A Wedding Surprise

By Alton Brit

Lauren and Gil travel to south Florida for their wedding at Key Largo a day before the rest of their wedding party is to arrive. Her dad and the Maid of Honor fly in from Raleigh, North Carolina. His Best Man flies in from Las Vegas. His mom and her friend join them from Corvallis, Oregon. Three of their friends from Morris Pointe, including one that has a definite attraction to her dad, fly in from Little Rock, Arkansas. Of course the bride and groom have plans for the weekend, and their honeymoon the week after, but some of the other members of the wedding party have their own agendas. Sparks fly. Find out who gets together and who is left on the outside. Be ready for a few unexpected twists and turns.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alton Brit
• Release date: Jun 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311884695

Alton Brit

I am an author. I am or have been a son, brother, friend, student, husband, father, instructor, grandfather, co-worker, employee, and many other roles, too numerous to list. I have a lot of experience in a lot of ordinary roles. After 32 years in the workforce, I retired and I now have the time to write the rest of the stories whose cryptic story lines only exist in randomly named files on my computer. These stories chronicle ordinary, everyday people whose lives are changed by opportunities, chance happenings and extraordinary events. Some are happy, others sad and others romantic. Most are unfinished, so they may become something all together different than I currently expect. Life provides the raw materials. Imagination ties it all together.

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A Wedding Surprise

By Alton Brit

Copyright 2014 Alton Brit

Smashwords EditionAll rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes: This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase you own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

About Alton Brit

Connect with Alton Brit

Other Books by Alton Brit:

Preview of Stories from Morris Pointe Vol 3

Chapter 1

The drive from Hot Springs, to Bill and Hilary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is a short one. The trek of about sixty miles can usually be covered in a little over an hour. On this particular spring morning, the ride seemed especially short for Lauren Williams and Gil Stone, riding in the back of the big stretch limousine. The trip to the airport was just the first leg of their journey to south Florida to get married on a warm sunny beach. It seemed they had no sooner raised the limo's privacy window in their driveway than they were scrambling to make themselves presentable as the car rolled to a stop at the airport. The driver jumped out and rushed around the car to the back door and pulled it open. He smiled and said, Welcome to Little Rock. I hope your ride was enjoyable.

Gil emerged from the car first and reached back inside to offer Lauren his hand. She stepped into the bright sunshine, wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big kiss. She looked around to see if they were being seen. Obviously, they were. Passers by couldn't help but notice the late twenties or early thirties couple arriving in a limo, dressed for June on the last morning of March. Gil and Lauren, or more specifically, Lauren, thought she had every detail of their wedding week, as she had begun to call it, planned out perfectly, but she should have thought about having the driver unload their bags before opening their door. Oh, well. Live and learn. If they were being totally honest, they would have to admit they wished they had jackets, waiting for the driver to get their luggage unloaded. As it was, their excitement over the upcoming week would have to be enough to keep them warm this morning, outside the airport. It was about forty-five degrees outside the terminal, but they knew as soon as they got inside, they would not need a jacket or coat until they returned in twelve days. Hopefully by then, the warm temperatures of Spring will have arrived. Lauren shivered and smiled at Gil. This is so exciting. I'm so glad we didn't drive ourselves.

The driver placed the last of the luggage on the sidewalk and turned to the couple. Mr. Stone, Miss Williams. Have a good trip, and congratulations.

Thank you, Anthony, Gil said.

You are welcome, Sir.

Anthony, you should have a copy of our itinerary. We will see you a week from Sunday when we get back.

I have it, Sir. I will look forward to seeing you and Mrs. Stone upon your return.

Gil smiled. Mrs. Stone. That has a nice ring to it. Have a safe trip home, Anthony.

Anthony smiled at Gil and Lauren. Thank you, Sir, Ma'am.

The prospective bride and groom walked into the terminal and checked in for their flights. They cleared TSA screening with over an hour to spare before their scheduled departure time. Since they had plenty time, Gil took Lauren by the hand and led her to a coffee shop. We may as well get a snack. We only have an hour layover in Atlanta and we may not have time for lunch.

Lauren chose a table and set her carry on bag to the side. Gil set his bag beside hers and took the chair across from her. A waitress soon appeared to take their order. Two coffees and two of their special cinnamon rolls were just the thing to tide the couple over until they could reach Miami.

