Pas de Deux

By Catherine Bannon

Joyce had loved Kenneth since she was little more than a baby. So when they were able to push up their wedding to allow her to accept a place in a prestigious ballet program, she was sure that life was going to be nothing less than wonderful forever. Finalizing her dream of becoming a dancer and marriage to Kenneth—what more could

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tea and Crumpets Books
• Release date: Jun 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9780997667530

Catherine Bannon

CATHERINE BANNON WAS BORN IN CANADA and lived there until her family moved to the United States while she was in middle school. Despite living in the US for most of her life, she still finds the mix of cultures confusing, which is why her characters fly back and forth across the ocean so much. Catherine likes to travel but doesn't have to time to do as much of it as she wants. She also is fond of classical music, which drives her classic-rock husband crazy. Catherine likes to cook, and her idea of hell is being stuck somewhere with nothing to read. She likes cats, but doesn't have any at the moment because her husband is allergic to them. Occasionally she borrows a friend's cat or dog just to get her "furry friend fix". Catherine is a Christian and sings in her church choir. The church that where Joyce and Kenneth were married is the same one she went to for many years before she got married herself and moved out of town. Catherine works in the Employee Benefits office of a university in Cambridge, MA. She is married to Brad Bannon, a political analyst and adjunct political science professor. They live in Marshfield, MA, which is just south of Scituate.

Book preview

Acknowledgments

I

t takes a village to

write a book and I hope I haven’t accidently omitted any citizens of my particular village. Some of them have asked to be named by first name only, so to be fair I’m only listing first names of everyone. Many, many thanks go to Aaron, Aimee, Andrea, Angela, Anna, AnnMarie, Bertie, Bethani, Bill, Brenda, Carl, Carol, Catherine, Cheryl, Cindi, Connie and Connie, Cyn, Dannielle, Elle, Emily, Gina, Ginny, Heather, Isabella, Jane, Janelynn, Jeff, Jenna, Judy, Kim, Laura, Laurieanne, Loretta, Maggie, Omar, Patti, Sharon, Sonia, and Wanda. Extra special thanks to Brad, Ellie, Janny, Marilyn, Simon, Stephanie and Tee; you know what you did.

Special thanks to my friends at The Inn at Scituate Harbor for allowing me to use the inn as the setting for the night before Joyce and Kenneth’s wedding.

Dedication

T

his book is dedicated in

memory of my father, Eric Greenhow. Missing you, Dad, and wishing you could see the finished product.

It is further dedicated in memory of my dear friend, Catherine NeSmith, with love, respect and laughter.

Part One

W

here’s Joyce?"

Kenneth was barely out of the ambulance, still on the stretcher, still with the oxygen mask on, when he began calling for his wife. She had been transported separately ahead of him and it was driving him crazy not to know what was going on.

Mr. Aldrich, I need you to calm down…., the orderly told him, trying to disentangle the mask from the patient as his partner rolled them down the hall into a treatment room and behind them, the paramedic from the ambulance reported on Kenneth’s condition to the receiving nurse, who followed.

I want to know what’s going on with my wife, Kenneth demanded. I’m not hurt badly—I can wait.

Mr. Aldrich, you almost certainly have a broken leg, you may have a concussion and you need x-rays, the orderly attempted to explain. His partner brought the stretcher fully into the treatment room and brought it to a stop.

I can get x-rays when I know that Joyce is all right, Kenneth insisted.

Mr. Aldrich, if Tony here goes to see what’s happening with your wife, will you please settle down and let us take care of you? the triage nurse asked.

Kenneth stopped and considered. He was in a lot of pain, he recognized. He probably should let them treat him. But Joyce…he had to know about Joyce.

I have to know about her first, he bargained.

You’ll lie back down on the stretcher and let me take your vitals while Tony goes to get word about your wife; then you’ll let us take you down to Radiology?

Deal. Kenneth lay back down. His right leg was swollen and painful; his head ached badly. He was aware of the nurse, whose name appeared to be Danielle, doing various things to him and writing down the results.

Tell me your name again, Danielle commanded.

Ken Aldrich. Kenneth Eric Aldrich, to be precise. Where did that come from? he wondered to himself absently. He hadn’t referred to himself as Ken since he started college—it was always Kenneth. His family still used the abbreviation—he did not. And he never used his middle name—at best he might sign his name Kenneth E. Aldrich.

