Free Whipped Wedding Woes: A Cozy Mystery (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book 8) by Constance Barker

 
     
    Chapter One
     
    The sun shone bright through the front plate glass window as Stormi, Paige, Sammi and I sat in a row at the nail salon getting our pedicures in preparation for Stormi’s wedding the following evening. The atmosphere was electric as excitement grew in advance of the nuptials. Even the gals providing the pedicures were joining in the fun of the occasion. The warm water pulsing around our feet felt intoxicating, and of course, it made Stormi’s feet tickle. We laughed and kidded one another, wondering who would be the first one to trip down the aisle.
     
    “It will probably be me,” Stormi stated. “If I land on my face before I get to Greg, will someone please show the guests the door so I can die of embarrassment alone.”
     
    “If you fall on your face, we’ll just hoist you back up and carry on,” Paige replied. “There will no embarrassing moments at this wedding, only fond memories and maybe a few gaffes that you’ll look back and laugh at in…well 20 years.”
     
    “You’re so encouraging Mother,” Sammi chortled then looked at Stormi. “I’ll make sure your train is pulled back so you won’t trip over it.”
     
    “Thank you sweets, I appreciate it.”
     
    Stormi appeared radiant, her face aglow with the impending wedding. I’d never seen her so happy. Greg, her intended, was the perfect match for Stormi. His level headedness curbed Stormi’s off the rails behavior. Not that he wanted to stifle her…not at all. That was a part of her he loved, but Stormi needed someone calm like Greg to keep her from flying into orbit. And I believe Greg needed someone like Stormi in his life as well. She provided an exhilarating ride that allowed him to feel an undercurrent of anticipation every time she entered his space.
     
    We’d been planning this wedding for the last few months. After the rather odd death of the wedding planner Stormi’s mother Miss Dottie hired, Stormi commissioned Paige and I to take the reins. We happily agreed and proceeded to work with Stormi and Dottie in hiring the photographer and cake decorator, picking out flowers, the wedding dress, and all the other millions of details that go into planning a wedding. Stormi choose an outdoor venue. The wedding would take place in a courtyard setting. The property was primarily used for wedding or other functions where people gathered. Adjacent to the courtyard was an area with a huge tent complete with tables, chairs, a bar, stage and a dance floor. It made it easy for guests to walk from the courtyard to the reception without having to drive somewhere else.
     
    I myself had big news. I was sporting a one-carat diamond engagement ring, given to me by Stormi’s brother Brandon only a few months ago. We weren’t planning a wedding in the near future…I needed to get Stormi married first before I could even think about my own nuptials.
     
    So today, we sat at the Polished Perfection Nail Salon having our toes soaked, clipped, lathered with lotion, and painted a bright pink, one of the colors in Stormi’s wedding. The other color was bright red, which fit her to a tee. We chattered away, filled with excitement when in came our one of our dear friends, Trixie.
     
    “I heard you girls were in here getting your pinkies all prettied up.”
     
    “Why don’t you join us Miss Trixie,” I invited her. We all adore Miss Trixie. She has such spunk and a heart of gold. Although she’s 30 years older than we are, age doesn’t seem to be a factor in our relationship. And she’s no shrinking violet. Trix is as spry as a young chick and a hoot to be around.
     
    “First of all I wouldn’t want to shock you girls with my bunions.”
     
    “Couldn’t be any worse than mine,” Paige challenged.
     
    Trixie shook her head. “I beg to differ my dear Paige. My bunions have bunions. It’s a sight no poor soul other than me should witness. Besides, Ben’s in the car and wants to head out to the Farmer’s Market before