I wonder what's going on back at the Pointe, Lauren said, over a fork full of gooey cinnamon heaven.

I don't know, but I thought we agreed that this was to be a pleasure trip, Gil said as he picked up her hand and pulled it to his lips.

She laughed. Just because you have no worries doesn't mean you have to give me a hard time. I'll bet you wonder how things are going at the Gaslight.

I do, but unlike you, I don't have anyone on the inside to keep me up to date on the goings on. I just have to accept it. Enjoy your text message dispatches today. Maria will be on an airplane all day tomorrow.

I will, Lauren said as she smiled and licked her lips. Don't you wonder just a little bit, about the Terrace?

Not so much. It's been over three days now since I had any responsibilities there and I'm not the least bit surprised that I haven't given the restaurant much thought.

On his last day of work before going on vacation, Gil gave his boss three weeks notice that he would be resigning as manager of the Terrace Restaurant at the end of his first week back from vacation. The Pinnacle Group's management relieved him of his management responsibilities that same afternoon. It didn't come as a big surprise.

It would have been a shame to spend two weeks on vacation being concerned about how things were going back home at work, only to return, give notice and then be canned. For some reason, I'm just not interested in the operations of the Terrace anymore. Imagine that.

Lauren frowned. They had discussed the timing of Gil's resignation and how the company had responded to voluntary resignations in the past. You can't say you were surprised when they let you go when you gave them notice.

I know, I'm not surprised, but I don't have to like it.

Okay, let's just not talk about it anymore.

That's fine by me.

Lauren took his hand and smiled. It was clearly time to change the subject. Do we have the itineraries for everyone?

I've got everything right here on my computer. Gil reached down and patted the side of his computer case.

Lauren gave him a frown. You don't have a paper copy?

No, but if you think we need one, I'm sure I can print one off tomorrow in the business center at the hotel.

Good, I would appreciate it. I would just feel better with a piece of paper in my hand.

Here, have a napkin. Gil held up a napkin.

She pushed his hand away and smiled. You know what I mean.

Yes, I know what you mean. I'll print your itineraries before breakfast in the morning.

Thank you.

They finished their snack and made their way to the gate before the agent made the first boarding announcement. Their flight left Little Rock on time at 11:30 and after an hour layover in Atlanta, they continued on to Miami and landed a little before five o'clock. Forty-five minutes after landing, they left the airport for the drive to the hotel.

They stepped up to the registration desk at 6:15. The clerk smiled and said, Welcome to Pinnacle House.

Lauren replied, You should have a reservation for Williams and one for Stone.

The clerk's smile changed slightly. We've been expecting you Miss Williams. She turned to her computer and pulled up their reservations. We have you in 1417 and 1419. Will you be needing a parking pass?

Yes, we will.

The clerk slid forms across the counter for both of them. Can you fill these out for me?

Sure.

Two minutes later, they both slid the papers back across the counter. Gil set a credit card on the counter. Do you need this?

The clerk smiled. Actually, I do.

Lauren said, We have reservations for six more rooms that we also want to put on this card.

Yes ma'am. It is in the notes on your reservation. You are all set now.

She slid the card back across the counter. She followed it with folders containing their key cards and the parking pass. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call.

Thank you, I won't.

On the elevator ride up to their rooms, Gil pulled Lauren into his arms. She put up a token amount of resistance, but she smiled all the time. What are you doing? There are probably security cameras in here.

There is nothing wrong with a man kissing his fiance in an elevator. Besides, they have probably seen much more scandalous behavior in here before.

Not by me they haven't. Now behave yourself.

I will in a minute. Gil had just begun to kiss her when a bell rang, the car stopped and the door opened. They both looked through the open door with embarrassed, guilty looks on their faces only to find no one there. Gil looked above the open door and saw the number 14 lit up. Oh, this is our floor. Their elevators are faster than yours.

They stepped into the hallway and determined which direction to go to find their accommodations. Fifty feet down the hallway, they stopped in front of 1417. Gil took one of the key cards, pushed it into the slot and the green light flashed, he pushed down on the handle and pushed the door open. He stepped back for Lauren to walk in first. She swept into the room and began to give it a thorough inspection.

What are you doing? He asked as he pulled the last of the bags inside the room. She continued to check everything, like a hotel manager conducting a housekeeper evaluation.