What’s the date?

Kenneth gave it. And the reigning monarch is Her Royal Highness the Queen Elizabeth II. I’m at a trauma center, though no one has deigned to let me know which one, somewhere in London, England. I’m working temporarily part time as an office go-fer while I wait to start my architecture internship and my wife is a dancer taking a special program in performance and choreography. See, I’m oriented to person, place and time.

Follow my finger, using just your eyes, Danielle ordered. Kenneth obeyed. Danielle looked in his eyes with a penlight.

Any dizziness? Lightheadedness? Double vision?

No, Kenneth confirmed. I have a headache, but just from banging my head on the ice. I don’t know how to describe the difference, but there is one; it’s an outside ache, if you know what I mean; not an inside one.

Danielle nodded. I don’t think you have a concussion, she concluded. The doctor will no doubt want to do further tests—you gave yourself quite a crack from all accounts and you’re developing a monster of a shiner. But I’m going to tentatively give you a clean bill of health on that regard. Tony will be back in just a couple of minutes. Then we’ll let the nurse know that you’re ready to go to Radiology.

Kenneth didn’t answer right away. I won’t go anywhere until I know about Joyce, he reminded her finally.

That’s what we agreed to, she verified. But we can’t give you any pain medication until you’ve had the x-rays taken.

Don’t you understand? Kenneth looked almost frantic. She’s my wife! And she’s pregnant with my child. I have to know if she’s all right.

Outside the room there were voices, loud ones. He’s my brother! a familiar voice was shouting. Damn it, let me in!

Danielle looked at Kenneth. Is he talking about you? she asked.

Kenneth nodded. The American accent gave it away, huh?

Danielle pulled back the privacy curtain and motioned. Josh almost exploded into the room. Ken, are you all right? Where’s Joyce? What’s going on?

Kenneth gave a brief explanation of the events leading up to their transport to the hospital. I don’t know where Joyce is, he fretted. Someone went to find out but he hasn’t come back yet.

Since your brother is here, Danielle broke in, I’ll go follow up with Tony and find out what’s happening. He can stay with you.

Jillian—my wife—will be here shortly, Josh explained. She had to find a child-minder for our twins. He turned to Kenneth. Maggie and Jasper were on their way over—Jillian will be on her way as soon as they arrive.

I’ll let the front desk know to let her come back, Danielle promised. American, is she?

Jillian’s English, Josh and Kenneth said in unison.

Danielle nodded. I’ll be back shortly, she promised. She left.

Luke called me, Josh explained. He sat down in a chair next to the stretcher. All he said was that both you and Joyce were hurt and that you were being brought by ambulance here. What happened?

Kenneth’s face hardened at the mention of Luke. He explained the circumstances that led to their being there. They’re pretty sure my leg is broken, and I have no reason to doubt it. It hurts like a son of a bitch. They’ve tentatively ruled out a concussion but I’m given to understand that I have a black eye.

Josh grinned. I haven’t seen an eye that black since Russ fought Larry Tanner over Joannie Hopkins in the sixth grade.

Involuntarily Kenneth grinned too, reminiscently. Then he sobered. Other than that, I’m not badly hurt. I feel a bit bruised and battered, but that’s all. Joyce, though—she was unconscious, and Josh, she was bleeding heavily… His voice caught in his throat and he couldn’t continue.

Josh put his hand on the younger man’s arm. We’ll know about Joyce shortly, he reminded him. What do you want to do about Luke?

I can’t think about that right now, Kenneth said tightly. But if anything happens to Joyce, he’s a dead man.

Josh nodded. I understand, he agreed. I’ll help with whatever you need.

I can’t stand this, Kenneth whispered after a few minutes. She’s got to be all right.

Danielle came in just then with an older man who introduced himself as Dr. Petrie. I have the information you requested about your wife’s condition, he said solemnly. As he began to describe it, Kenneth began to shake uncontrollably. Josh touched the back of his hand to Kenneth’s cheek and held up a hand to stop the doctor’s explanation. He’s ice cold, he told him. I think he’s going into shock.

Instantly both Dr. Petrie and Danielle sprang into action. Within just a few minutes Kenneth was lying flat on the stretcher with his feet raised on pillows, a blanket draped over him and his clothing loosened. After taking his pulse and finding it weak and thready, Danielle rubbed his wrists while Josh affectionately stroked his foster brother’s hair.

