,” Colbi suggested. “Little boys like to have something important to do at a boring event like a wedding, don’t they?”
“Or Michael,” Savannah said.
“Oh no, your husband will be standing up with Damon.”
“He will?”
“Yeah, I think Damon’s talking to him today. They’re meeting out at my place to get Michael’s expert advice on their project.” She grinned. “Savannah, you may not know this, but your husband garners just about as much respect for his carpentry skill as he does for being a great veterinarian.”
“Well, he does love to putter, and he hasn’t had a remodeling job at home lately. I’m glad friends provide him with projects to keep him fulfilled in that area.” She chuckled. “Otherwise he’d be tearing out walls at our house.” She smiled at Colbi. “So will your brother walk you down the aisle?”
“Yes,” she said excitedly.
“What about Damon’s younger brothers? Will they have a role?”
Colbi took a sip of her tea, then said, “I think we’ll have them stand up with Damon. We definitely want them to be a part of the ceremony, if they want to be. Brett sounded interested, but we’re not sure about Chris. He’s the shy one, you know. He’s come out of his shell some now that he’s sixteen, but he’s not the extrovert his older brother is.” Suddenly Colbi pointed. “Hey, there’s Craig.”
Savannah turned in time to see the detective walk into the diner. She waved.
“Well, if it isn’t three of my favorite people,” he said, approaching their booth.
Colbi scooted to her right. “Come join us.”
Detective Craig Sledge looked around the café before saying, “Well, I’m meeting someone here, but I can sit with you for a minute. So what are you doing out so early?” he asked. He focused on the toddler. “And you; don’t you need your beauty sleep?”
“That’s what I tried to tell Colbi, but oh no, we had to meet her for breakfast even before the chickens are up.” She smiled across at her and said, excitedly, “But it was worth it. Craig, I get to be matron of honor at the wedding.”
He returned her smile. “Nice.” Glancing at Colbi, he added, “I have a role in the wedding, too.”
“You do?” both women asked.
“Well, yes, aren’t I the stepfather-in-law of the bride?” he winked at Colbi. “That’s a pretty important honor, if you ask me.”
Colbi put her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Indeed, it is.”
Suddenly, Craig’s smile vanished. “I think that’s my date,” he said quietly, slipping out of the booth. “See you ladies later.”
“I wonder who that is,” Savannah said, studying the unkempt man who cautiously shook Craig’s hand and followed him to a booth in the back of the diner.
“I don’t know,” Colbi said. “Probably someone he’s arrested or is going to arrest.” She scrunched up her pretty face. “He looks shifty.”
“He looks familiar,” Savannah said, squinting into the distance. She then tilted her head, her blond ponytail brushing across one shoulder. “Colbi, do you know who he looks like?”
“No, who?”
As if in the strictest of confidence, Savannah said, “Your fiancé.”
“What?” Colbi said, turning to get a better look.
“He has the same build and the same dark-red hair—only his hair’s turning gray. Look at his features, Colbi. Can’t you see the likeness?”
“No way, Savannah. That guy’s a mess.”
Savannah sat silently for a moment, then said, “Well, Damon was once, too. I guess it’s the old Damon I’m remembering when I look at that guy—when he was all messed up on drugs and being obnoxious and…and hating cats…” she added, laughing.
“Sure glad I didn’t know him then.” Colbi thought for a moment. “Well, I guess I met him when he still hated cats.” She raised her face to the heavens and said with emotion, “Thank God he changed his mind on that issue. He adores Dolly and she sure is attached to him.”
“Well, he’s the one who rescued her when she was so sick, and then nurtured her back to health.”
Colbi nodded.
“So tell me more about the wedding; who’s coming? Will your cousins from Arizona be able to make it?”
“I hope so. It would be nice to have extended family there.”
“Extended family you just met,” Savannah quipped.
“Right. Well, Roberta will probably be there and maybe her kids—her girls are sixteen and seventeen, I think. I’m not sure about Klint—it depends on his carnival schedule.”
Savannah began to laugh. “I’ve never known a carnie before.”
“Carnie—that’s funny. Yeah, I’m afraid I have a cousin who’s a carnie. Who knew?”
“Are there other cousins you didn’t know about?” Savannah asked.
“I don’t think so. Dad just had the one brother and they didn’t speak to each other, which is why Harrison and I grew up not knowing about these cousins.”
The two women continued chatting while they finished their breakfast, then suddenly Savannah whispered, “Hey, here comes Craig with that guy.”