She stopped and began to laugh. I couldn't help myself. I slipped into hotel manager mode. They did a pretty good job on this one.

I hope so. When I talked to Stanley yesterday, I told him to make sure your room was ship shape.

Who is Stanley?

He is a friend and one of the assistant managers.

Where is your room?

It better be next door. Gil looked at the other envelope in his hand. I'm in 1419. I'm going to go and put my bags away. I'll be back in a minute or two. He took a step toward the door and stopped. He tapped what was obviously her side of an adjoining door and looked back over his shoulder. I'm anxious to hear what you have to say about this.

She looked at him, her face full of worry. Don't be mad.

I could never be mad at you. He smiled. Her worries melted away as he changed the subject. I am getting hungry. My cinnamon roll has been gone for quite a while.

She took slow steps toward him. Mine too. When she was close enough to reach out and touch him, he pulled her into a hug and kissed her. She looked up at him and smiled a contented smile. You might want to change clothes while you are at it. She looked down at her own outfit. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling sort of wrinkled after all that flying.

Okay, I'm going to go now, but I won't be gone long. She followed him to the door and kissed him again before she pulled the door open. He picked up his suitcase and computer and stepped out into the hallway. She whispered, Hurry, and closed the door.

Finding 1419 was no problem. The door lock was barely six feet from the lock for 1417. He found the room to be pretty much what he expected, after seeing Lauren's room. The only real surprise was the adjoining door he had discovered minutes earlier on her side of their shared wall. The room was pretty much a mirror of the room next door, down to the pictures on the wall. He made a quick circuit through the room and found everything to be in excellent shape. He adjusted the thermostat to his liking and opened the curtains. He took two minutes to unpack his suitcase, filling the drawers of the dresser. He would have to get his hanging clothes from Lauren a little later. As he changed clothes, he remembered Lauren's question about the flight information for their friends. He sat down on the little sofa and fired up his computer. He found that Clay's flight would be the first to arrive at 2:40 pm on Wednesday afternoon. He committed Clay's arrival time, along with all the others to memory, shut down the computer and put it away. He looked at his watch and decided he had given her enough time to get settled in.

Gil opened his side of the adjoining door and found Lauren standing there, waiting for him. She looked stunning in one of her new outfits. Uh, Gil said, I hope you haven't been waiting long.

She smiled. I've been waiting all my life for this week.

Wow. I mean I hope you haven't been standing in front of this particular door, too long.

No. I opened my side just after you left. I changed clothes and was sitting on the edge of the bed until I heard you opening the door.

She smiled, stepped into his room and wrapped her arms around him. Gil Stone, I love you so much.

He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her closer. I love you too. You know, that's why I asked you to marry me.

She looked up into his eyes. Sweetheart, I can't tell you how happy that makes me. Thank you for agreeing to have separate rooms this week.

It's no big deal. It just goes along with the decision we made in February.

I know it is, but you have been so understanding about waiting.

Gil leaned down and met her lips for a quick kiss. I understand wanting separate rooms, but I don't exactly understand why you wanted them to be adjoining. Doesn't that cancel out the purpose of separate rooms?

Gil, let's sit down. I'll explain it all.

He grinned. Your place or mine?

Mine.

Lauren led him to the sofa in her sitting area. She sat down and Gil immediately sat down beside her. She looked at him and smiled. Did you notice how much faster you sat beside me this evening, compared to the night after the Holiday Gala Ball?

He put his arm around her and pulled her close. Hey, that night I was scared half out of my mind that I might do something to mess things up. Plus, tonight there's no other place to sit, other than that less comfortable looking chair. He pointed to another chair in the room.

She smiled and reached over to take hold of his available hand. She took a deep breath and began. Okay. You and I decided to wait until we are married to sleep together.

Gil's gaze shifted to Lauren's dainty hands, caressing his. Yes, I am quite aware of that decision. We aren't going to count the night we both fell asleep on your sofa, after the dance.

You are correct, we aren't counting that night, but that innocent accident comes in handy occasionally.

How so?

I'll explain in just a bit. Please, just hear me out.

Gil gave her a sly grin. By all means, continue. I can't wait to hear this.

Lauren grinned momentarily, then she picked up his arm that was around her and put it back in his lap. She turned so she could face him and her face took on a very serious expression. Gil, you and I decided to wait to sleep together until after our wedding. In keeping with our decision, we booked two rooms for these last few days before the wedding. We could have decided to share a room, but we didn't. After all, we will be married in just a few days. Even though my dad hasn't asked about our sleeping arrangements because he doesn't actually want to know, he would be very supportive of our decision.