Take it easy, little brother, he said softly. Take it easy. We’ll get you through this. I know it’s hard, but we’ll be with you. You had my back for all these years—I’ll have your back now. I’ll call the folks and Joyce’s parents for you, shall I? Or would you rather I wait till Jillian gets here?

Kenneth was unresponsive at first. Then, slowly a hint of color came back into his face and he struggled to sit up.

Stay still, Danielle told him. We’ll leave you alone with your brother for a few minutes and then, my friend, you are going to Radiology whether you like it or not.

Kenneth didn’t argue. Dr. Petrie and Danielle quietly left the room.

Are you all right? Josh asked urgently.

Kenneth didn’t answer.

Joyce, he murmured brokenly. Oh, Joyce.

What are you doing here? I thought you were going out with Kenneth.

I started, not having seen my mother come in. He’s late, I explained, turning briefly to speak and then turning back to the window again.

Kenneth is late? Ruth sat down in a big overstuffed armchair. Has that ever happened before, in all the years you’ve been together?

Not very often, not without him calling. Once more I turned away from the window but this time came over and sat down on the couch.  Kenneth is normally always on time for everything. Something he was doing for his family must have delayed him. Or he got held up at school—he had an appointment with his advisor today. I’m not sure which I hope it is.

  That would be like Kenneth, who was always willing to put aside  his own affairs and run errands for the rest of his close-knit family. It was commendable, that he was so willing to do that. It was just a bit frustrating that the one time I had exciting news to share with him, was also the one time he was late. I hoped nothing had happened to any of his family—they’d had enough pain.

Have you heard anything about Josh and Jillian? How are they doing? Ruth smiled in memory. They’ve been married a few months now, haven’t they?

They were married on New Year’s Eve, I reminded her. Oh, Mom, it was such a pretty wedding. I want a church wedding—they got married at the first venue that was available after Josh’s visa was issued, and that was a luxury hotel. But it was so beautiful and I was so pleased that Jillian wanted me as a bridesmaid. They’ve found a flat and are having the furniture Josh has stored here shipped over. Jillian’s having a wonderful time decorating and finding antiques.

I loved Kenneth’s family. I knew I was already considered a member of the family, and had been even before  Kenneth and I had been officially engaged. We’d considered ourselves best friends as small children, and neither of us had ever dated anyone else. The Ferguson side of the family, Kenneth’s mother’s side,  was always quick to adopt the significant others of the children. Part of this was just because they were all like that, I knew, but part of it had another significance.

For the first thirteen years of Kenneth’s life, he had an idyllic family. He had his parents, Deborah and Scott, and his older sister Lynne; his aunt Beth, his mother’s twin sister, with her husband Dan and their children Josh and Janey; and his Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Stan and their children Russ and Miranda.  But then, his aunt Beth, uncle Dan, and his cousin Janey were all killed in a horrific car accident when a drunk driver ran into their car. The sole survivor of the accident, sixteen-year-old Josh, had come to live with Kenneth and his family. Josh, traumatized by the loss of his parents and sister and with an injury to his leg that would cause him to limp for the rest of his life, had needed much of Kenneth’s parents’ attention, and Kenneth, the baby of the family, had resented that. But as time went on they had become much closer, as close as brothers, and in fact referred to each other in those terms. Recently Josh had married a British girl and gone to live in London, and though I knew Kenneth was glad for their happiness, he still mourned the absence of his beloved older brother and the new sister in law he had come to love.

Kenneth arrived about ten minutes later, grinning sheepishly. I’m so sorry, babe, he said, kissing me lightly. Josh called just before I was ready to leave, and I waited to hear what the news was.

What is the news? I inquired lightly, leaning against him as we stood by the door, reveling in the feel of his arms around me. We never seemed to get enough alone time anymore.

We’ll be seeing them next week, he reported, rubbing his cheek against my hair. They’re going to be able to come to Amanda’s wedding after all.

Wonderful! I commented. I’ve missed them.

Me too. Kenneth kissed my forehead. Come on, babe. It’s entirely my fault, but we’re late for our reservation.

We have a reservation? I exclaimed in surprise, taking the few steps to the hook where my coat was hung. I thought we were just going to Satuit, like we usually do. Since when do we need a reservation there?

Kenneth shook his head, taking the coat from me and helping me into it. We’re not going to Satuit tonight. You’ll find out why when we get there, he promised, leading me down the steps and out the door, where his little red Honda Civic waited.

