Free Pennies From Heaven (The Bella Novella Collection Book 3) by Janice Thompson Page A

said at last.
    Jolene rolled her eyes, and for the first time I noticed the over-abundance of eye makeup. “Well, yes, but Audrey’s gown was designed by the famed designer, Mr. Cecil Beaton, and he’s most assuredly French.”
    “Did he design your gown, too?” Mrs. Rigas asked as she took a few steps in our direction.
    “No Ma’am. I got this lovely lady here to make it for me.” Jolene pointed at Mrs. Davidson, whose cheeks blazed red at all of the attention. “She’s a whiz on the sewing machine. All I had to do was show her the pictures I found on the Internet and the rest fell into place.”
    At this news, several of the ladies gathered around Moggie Davidson and placed their orders for new gowns for an upcoming fashion extravaganza the Splendora Women’s Society was hosting. The poor woman could hardly breathe, what with so much attention. Well, until I announced that we still had work to do, and lots of it.
    The next couple of hours buzzed by. By mid-afternoon we’d almost finished the décor. We needed to get cleaned up for the rehearsal and dinner, both of which would take place right here, at the wedding facility. From the kitchen, the smell of yummy food emerged. Laz, Rosa and Jenna were cooking up a storm in preparation for tonight’s festivities. I kept a watchful eye on Earline, Jolene and Twila, who dressed the tables for tonight’s rehearsal dinner guests.
    Yep. Everything was falling into place. I couldn’t have asked for a smoother day.
    At five-fifteen Bonnie Sue entered with two large poodles, perfectly groomed. Well, the dogs were perfectly groomed. Bonnie Sue looked as if she hadn’t seen a hair stylist in weeks.
    “Please forgive the way I look.” She groaned and dragged her fingers through her messy hair. “I spent all afternoon getting these two bathed and groomed and they look a lot better than their owner. I’ll head home and take a quick shower, then come back.”
    “Wait.” I put my hand up. “Who’s watching the dogs while you’re gone?”
    “Watching them?” Her brow wrinkled. “My babies are beautifully behaved, Bella. They won’t require watching.” She gave the pair a nod and said, “To the corner,” and then pointed to the corner of the room. They trotted to the corner, laid down, and promptly fell asleep.
    “See?” She laughed. “I’ve never had a moment’s trouble with these two. They’re my babies. Absolute dolls. Now don’t worry, Bella. I’ll be back in no time, I promise.”
    She took off and I was left staring at two of the largest poodles I’d ever seen in my life. Now what?
    I decided to get back to work, this time shifting my attention to a couple of missing light bulbs in the foyer chandelier. A short while later my mother dropped a large candelabra and it clattered to the floor. Guido let out a shriek. Coquette and Jacques sat straight up, their ears perking to attention. When Guido cried out, “Go to the mattresses!” the dogs leapt to their feet. They began to run in circles, as if looking for something.
    “Leave the gun!” Guido called out. “Take the cannoli!” He then began random machine-gun-firing sounds, which caused the dogs to go into a barking fit. They took off running toward the bird.
    Rosa let out a cry. “Bella! Stop them!” She grabbed a broom and started using it to shoo away the dogs. “Go away, you little monsters! Leave Guido alone.” When the dogs refused to stop barking, Rosa’s volume elevated. “Get away, I say! He’s not chicken fricassee! Guido was trained by the mob and could take you down in a New York minute!”
    I wouldn’t bet my money on that. Guido looked pretty scared. The chubby bird tried to flap his wings and take to flight, but was unsuccessful. I tried to get between him and the dogs, but nearly got my arm taken off in the process. That, and I took a hard swack from Rosa’s broom.
    “Out of my way, Bella-bambina!” Rosa called out. “I’ll guard the bird. You get those dogs out of