Dog Days Read online

  “I certainly hope so.”

  She was laughing hysterically as she went out the door.

  I wrinkled my nose at her.

  WE HAD A team meeting right after lunch. Wyatt outlined his security plan for the wedding, just in case an uninvited guest showed up. Paul and Becca would cover the back, Declan and Court would be on the left and right of the chairs. Wyatt and Rick, of course, would be up front.

  “The reverend is a former Green Beret chaplain. He’s going to keep an eye on the wedding party if something happens.”

  “So we’ve got it all covered.”

  Wyatt nodded, but looked at me.

  I gave him a what? look.

  “I hate that you’re not going to be protected while you walk down the aisle.”

  “Are you kidding? What do you think my boys are for, decoration?”

  “They aren’t trained to be bodyguards.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I feel safe knowing I’ve got one on each side of me.”

  “I’ll try to have a word with them tomorrow before the ceremony starts. Just for my peace of mind, okay?”

  “Can’t hurt.”

  “All right. Let’s see if we can find this guy, so we don’t have to worry about him showing up tomorrow.” Wyatt looked over. “I have to head out to Maggie’s house. The ladies from the church, and their husbands, are coming to set up the backyard for a wedding. Rick, can you make sure Maggie gets home, if I’m not back?”

  “Roger that, boss.”

  We all filed out.

  “I still think I should be there to coordinate. And,” my bottom lip pooched out, “I can find my own ride home.”

  “You don’t need to get all worked up about what they’re going to do to your yard. Please don’t be stubborn about this, babe.”

  “I’m not trying to be, but I’d rather do that than feel guilty about pulling Rick away from finding the creep.”

  “Who did you have in mind to call?”

  “Dandy is already coming by the house tonight, while you’re doing your Binger thing.”

  “Oh, that’s right, you did tell me. Still, if she can’t, let Rick know. Okay?” He kissed my forehead. “Please? I want to marry you tomorrow.”

  “Hmm. You better stay safe, too, bub.”

  He laughed. “Bub?”

  I grinned. “Bye.”

  LATER IN THE afternoon, about an hour before quitting time, Gus sidled over to my desk, and leaned in to whisper, “I’m not one for gossip, so I don’t throw it much.”

  “But?”

  “But I just overheard Rick say—to whomever he was speaking on the phone—that he had secured the entertainment. Whoever was on the other end must have asked him what, or to specify, because he said, ‘I got the stripper handled.’ I just thought you might want to know.”

  “Stripper?”

  She nodded.

  I sat back, a bit shocked. Rick wouldn’t do that. Would he? It’s supposed to be a Binger night, not a stripper-jumping-out-of-a-cake night.

  We’d opted not to have a rehearsal dinner so Wyatt could spend the evening with his best buds. Well, that wasn’t the only reason. Anyway, as it was also the second wedding for us both, and the fact that the ceremony was being held in my backyard, we didn’t see the need for a rehearsal, either.

  But….

  Hmm.

  My eyebrows wiggled.

  A plan was forming.

  I smiled.

  It turned into a grin.

  Gus sucked in a breath. “Oh, geez, that’s an evil look.”

  “Why don’t you and Becca come over to my house tonight? Around seven? Dandy will be there already. The more the merrier.”

  “Um. Okay.” She didn’t look completely comfortable with the idea, but I think curiosity won out. “I can’t accept for Bec, but I’ll let her know. Seven, right?”

  I nodded.

  The plan was developing.

  “And bring binoculars.”

  Eyebrows raised, and wearing a grin of her own, Gus returned to her desk.

  I dialed my bestie. “You’re coming over tonight, right?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. Of course. I’ll be there with bells on.”

  “Great. I’ve got a couple favors to ask. Could you, by chance, pick me up from work, or would that interfere with your Inn duties? Because I also need to pick up my dress from the bridal salon.”

  “Why is it still there? I figured you already had it hanging in the back of the closet so Wyatt wouldn’t see it.”