He refused to tell me anything more about where we were going as we drove up Rte.  3A into Hingham, nor would he let me tell him my news. Later, he said firmly. Chattering aimlessly about nothing, which was quite unlike quiet Kenneth, he parked the car, helped me out and, holding my hand, led me into a well-known, high priced steakhouse.

Kenneth! I gasped. We can’t afford this!

We can tonight, he insisted, following the maître d to the table he had reserved. He seated me and took his seat across the table. This is a special occasion, even if you don’t know it yet.

I smiled at him. What’s special about it? Tell me.

Not yet. Let’s order first; then I’ll tell you. His dark eyes twinkled at me.

When our orders had been taken, Kenneth took a deep breath and got up. It’s official, he pronounced. I’ve known I was in the running, but they told me officially today. I’m being awarded the Anderson-Grey award for my final project design.

I knew it would! I exclaimed. I’m so proud of you. This was an award offered by the school he attended for exceptional merit. I reached across the table and took his hand.

The school has resources to help me find an internship for after graduation, Kenneth said. By the time we’re married in September, I should be able to support us.

I hesitated. I have some news for you, too, I confessed.  I thought it was good news, but now I’m not so sure. Kenneth—I was accepted to the course in London for next year. With a scholarship. I have to be in London by the second week of September.

The light in Kenneth’s eyes faded for just a second, then returned. That’s wonderful! he exclaimed, and it didn’t sound at all forced. I’m so proud of you, babe. You deserve it. This is something you want, and I want it for you. We’ll just have to amend our plans a little, that’s all.

He stopped for a moment as the waiter brought the wine he had ordered. Kenneth tasted it, approved it, and waited while the waiter poured it. We were planning to be married the first weekend in September, he pointed out. We can still do that, don’t you think? Exactly what day do you need to be there?

The 12th, I said. I was thinking of that. With our wedding date on the 3rd we could honeymoon in England or Scotland and be ready for me to start school on the 12th.

Maybe we could, Kenneth said gently. I’ll start looking into my options. Maybe I could get a job in London. Does your scholarship include living expenses?

A small amount, I answered. I was going to ask you, do you think Josh and Jillian would let us rent a room from them?

No, Kenneth said firmly, sitting back a bit in his chair as the waiter placed his appetizer in front of him.

I could feel my face falling. You don’t think they’d let us stay with them?  Do they not have enough room? I picked up a spoon, but only played with it instead of taking a bite of my soup.

That isn’t what I said at all, Kenneth teased, his dark eyes twinkling. "I said they won’t rent us a room. But they’d let us stay with them for no rent. Assuming we can work it out so that I can go and we don’t have to postpone our marriage."

Do you want me to turn it down? I asked, a little sadly.

Absolutely not. Kenneth was firm on that point. You worked hard to get that offer and that scholarship. You deserve it and you should take it. The worst case scenario is that I fly back and forth whenever I have a break and we get married next year instead of this year. He reached across the table and took her hand. But I hope we can find a way to manage it so that I can go with you. Even if it means taking a year off before I start my internship.

After a long conversation with the London Whittakers, it was agreed that the best solution was for Kenneth to apply for entry to the UK as my dependent on my student visa. Kenneth and I agreed to accept a loan from Josh to boost our finances to a level the UK Border Agency would want to see. We would stay with the them for their time in London, and Josh would bring the loan paperwork with him when they arrived for Amanda’s wedding the following week.

A broken pipe, an overdue furniture delivery and a cancelled flight all combined to delay Josh and Jillian’s arrival for almost forty-eight hours. As a result they arrived less than an hour before the wedding rehearsal, and the wedding was over before Kenneth and I, along with several other members of the family had a chance to sit down in the Aldrich’s living room and catch up with them.

It wasn’t our pipe that broke, thank goodness, Jillian explained, relaxing back on the couch with Josh’s arm around her shoulders. It was our upstairs neighbor’s. But there was water all over creation; we’re going to have to have the living room re-carpeted and both the living room and kitchen repainted, particularly the ceilings. I just couldn’t leave  Mrs. Simmons with that mess.

Not that I was going to let her do any of the cleanup, not a bitty little thing like her, Josh added.

You shouldn’t be doing heavy work either, Jillian scolded, leaning into his shoulder.

