Free Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts Page B

gouged her on a delivery charge.
    “I’m just going to—” Her phone rang. “God. Crazy Bride.”
    “Better you than me. Go ahead.We’ve got this.”
    Crazy Bride ate up her time. And gave her space to think.
     
     
    S HE’D SEND A THANK-YOU NOTE WITH THE CHECK FOR THE SERVICE and tires.That was, Parker decided as she ran the rehearsal, appropriate.
    “With five minutes to go,” she said, “the groom’s brother—and best man—will escort their mother to her seat, with her husband following.That’s perfect.The best man will join the groom, standing to the groom’s left. And at three minutes to go, the bride’s brother will escort their mom to her seat. Brother moves up to the left of best man, right of George. Angle just a little, Sam. Exactly. Music change for the bridal procession.Wendy, Nikki,Addy—and I’ll be there to cue you tomorrow. Remember to smile, ladies. Then Jaci, the maid of honor.
    “Good.When she’s halfway down, it’s time for the ring bearer. That’s the way, Kevin!”
    The five-year-old strutted down to laughter and applause.
    “And the flower girl. Really good, Jenny, and tomorrow there’ll be real flowers in your basket. Kevin on the boys’ side, Jenny on the girls’.You stand right there with your daddy, Kevin.Then . . .”
    She trailed off, blank as she looked back and saw Malcolm leaning on one of the urns, a bouquet in his hand. She couldn’t see his eyes, not with the sun slanting off the dark glasses he wore. But she could see his grin clearly enough.
    “Then?” the groom prompted with a laugh. “Do I get married?”
    “Almost. Music change, everyone stands. And the bride begins her walk escorted by her father.And,” she said to the groom,“she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. She’s everything you’ve ever wanted. And she’s about to be yours.”
    She waited. “Stop here. And as you requested, your mom will step over with you and your dad.The minister will ask who gives this woman, and your line, Mr. Falconi?”
    “Her mother and I.”
    They kissed their daughter, then took her hand and placed it in the groom’s.
    “Lovely. Now . . .”
    She ran them through the ceremony, hitting the highlights, outlining the timing and choreography.
    “He’ll say you may kiss your bride.”
    “I got that part.” The groom spun his bride, dipped her while she laughed, and bent to give her a lavish kiss.
    “Cecily, if you get cold feet tomorrow, I’m happy to stand in for you.”
    The bride laughed again, twinkling at Parker.“My feet are really, really warm, but thanks.”
    “I bet. At that point, you’ll face your friends and family, the minister will introduce you for the first time as husband and wife, and those of us not still swooning over that kiss will applaud. Music changes to recessional, and you’ll walk down the aisle. Mac will take you from there. From here, the rest of the wedding party recesses in reverse order. Flower girl and ring bearer first.”
    Good, she thought, very good. If everyone smiled and beamed like this tomorrow, they’d hardly need the sun.
    “After the wedding party, the parents and grandparents of the bride, then the groom’s. Mac will also need all of you for wedding pictures.The guests will be escorted inside the Solarium for canapes and drinks to keep them happy during the photo session.”
    She ignored the itch at the back of her neck. She knew he was staring at her, as she outlined the timing and procedure for introductions, dinner, toasts, the shift to the Ballroom, first dances, cake cutting, and so on.
    “The Bride’s and Groom’s suites will be available to the wedding party from four until the end of the evening. We’ll transfer the gifts from the gift table to the newlyweds’ limo, as well as any flowers they want to take with them or give to others. I know it’s a lot, but my partners and I will be here for all of you every step of the way. All you really have to do is enjoy and celebrate.”

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