Room for Murder - Tim Myers [64]
“What we really need is a good fog,” Alex said. “There’s nothing like it from up here.”
Mor said, “I’d just as soon the weather stay clear until after the wedding.” He gestured down to the canopy set up below for the wedding tomorrow. “I’m still not sure it was such a great idea doing this outdoors. We’re probably going to get edges of rain from that hurricane.”
Alex said, “Buddy, it was an argument you were bound to lose. Don’t worry, I’ve ordered fair weather until the ceremony, and just to be sure, I didn’t wash my truck. That’s a sure sign of clear skies.”
Mor said, “I appreciate the sacrifice, but you’d better park in back of the inn or Emma will have you out there washing it before the wedding.”
Alex grinned. “I’ve got a feeling tomorrow she’s going to be too busy to worry about me.” Alex took a breath, then added, “Just between the two of us, are you nervous at all?”
Mor shook his head. “Not one bit. Emma drives me crazy most of the time, but she also makes me happy for no reason at all. When this thing blew up and we were apart, I missed her in a thousand different ways.” Realizing how serious his tone had become, Mor added lightly, “Besides, at this point, she’s probably the only one who’ll have me.”
Alex laughed. “If you’re waiting for me to disagree with you, I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
Mor said, “Enough of this. I’m ready to hit the sack. Thanks again for letting me stay out here.”
“I’m glad to have you,” Alex said.
As they started back down, Alex suddenly realized that they hadn’t opened a single beer. Not only that, but there was still half a bottle of champagne left.
It would probably go on record as the mildest bachelor party in the history of Elkton Falls.
Chapter 19
“I hope it doesn’t rain,” Elise said, staring out the window the next day at the dark clouds on the horizon. It was an hour before the wedding ceremony, and she and Alex were both busy with last-minute preparations.
Alex said, “We could always have it in here, couldn’t we?” He gestured around the lobby. “If we move the tables and sofas into a couple of the guest rooms, we could get the folding chairs in here and make an aisle.”
Elise studied it a moment, then said, “I don’t think everyone will fit.”
Emma came in frowning. “It’s not going to rain, and we’re not moving this wedding inside.”
Alex said, “Easy, Emma, we’re just trying to come up with a backup plan.”
Emma walked to the windows, scowled up at the sky, and declared, “We’ll be fine until tonight. It’s just the front from the hurricane.” She looked at Elise and said, “I need help getting ready. You’ve got experience with beauty queen makeup. Can you do anything with me?”
Elise laughed softly. “As if you need it. Come on, I know a few tricks, but if you ask me, we’ll just be gilding the lily.”
Emma smiled. “I haven’t been a lily in years.” She frowned at Alex and added, “Shouldn’t you be with the groom? Did you steal his car keys and let the air out of his tires like I asked you to?”
“There’s not a chance in the world he’s going anywhere,” Alex said.
“That’s what I thought with Toby Sturbridge, but it took him three times to actually make it to the church. I should have seen that as a sign from above.”
Alex said, “Emma, Mor Pendleton is no Toby Sturbridge. You’re getting a good man, and he’s getting a fine woman.”
She kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Thanks, Alex. I guess we’ll see you soon.”
After they were gone, Alex wondered what Mor was up to. He finally found him talking to Grady Hatch outside where the festivities were set to take place. The mayor had graciously agreed to give Emma away before he left on his big trip to see the world, even though the election was still in dispute.
Alex joined them and said, “There you are, Mor. What’s going on?”
Grady said, “The board of elections is still going crazy. They aren’t anywhere close to declaring a winner. I’ve heard of horse races before, but this is ridiculous.”
“Can’t wait to hand over the reins yourself, can you,” Alex