I may have a bum leg, but I can still push a mop around, Josh growled, putting his cheek against her hair.

Who is Mrs. Simmons? my mother asked, picking up her tea cup and sipping lightly. Mrs. Aldrich offered the pot around; Jillian, Josh and Mr. Aldrich all accepted.

Mrs. Simmons is our daily, Josh explained. She comes in and does the heavy housework three times a week.

She’s a dear, Jillian continued. It’s almost like having a grandmother around. Thanks, Aunt Debbie.

Then, we’d no sooner gotten the water cleaned up then we got the call that the furniture was ready to be delivered. They’d only promised it three weeks ago, Josh went on.

I’m grateful now that they were late, Jillian pointed out. I’d have hated to have those beautiful pieces that belonged to your parents damaged by the water.

Josh conceded the point.

Then, when we’d changed our flight twice and finally got out to the airport, the one we’d ended up on was cancelled due to bad weather on the Continent, Jillian laughed. I didn’t think we were ever going to get here!

I’m glad you did, I said, smiling at them.

So, what are your plans? Josh addressed Kenneth and me. I’ve got the paperwork I promised you for a local bank account; it’s at the same bank where Jillian and I have our household accounts. Are you planning to be married before or after your year in London?

Before, we said in unison. We looked at each other and grinned sheepishly. I continued, We don’t want a big wedding. We’ve been waiting so long already—we’ve been engaged almost two years. Our original plan had been to marry next month, the June after our graduations, but my mother had been so certain we wouldn’t be able to plan a wedding while we were still in school that we’d eventually caved and postponed it.

Jillian’s face fell. I’ve been trying to avoid saying this, she admitted. But I don’t think I’ll be able to be here.

Why not? I cried. I want you as my matron of honor, and I know Kenneth wants Josh to be his best man.

Because… Jillian stood up and pulled her full skirt close to her body. Her  slight bump was clearly visible when looked at from that perspective. There was a general outcry.

We wanted to hold off telling everyone until I got through my first trimester, Jillian explained. Then when I’d reached that point we realized we might be able to make the wedding and thought it would be fun to surprise you. I’m about eighteen or nineteen weeks and…it’s twins.

There was another outcry.

But that means you’re due in late September, early October, Mrs. Aldrich calculated. She shook her head. No, there’s no possible way you’ll be able to fly to Boston for an early September wedding.

Josh looked disappointed also. Jillian’s right. Much as I want to be your best man, Kenneth, I can’t leave her that soon before the babies come.

Damn! Kenneth swore. I’m sorry, you two, I’m pleased as Punch for you on your news, but I really wanted you to be in the wedding.

I stopped myself from pouting. We can’t get married without you, I promised. Maybe we could get married in London?

You could, Josh cautioned, but there’s a lot of paperwork to that.

Mr. Aldrich was thinking. I know Kenneth is finished with classes. What about you, Joyce?

I had my final, final on Thursday, I giggled.

You both want a small wedding, you said? Mr. Aldrich asked us.

I nodded.  I only want my family and close friends. Jillian for my matron of honor.

How many people are we talking about?

Kenneth caught on first. Your family all lives locally, babe, he pointed out.

I nodded. There’s my grandparents, of course, and my Uncle David, Aunt Janet and cousins Abby and Peter; Uncle Art and Aunt Kim and Amy and Carol. Then I need to have Susannah, Vickie and Alice, and one or two other girls from my class. Lori and Adam Munroe and the kids. And your family.

I want as many members of the Ferguson, Aldrich and Whittaker families as I can get, Kenneth took over. Other than that, my friends Ben and Harry.

So, fifty or sixty people, total? Mr. Aldrich summed up.

Kenneth and I looked at each other and nodded.

Mr. Aldrich looked satisfied. For the moment, let’s assume that a suitable venue could be found. What else would you need to have the wedding of your dreams, Joyce my dear?

Mom suddenly realized what he was getting at. But we couldn’t possibly put a wedding together as fast as you’re suggesting!

Kenneth went over to her, went down on one knee and took both her hands in his. Mrs. Ryan….

Ruth, dear. After all this time, Ruth.

Mom Ryan… Kenneth compromised. I can’t tell you how much I want Josh and Jillian to be at our wedding. But I want Joyce to have exactly the wedding she wants, and if we can’t do that before they have to leave, we’ll find another way to manage. He offered her his most charming smile.