Gil nodded. So would Mom.

Exactly. So while you and I are at least, intellectually comfortable with our decision, some of our friends would believe we are nuts, if they knew we were waiting. That is, if they even believed us, if we told them.

Wait just a minute. You said if they knew. Do they think we are already sleeping together?

Lauren solemnly nodded her head. They do.

And they think this why?

It's simple, our apartments were two doors apart and they just figure we are. Audrey has seen us together late at night and early in the morning. She saw us on the porch, the morning after you proposed and she just assumed what she wanted to assume.

Did she say something to you about it?

She did.

What did you tell her?

That day, I batted my eyelashes and said there are some things a lady just doesn't discuss.

You said, that day. What have you told her at other times?

After we were engaged, I told her that on the morning after the Holiday Gala Ball, we woke up pretty early and you went home to get ready for work.

So you let her think?

Yes, she does and I'm sure she told Brad and Maria. Of course Maria thinks every morning that I come into the office with a smile on my face that we have had sex the night before.

What about Lucy?

What do you mean?

I mean, what does she think?

I'm sure she just assumes that anyone that has been dating as long as we have is sleeping together, too.

What did you tell her?

Nothing.

Oh.

What do you think Clay thinks?

Gil frowned when he thought about it. He probably thinks we're sleeping together, too. All our friends are probably of that opinion. So, tell me about your plan.

Here it is. I called and spoke with Caroline, the manager down here. She described how the hotel is configured and made some great suggestions.

Gil tried to look hurt. I could have told you how the hotel is configured.

She gave him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. I know you could have, but it gave me an excuse to talk with the manager of another Pinnacle Group hotel. She seems really nice on the phone and was very helpful. Do you know her?

No, there was another manager when I was here.

Oh. I told her I would stop by and see her sometime this week.

That would be a good idea.

You might want to go with me.

I think I will.

Good.

After a few moments of silence, Gil asked, Are you going to tell me about this plan of yours, or not?

She sat up straight and grinned. Of course I am. She took a breath and continued. When I made the actual reservations, I worked directly with Caroline and made specific requests for the room assignments. I requested that our rooms be assigned in the North Tower and all the others to be located in the South Tower. Hopefully, everyone will think we just want to be left alone.

You think? What about our parent's rooms?

I put them in the South Tower, too.

Okay, I'm sure this is going to be good, Gil said, as he leaned back on the sofa. Tell me about the rest of your plan.

Lauren turned around to face him and assumed a more business like countenance. From everything you've told me about Clay, I get the idea that he can be quite forward with the ladies. Am I right?

Gil laughed. I think calling him quite forward is a very charitable way to describe my friend Clay.

His room is on the fourth floor. Unless someone, and by that, I mean Lucy or Maria, chooses to tell him where their room is, he won't even know their floor. Lucy's room is on the eighteenth floor. Your mom will be on the eighth and my dad will be on the tenth. Maria will be on nine and Brad and Audrey will be on seventeen. If anyone asks, we have adjoining rooms on fourteen in the North Tower. We will explain the true nature of our arrangements to our parents and let everyone else think what they want.

Why didn't you just put Clay in the North Tower?

I thought about it, but I don't want him to feel like we are trying to isolate him from everyone else.

That's very nice of you. So, why did you spread everyone out?

I just thought it best not to have us all staying in eight rooms down one hallway on one floor.

It will definitely give us more privacy.

And them too.

I agree. That's probably best.

Now, it's not too late to make adjustments if there is anything you think we should change.

Are you sure you want to have Maria only one floor away from your dad? I could let him bunk with me, or we could get Maria a room in a hotel down the street.

Oh, you goof ball. We can't do that.

I'm just kidding. Seriously, your plan sounds good to me. Now, if I can change the subject, tomorrow night, I would like for you to be able to meet Mom without the rest of the group.

I would like that, too, but what about Leslie?

I'm sure she won't mind. He hesitated for a bit. You don't think she'll mind, do you?

I wouldn't think so. She should expect that your mom would want to meet her future daughter-in-law and spend some time with her.

Good. So you think it is a good idea?