Colbi took a quick look. “Sure is a shady-looking dude.” She picked up the ticket Becky had left and began digging in her purse for money. “I’d better get to work. Thanks for meeting me and for agreeing to be my matron of honor.” She smiled across the table at Savannah. “It means a lot.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” As Savannah stood and picked up the toddler, she added, “So is Lily. Oh—what do you want us to wear?”
Colbi started to leave the booth, then relaxed back against the seat. “I don’t know,” she said, sulking. “I haven’t even picked out my dress, yet. There’s just so much to do—so many details.”
Sensing that her friend was nearing panic mode, Savannah said, “Hey, how about this: let’s drive over to that little bridal shop in Hayley one evening this week. We need to start crossing things off that to-do list.”
“Sure. Let’s do that. Does tomorrow night work for you?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
Suddenly, Colbi frowned. “Wh
at’s Craig doing?”
“What?” Savannah asked, turning to look in the direction Colbi indicated.
“He’s coming down pretty hard on that guy out there; look, he won’t even let him get into his car.”
“Gads, maybe that guy is a criminal,” Savannah said.
“I’d say so, from the way Craig’s talking to him.”
The two women rolled their eyes at one another as they left the booth and approached the exit, unsure whether they should step out or not. Before they could decide, the diner door opened and Craig walked in.
“Oh, sorry,” he said when he nearly bumped into Savannah.
“That’s okay. We were just leaving.” She stopped and asked, in a serious tone, “Craig, is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” he said, thinning his lips and glancing toward the street. He cleared his throat. “Yeah, it’s all good.”
“Was that a criminal you were talking to?” Colbi asked. “What did he do?”
Craig grinned at her. “Always digging for a scoop, aren’t you, newspaper girl?” He called out to a man behind the counter, “Hey, Jack, how about a coffee to go?” When he noticed the two women still staring at him, he asked, “Can I get you ladies something?”
“Uh, no.” Savannah looked at Lily, who was squirming a little in her arms. “We need to get home.”
“Nothing for me,” Colbi responded. “But thanks.”
****
“I hear you have a very important job,” Savannah said over dinner that night at the Ivey home.
“I do?” Michael asked.
“Well, yes. Aren’t you going to be the best man at the wedding?”
“Oh yes. I am. You’re playing a part too, right?”
She nodded and patted Lily’s arm. “And our daughter will debut as Colbi’s and Damon’s flower girl. Did you know that?”
He raised his eyebrows. “No. Really? How do you think she’ll do?”
“Colbi and I agreed she’ll need help. We might have Adam or my aunt pull her down the aisle in the wagon, or walk with her. We’ll play it by ear.” She smiled at Michael. “So you saw what Damon and Harrison are doing in the backyard of the old family homestead? How’s it coming?”
Michael took a gulp of iced tea. “Good, actually. It’ll be real nice, if they finish in time for the wedding.” He looked more serious when he asked her, “Did you know Damon’s father’s in town?”
“No. I thought he was dead. I’ve never heard Iris speak of him. How do you know that?”
“Craig brought their kitty in for his vaccines and he told me. Mr. Jackson evidently showed up with an attorney and he’s demanding child support.”
Savannah creased her brow. “Child support? What do you mean?”
“Well, he said he paid child support toward Damon’s care for eighteen years and never got to see him. He wants all that money back.”
“That’s ridiculous, don’t you think? I mean, I’ve never heard of such a thing, have you?”
“No, but Craig said the guy claims to have paperwork that proves payment every month for Damon’s entire childhood and he wants $65,000 plus interest or they’ll take Damon and Iris to court.”
“Gosh, I talked to Iris briefly today and she didn’t say anything.”
“No, she doesn’t know about it and neither does Damon. Craig was home when Jackson called yesterday. He’s the one who talked to him. Then, I guess, they met today.” When Michael glanced up at Savannah, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Oh nothing,” she said, looking a little ruffled. “But I think Colbi and I saw Craig with Damon’s father early this morning at the diner. I remarked to Colbi how much I thought that guy favored Damon.” Wide-eyed, she asked, “So that really was his father?”
He shrugged. “I guess so.”
“Well, that’s just an awful thing to happen. And right before their wedding, when everyone should be happy and carefree.” She laughed. “Except that Colbi seems a little overwhelmed.”
Michael grinned. “Well, I don’t think Mr. Jackson will be bothering them for a while. Craig took care of that.”
“Oh my gosh; what did he do?”
“I guess he found that there were some warrants out for Mr. Jackson’s arrest, and he made a call to authorities. With any luck, Jackson will be sitting in a jail cell when Damon and Colbi say their vows.”
“Oh good. So Iris and Damon don’t know about any of this, huh?”
He shook his head. “I guess not.” Michael then focused on their large grey-and-white cat. “Did you forget to feed Rags?”
“No, why?”