  Crap. Crap. Crap. She didn’t know about the stalker. Well, not all of it. Well, now I was going to have to let her and Lancy in on it. “Um, there was a break-in a couple weeks ago. I didn’t want to take a chance on it going missing, or being … damaged.”

  There was a quiet moment before she spoke again. “Sure, I can come get you. I’ve got someone covering for me already. What time are you leaving?”

  “In about an hour. Thanks, Dee. There are going to be more of us tonight. I’ve got a plan formulating. Besides what we talked about you bringing, add Ed’s binoculars to your list.”

  “Binoc— Maggie, what’ve you got up your sleeve this time?”

  “Can’t talk about it now. Gotta go. See you tonight.”

  “Yes, and you’re going to explain about the break-in.”

  A sigh. “Yes. I will explain.”

  “Good. See you in a few.”

  Not as hyped as I was a couple minutes ago, I called Lancy. “Hey, are you busy tonight?”

  “Nope. Rick’s going to that thing for Wyatt. Why? What’s up?”

  “Be at my house around 7.”

  “Okay.”

  “That’s it? Just okay? You’re so easy, Lance.”

  She giggled. “I was kinda hoping we could hang out. Who all will be there? Just us?”

  “Dandy, Gus, and possibly Becca.”

  “Oh, that sounds like it will be a lot of fun. Do you need me to bring anything?”

  “Not really, but if you want, bring snack stuff. And a spyglass.”

  “Spyglass? Oh. Oh, Maggie, you aren’t.”

  “I am.”

  She snickered. “Excellent. See you then.”

  I filled in Becca and Gus. Both were onboard.

  As Sherlock Holmes would say, ‘The game is afoot.’

  “OH MY STARS and garters! Doc Weston is their stripper? I wonder how much they had to pay him to do that. That is so hilarious.”

  “How drunk is he?

  “He doesn’t drink. Not to my knowledge.”

  “Looks like all of them are drinking.”

  “Not all. And Wyatt looks to be enjoying himself, but is sipping … hmm. Is that Jim Beam?”

  “Probably. That’s kinda what a Binger is. Jim Beam and hot wings.”

  “Really? Interesting.”

  “Wyatt’s not a big drinker, but does indulge when the moment calls for it. Like last summer when Mac was grieving for his daughter. Wyatt went over to comfort his buddy, and they tied one on, big time. He was pretty hung over the next morning.”

  “Oh, look! There comes another one.”

  “Who is that?”

  “I can’t tell.”

  “Holy crap, they’re playing the theme song to Saturday Night Fever.”

  “Is that Councilman Talbot?”

  “NO.”

  “Oh my god! Yes, it is.”

  “My eyes! Dear Lord, I’ve been blinded.”

  “You and me both, kid. I’ll never be able to look him straight in the eye again without seeing— Dear lord, what’s that thing he’s wearing?”

  “Don’t you mean, not wearing?”

  “Maggie, this was the best idea you ever had.”

  Snickering, I shook my head. “I’m not so sure about that. I’ve seen way too much of some really funky old geezers. Still can’t believe those two actually agreed to … perform.”

  “Look at the others laughing. The strippers seem to be having a lot of fun.”

  “I’ve
always thought of Doc Weston as being so … staid.”

  “A stuffed shirt, more like.”

  “Well, yeah. But he’s funny. Talbot, too. Always acts so nervous around everyone. Look at him go!”

  “Guess it’s true what they say.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Can’t judge a book by its cover.”

  Dandy hooted. “Truer words, my friend.”

  “They must really trust this group of men not to hold it over them. This is definitely blackmail material.”

  “You’re right. I’m certain there is a high level of trust among all of them. AND, because we also were privy to it, whether they know about it or not, we can’t ever let anyone else know. Not even them.”

  “Oh, for sure.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “I’m not sure I’d want to admit that I was a witness to … that.”

  “Come on. I think we’ve seen enough.”

  “More than.”

  “Time for movies, popcorn, and—”

  “Wine.”