I think it is a great idea. For the same reasons, it would probably be good if we could get her and Daddy together to get to know each other, too.

I think you're right.

She looked up at him and smiled. I hope they will like each other.

I'm sure they will. I've met your dad. He is a great guy and Mom gets along with everyone. I have to warn you though, she is a high school guidance counselor, so don't be surprised if she gives her opinion, sometimes even when she isn't asked for it. There are times that I just have to say, 'Yes, counselor.' to remind her she isn't at school. She usually laughs and we go on, unless she really is serious with the advice and then she tells me so. He chuckled.

I'm so glad you told me.

I would like to make a suggestion about when you meet Mom for the first time.

Sure, what is it?

I would like for you to meet Mom with just me.

Oh, okay, she said hesitantly.

It's just that I got to meet your dad and we were able to get to know one another without the added pressure of him meeting my mom at the same time.

Oh, okay, she said, again, but this time, much more enthusiastically.

Great, maybe we can get together with her tomorrow night or on Thursday morning for breakfast.

You might even want me to get lost for a while when you meet her.

Oh, no you don't. You didn't have to meet Daddy without me.

Actually, I almost did.

What?

I wasn't alone, but when your dad came to visit, he and Maria came into the Terrace for coffee that Tuesday afternoon. Maria was her usual scheming self. She introduced me to this guy named Jack Williams. I just thought she had a new boyfriend. As we were shaking hands, she very casually mentioned that he was your dad. Gil laughed when he thought about it now, but it wasn't funny at the time. At that point, I made a total fool of myself. I didn't seem to know when to stop shaking his hand and I said something about you being a fine daughter and that he must be very proud.

Lauren smiled. I didn't think you met him until dinner that night.

Gil shook his head. No, Maria introduced us that afternoon.

You know, when I think back, Daddy was rather adamant that we eat at the Terrace that first night. I guess he wanted to force me to officially introduce you to him right away.

So, when you introduced us and he acted as if it was all new, I just thought it best to play along.

Well, it appears that Maria was not the only schemer that day. Daddy must have really liked you from the beginning. All weekend it seemed like he was encouraging me to see you.

Face it Lauren, he is a perceptive man.

She dropped his hand and playfully slapped his shoulder. He pretended to be wounded, but only for an instant, before he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. After kissing, they sat back on the sofa and enjoyed the warmth of each others' company, thinking about their future life together.

After a few moments of very comfortable silence, Gil took her hand. Could I interest you in dinner and a walk along the beach?

I would like that a lot. I'm famished. Do you know any good places to eat around here?

Actually, I do. Don't forget, I used to work in the restaurant downstairs.

You said it again.

What?

You said, I do.

I guess I'm just practicing for Saturday. I want to be prepared.

Lauren stood and offered him her hand. We aren't going to run into any of your old girl friends are we?

It wouldn't matter if we did.

Oh?

My darling, I only have eyes for you. Since I met you, there are no other women.

Let's go.

After a romantic dinner in an Italian Restaurant, they headed to the beach for their walk. They kicked off their shoes and walked across the sand, hand in hand, carrying their shoes in the other. When they reached the wetter, more compacted sand, Gil said, Wait just a minute.

He stopped and ran a set of shoe laces through a belt loop of his shorts and tied it to the other shoe. Now, if you would like, I'll put one of your sandals in each of my shoes and you won't have to carry them.

She held up the sandals and he took them off her hands. In short order, they were strolling down the beach, hand in hand. The moonlight reflecting off the relatively smooth surface of the Atlantic and the gentle sounds of the waves lapping on shore combined to make her wonder if this was not the most romantic place she had ever been. Of course, the man holding her hand may have had something to do with her current feelings. She suddenly had an idea and stopped in her tracks. She held her engagement ring up toward the moon to see if the moonlight would reflect from the setting. Gil noticed and bent close to look for himself.

I get the idea you like that ring, he said, as he took her into his arms.

She looked up and smiled. I like it a lot, but I love you. She spun out of his arms, took his hand and ran, laughing into the water. The next wave chased them back to dry ground. They continued to stroll slowly down the beach. Music from the beach side night spots wafted across the sand to the edge of the water where they imagined the music was playing just for them.

Lauren took careful note of everything about their surroundings so she could always recall their first night together on the beach. As they walked, she tried to stay right at the edge of the water. Occasionally a wave sent them scrambling to higher ground. It had been so