“He’s begging like he’s hungry.”
She chuckled. “No. He’s begging because he can’t resist my chicken-and-rice casserole. He wants a piece of chicken.”
“You don’t need this,” Michael said to the cat. “It’s too spicy.”
“Spicy?” she queried.
“Well, you’ve obviously added salt and pepper. He doesn’t need any of that. Did you save some plain cooked chicken for him?”
“Sure did; for the cats and for Lily,” she said getting up and fetching Rags a few pieces. Just then, she saw Buffy peer out from her pink canopy bed. “Here’s some for you, sweet kitty.” About that time, Walter sauntered into the room. She engaged the black cat and enticed him with a chicken treat.
“What about Lexie?” Michael asked.
“Do dogs like chicken, too?” Savannah teased, as the afghan-mix danced around her feet.
In the meantime, Michael wiped Lily’s face and hands, then lifted her out of the highchair. “I’ll get the punkin ready for bed while you take care of the kitchen, okay?”
“Sure. I’ll catch up with you two for a bedtime story in a few minutes.”
Once they’d put Lily to bed, the Iveys decided to watch a movie in their bedroom.
“What’s on your agenda for tomorrow?” Michael asked.
Yawning, Savannah said, “I think I’ll go by the newspaper office and place an ad for all those things that have been taking up space in our shed. Antonio and I cleaned it out today when he came to plant the spring veggie garden and we found enough extra tools for someone to start their own gardening business. I’d like to sell everything together—or donate it to a worthy organization, maybe. You might want to look through it to see if there’s anything we should keep. But who needs four shovels, three pitchforks, two fertilizer spreaders, three wheelbarrows, and all that other stuff?”
****
“So you and Colbi are going shopping, are you?” Michael asked while rinsing dinner dishes the following evening.
“Oh no, you don’t,” Savannah scolded, picking up Lily.
“What’s our daughter doing now?” he asked.
“Trying to give her dolly a bath in Lexie’s water bowl.”
He shook his head. “She is creative.”
“Yes, and quick.” Savannah grabbed a kitchen towel. “Here Lily; let’s dry off your baby. Help Mommy dry your baby.” Under her breath, she said, “I wish you’d learn to leave the animals’ water bowls alone.” She turned to Michael. “I didn’t tell you where I found her this afternoon.”
“Where?” he asked.
“Halfway in Buffy’s bed trying to brush her with her little broom set. Buffy didn’t seem to mind, did you, girl? But I know Lily can be rough. She clobbered Rags over the head with her dustpan while he was eating breakfast this morning and when he ran off, someone finished his food.”
“The dog?” Michael asked, chuckling.
“It probably was Lexie, or it could have been one of the other cats.” She shook her head. “I don’t know, Michael; some days it’s just hard to keep up with all the shenanigans around here.”
“I know,” Michael said. “While you were gone that weekend with the girls, Lily gave Walter a juice bath.”
“A juice bath?”
“Yes. She found him sleeping under that blanket on the chair in there and started
sprinkling juice from her sippy cup on his tail. I was glad I only had to clean his tail. The last time I gave that cat a bath—when I first found him—I thought he’d never speak to me again.” He put the last of the dishes in the drainer and wiped down the sink counter. “Hey, did you place the ad for all that stuff from the shed?”
Suddenly Savannah turned toward Michael. “Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you. Something happened when I went to the newspaper office this afternoon.”
“What?” he asked, frowning.
“Well, I saw Damon in the parking lot. He was either just arriving to work or just leaving, I guess. And he wasn’t alone.”
“Who was he with?” Michael asked, as he dried a glass.
“He was talking to a tall, dark-haired man, and, Michael, it wasn’t a cordial conversation. I mean they were raising their voices. I thought Damon was going to smack him one. I didn’t know what to do, so I just stayed in my car out of sight.”
“Yeah, good idea. Could you hear what they were saying? Who do you think it was?”
“I don’t know. But I did take a couple of pictures with my phone.” When Michael turned to pick up another glass to dry, she said, “That’s not all, Michael. While I was sitting there trying to figure out what to do, this bleached-blond woman, who was probably in her fifties, stepped out of an old turquoise car—you know a vintage car—that was parked not too far away. She had a handful of papers.”
“Newspapers?” Michael asked, now leaning back against the counter.
“No, like documents. I guess she’d been there the whole time, but I didn’t notice her until she got out of the car. She tried to get Damon to look at the papers, but it seemed like all he wanted was to get away from those people. When he tried to climb into his car, the man blocked him. I could see that Damon was getting pretty hot under the collar. Finally, two women walked out of the office into the parking lot and the couple jumped into their car and sped away.”