  “Ladies, the wedding may not be until three in the afternoon, but I don’t want to walk down the aisle with bags under my eyes. And I definitely don’t want to be fighting a headache all day.”

  “No worries. If you fall asleep, we won’t wake you.”

  “Gee thanks.”

  Hunched over, we scrambled back to the car and then the laughter began.

  Shrieking, tear-inducing, bent-in-half, can’t-catch-a-breath, pee-your-pants laughter.

  Good thing I wasn’t the one driving.

  The vision, of two scrawny, over seventy, half-naked (and I mean in red Speedos and nothing else) men, strutting to Saturday Night Fever, will forever be etched into my brain.

  God help us all.

  Both were going to be hard to face in the daylight.

  Chapter 39

  … SATURDAY…

  * * *

  … September 19th…

  * * *

  MY WEDDING DAY.

  I’d been in a similar situation a few decades ago when Bernard Alexander Mercer was waiting for me at the front of the church.

  Giddy, scared, happy, and anticipating a wonderful life.

  The boys came along fairly quickly, but our love never diminished, only expanded.

  Then the shocking heartbreaking news of Bernie’s illness.

  My baby boy was only five years old when his daddy got a phone call a few days after some routine blood tests. The results had come back abnormal. Another couple of tests confirmed the doctor’s initial concern.

  My husband had cancer.

  It’s hard to describe the feeling that rolls you over at that news. I had to sit down. Disbelief was chief among the first emotions that bubbled up. It couldn’t be possible. Things like this only happen to other people.

  But it happened to us. We sat down and worked on the available options, and chose the lesser of the evils. That first year was disordered, with chemo treatments, radiation treatments, and all the baggage that tags along.

  And then a miracle.

  Bernie was in remission.

  We were ecstatic … for ten months. But it came back, and nothing worked. Four long arduous years later, I buried my best friend, the love of my life, and the father of my boys.

  Finding love again wasn’t on my radar, never thought I’d want it to be. A good seven years, it took, to even to start looking at men, and another year after that to think about dating.

  Then along came Wyatt, and I’m still trying to get my breath back.

  “PSST!”

  I heard the sound, and turned from the mirror.

  Josh’s small face peeked around the edge of the door.

  “Hey, kid. What’s going on?” I watched him slide into the room, followed by Blake, and Luke, quiet and … furtive. “Y’all look pretty snazzy in those suits you got on. The girls will be swarming all over you

  With a grimace, Josh tugged on the bowtie at his neck. “Can’t breathe.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard that about bowties. So why are you sneaking around?”

  He took a look over his shoulder before speaking. “I wanted to ask you about this ring-bearer thing.”

  “Why didn’t you ask Wyatt?”

  “He’s busy.” Blake took a long look at me—made me wonder if he was actually an eleven year old kid, or a very young-looking little person. “You look absolutely gorgeous, by the way.”

  Hmm. “Thanks. What’s going on?”

  “Well,” Luke fidgeted. “We all drew straws to see which of us would be in the middle and hold that little pillow. Then the next one was who’d hand you Wyatt’s ring. The last guy’s gonna give Wyatt your ring. Is that okay? We didn’t know if there was something special we needed to do, or if we could just do whatever.”

  I had to blink away sudden tears. “That’s a very diplomatic—grownup—way to do things. Yes, it’s very much okay to do it the way you planned.”

  “Great. Thanks.” They turned to go.

  Blake looked back and winked. “Did I mention how gorgeous you look, Miss Maggie? The Chief’s gonna have a heart attack when he sees you.”

  I laughed. “Yes, you did mention it, little con man.”

  He grinned and disappeared out the door after the other two.

  As it closed behind him, I heard someone blow their nose from the adjacent room. Dandy stepped through, eyes still glistening.

  Lancy was right behind her. “Oh, that was so ingenious of them.”

  Dandy dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “As you said, so grown up. When did they get so … manly?”

  Lancy glanced over, eyes going wide (and not in a good way). “Lady, you’d better not ruin your face paint over what those kids said, especially after I worked so hard to get you perfect.” She focused on me. “You, either.”

