Sherryl Woods - To Catch a Thief

T here had never been a doubt in the world about where their wedding reception was going to be held. Tony and Francesca started planning it the day Gina and Rafe shared the news that they were getting married. Now that the day had arrived, however, Tony had barred Gina from the kitchen.

I will do this, cara mia. You are not to worry.

But I could help, Gina protested uselessly. Besides, Im the bride. Shouldnt I have some say over what the cake looks like, at least?

Tony regarded her with exaggerated indignation. Do you not think that my Francesca knows what will please you?

Of course, but

Go, Tony ordered. The wedding is in an hour. You must be beautiful.

Okay, okay, she said, though she didnt think an hour was going to make much difference. The summer heat had already frizzed her hair, and it would melt her makeup the moment it was applied.

The instant she stepped outside the restaurant, she was surrounded by the Calamity Janes. Francesca called you, didnt she?

She did, Emma said. She said you were getting in her way.

I wasnt in her way. Tony wouldnt even let me near the kitchen.

This is one meal you are not going to cook yourself, Karen insisted. Besides, as bridesmaids it is our duty to make sure youre dressed and at the church on time. You dont want to make us look bad, do you?

Cassie was amazingly quiet as she studied Gina. Prewedding jitters? she asked eventually.

Gina gulped and nodded. How did you know?

Cassie and Karen exchanged knowing looks. Been there, done that, they said in unison.

Trust us, though, you are going to be deliriously happy. Rafe will see to it.

Gina smiled at last. He already has.

Well then, Emma said briskly. Theres nothing to worry about, is there? Lets get this show on the road. I have my list right here. If we follow it, well stay right on schedule.

Gina chuckled. Wait till its your turn, she warned Emma. We are going to show you no mercy.

I predict this fall, Lauren said.

Definitely before Christmas, Karen said.

Oh Emma began.

Go suck an egg, they all chimed in. Youre not convincing anymore, Emma, so give it up, Lauren added. You and Ford are next.

Gina looked around at her best friends and felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. She loved these women, and thanks to Bobbys treachery and Rafes understanding, she had them back in her life. The Calamity Janes were a gift worth treasuring. Shed never lose sight of that again.

Oh, no, shes about to start blubbering, Cassie noted. Stop that, right this second. You cant get married with your eyes all red and puffy.

Rafe wont care, she said with a sniff.

Maybe not, but you will when you have to look at the wedding pictures in the years to come, Lauren added, giving her a hug. Trust me on this. If theres one thing I know about its how a bad picture can turn up years later to bite you in the butt.

They got her to the church and into her gown with five minutes to spare. She spent those minutes with her parents.

Thank you, she said, hugging them fiercely.

For what? The wedding? It was our pleasure, her mother said. Weve dreamed of this day for a long time.

Not just that, Gina told them, holding her fathers hand tightly. For letting me go all those years ago and for welcoming me back now.

Just give us some grandbabies and you will have paid us back in full, her mother said. Her father scowled. Dont rush the girl, Jane. She hasnt even said I do yet.

Thats okay, she told her father. I think mother and Rafe are on the same page on that one. For a man who claimed to know nothing about relationships or family, hes adapting to the concept pretty quickly.

How does that mother of his feel about being a grandma? her father asked. I cant imagine shes happy about it. Ive never seen a woman so determined to shave twenty years off her age.

Gina grinned at the assessment. It was true. Rafes mother worked astonishingly hard at being youthful. Grandchildren were going to rattle her.

Shell adapt, Ginas mother said. And if she doesnt, Ill get those precious grandbabies all to myself.

There was a knock on the door just then. I think theyre ready for us, Cassie called out. And Rafe is prowling around the front of the church looking impatient.

Gina opened the door. Then by all means, lets not keep the man waiting.

Rafe had worn dozens of tuxedos in his time, but he was fairly certain this one was going to choke him to death. He ran his finger under the shirt collar.

Stop fidgeting, his mother mouthed from the front pew.

The admonition made him grin despite himself. How many times had he heard that as a boy? A million, probably. It was good to know that some things never changed.