She smiled back at him. The irony was not lost on any of us; we’d have been planning a wedding for the following month if not for Mom’s objections. All right, she agreed. We’ll at least see if it’s possible. What do you want in a wedding, Joyce?

Jillian, Susannah, Alice and Vickie as bridesmaids. Rachel if she can, but she probably can’t after just finishing Amanda’s wedding. I know Mr. Aldrich said not to think about venue yet, but I’d really like to be married in our church, I said thoughtfully. I’d need a dress, shoes, flowers…

Rings, her mother added firmly.

Music, Kenneth said. I have some ideas for that already.

What else? Mr. Aldrich persisted.

Invitations? It was Mrs. Aldrich’s offering.

Shall we at least investigate whether we can do this? Mr. Aldrich inquired.

Should we at least ask the bride and groom if this is what they want to do? Josh teased, laughing from his corner.

I’m sure it was quite clear by our faces that we were both quite happy at the idea of being married so soon, though. This was even earlier than our first plan.

Josh? Jillian? How long are you able to stay? Mr. Aldrich wanted to know.

We can stay a week, at least, Jillian said. We might be able to stretch it to ten days or so; we didn’t know if Kenneth and Joyce were planning to attend their graduations and we wanted to be here for that if they were. But not much beyond that. We have still yet another wedding to go to; my best friend Pamela and her fiancé are getting married the second week of June and we promised to stand up for them.

Today’s Saturday, Kenneth mused. Would it be possible to have it a week from today?

Mr. Aldrich, clearly in charge of the project, handed out assignments. Let’s all of us meet back here for dinner on Monday and see where we stand. We won’t make a final decision until then.

So, where do we stand? Mr. Aldrich asked at dinner Monday night.

My parents, Kenneth’s parents, Josh and Jillian, and Kenneth and I all looked around the table at each other.

Joyce and I applied for our marriage license this morning, Kenneth announced. We can pick it up Thursday. It’s good for ninety days so even if we decide against Saturday, we can still be married before we leave for London.

The church is available as long as we have the ceremony early in the day, I  reported. There’s another wedding there at 7:00, so we have to be out early enough for them to set up, but I said we could be out by 3:00. The pastor suggested we have our ceremony at 1:00.

Ruth and I talked to a number of restaurants and caterers, Kenneth’s mom continued the reports. Even at short notice, we have two or three different options for a rehearsal dinner and a reception, since both are likely to be small. We can decide which options we want to elect when we know exactly what we’re doing.

Don’t forget about me, Jillian reminded them. This is what I do for a living—or will be. Jillian was in the process of starting her own event planning service back in London.

Jillian, you can’t put together a rehearsal dinner and a reception with less than a week’s notice! Mom gasped.

Watch me. Jillian’s smile obliterated any suggestion of disrespect. I can make chicken salad, a big Caesar salad, a whole lot of starters…

Josh put a hand over hers. Let’s wait to plan the menu, angel. We’ve still got a lot to cover. She smiled at him.

I forgot to mention, I chimed in. I took a few extra minutes on my way to work this afternoon and went to that bridal shop in Norwell. I saw several dresses that I’d be perfectly pleased with as wedding dresses, and I saw one dress that I’d love Jillian to wear as my matron of honor, if she likes it.

If you would trust me to decorate, Jillian said a bit diffidently, I have a few ideas that I think would look lovely, and which wouldn’t take long at all to take back down again afterwards.

Of course I would, I assured her. Mrs. Aldrich nodded.

If you’re sure you can do that and the catering both, she cautioned.

Jillian made a cross-my-heart gesture. The decorating I have in mind won’t take long at all, I promise, but it will look lovely.

Then I called my relatives and everyone I want to be there, can come on Saturday, I finalized my own report. Well, except my cousin Carol but she’s going to school in Italy and won’t be home until July.

Kenneth added his agreement. I promised to send e-tickets to Grandma and Grandpa Aldrich. They don’t have a lot of money for last minute tickets from Chicago.

Mr. Aldrich nodded. That was very nice of you, son. I’ll contribute to that.

So will I, Josh added. I had a word with Stephen yesterday—he offered to video the ceremony for you.

That would be wonderful! Kenneth accepted. Doug said he’d take still shots.

What else do we need? Mr. Aldrich looked around the table.

Flowers, music? It was Mrs. Aldrich.

"I took