  Guiltily, I shrugged. “Kids. Geez. Right?”

  Lancy’s look softened. “You do look gorgeous.”

  “That you do, Miss Magdalena.” Dandy nodded, then gave her rebuttal to the younger woman. “You can kick my butt all you want after the ceremony, because I’m thinking I’ll need at least half a box of tissues before it’s over with.”

  Lancy giggled, and held up her bouquet. “I’ve got a couple of them wrapped around the holder.”

  “Oh, what a great idea.”

  I turned back to the mirror and smiled at the three of us reflected there. “We all look good.”

  A flash went off.

  Startled, we whirled.

  Blessing, camera in hand, looked smug. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. It was so spontaneous.” She moved closer. “Those pearls are perfect.”

  “Aren’t they, though?” I couldn’t stop the grin. “Vera Mae Wellington lent them to me; the something borrowed. I hadn’t thought about those traditional things, since this was my second wedding, but she insisted. Couldn’t talk her out of it, either.”

  Blessing fidgeted. “I’d like to hug you, but I don’t want to mess you up. Do you want something blue? I might have a blue lens cloth in my bag.”

  I smoothed my skirt. “I’m wearing blue, for pity’s sake.”

  “That’s not the same.”

  “Blue is blue.”

  “Oh, she’s right. You have to.” Lancy insisted. “It’s for good luck.”

  “I’m not a superstitious person, Lance.”

  “Are you wearing a garter for Wyatt to—?”

  “Good God, no! I didn’t even want to wear one for my first wedding, but Mom—” I sighed. “And no, I’m not going to throw a bouquet.”

  “Why not?” Blessing pouted. “Maybe I’d like to catch it?”

  At least she wasn’t trying to hang a lens cloth on me anymore.

  “Sweetie, I don’t think you have to worry about that. Besides, I don’t even have a bouquet to throw. My boys are going to be on either side, escorting me down the aisle. I don’t have a veil, either.”

  “Well, for goodness sake.” The voice came from the doo
rway. “You’re just bucking tradition all over the place.”

  “Annetta! I didn’t even hear you come in.”

  “Wouldn’t miss this for the world. Couldn’t happen to a nicer person.” She leaned in and smooched my cheek. “Good luck, kid.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Listen, I’m on a mission, here. I’ve been told to hurry you up. They’re ready to start.”

  Butterflies were suddenly dancing in my mid-section, and I took a deep breath. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  Blessing grabbed my hand, holding me back.

  “What is it?”

  “I think your son is in love with me.” She blinked at tears. “And I think … I’m pretty sure, I’m in love with your son.”

  My hands framed her face. “Honey, there’s no thinking about it, on either side. And just so you know, I’m very happy about that.” I kissed her cheek.

  Her eyes glittered and spilled as she angled the camera at me. “Smile.”

  She didn’t have to ask.

  As we turned to leave, Forsythia Morgan, in a chic light-lime day dress and white pumps, stepped into the room, looking flustered.

  “Magdalena. I’m so glad I caught you. I hope I’m not too late.”

  “Late for what?”

  She opened the clasp on a large white handbag, and rummaged for a few seconds before lifting out a small jeweler’s box. Taking a breath, she looked straight at me, haughty and humble at the same time. “I know I can be a great pain in the arse, at times. And I know we haven’t— Well, we’ve tolerated each other for the most part. That does distress me, but— I’ve always admired your courage, and tenacity, especially the strength you showed when your first husband died and left you with those two youngsters to raise alone. My conscience wouldn’t let me rest until I brought you these today. I hope you will wear them in the spirit in which they are loaned, and as a token of my esteem.”

  She offered the box.

  I blinked, and accepted, opening the hinged lid. And gasped. “Oh my. Oh, Miz Morgan. They’re gorgeous.”

  “They’re real, and I had them cleaned. I know that makes me sound pompous, but I don’t want you to think I was loaning you paste. My Alfred splurged on them for the last anniversary we ever had together. Please? Won’t you wear them as your something borrowed?”