Wedding Woes

By Marcia Dove

Wedding Woes - Long Version

After the death of her mother, Professor Maggie McManus accepts a hospitality instructor position at Panhandle State University, River Town, Florida. Growing up in a small sidewalk community in Massachusetts, doors were left unlocked, and children were free to walk to school and the library unsupervised. She quickly learns small communities are not created equal. Experiencing bullying firsthand, she discovers there are many misguided people on campus. A product of their small-town upbringing, consumed with hatred and bigotry, they became evil enough to kill.

The past six months were likened to an out-of-control roller coaster ride. At the peak of Maggie's ride is her recent engagement to hotel manager Trip Evans. The downside of the ride— Maggie and her finance, Trip Evans, should be planning their wedding when a PSU employee is shot at the River Town Hotel. Trip, a potential witness, is targeted next. When Maggie receives a threatening note, she and Trip, in fear of their lives, go into hiding. They know from experience they can't rely on Detectives Callahan and Barker to catch the killer. Things must change in River Town if they are ever going back.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350951219

Marcia Dove

Marcia Dove – Author of Maggie McManus Murder Mysteries, Fatal Field Trip, Campus Casualty and Wedding Woes Marcia resides in On Top of the World, Ocala, FL, with her three spoiled ginger cats, Freddie, Cupcake, and Pumpkin. She has three grown children and four adult grandchildren scattered around the country, actively pursuing their diverse interests. She spent over thirty years climbing the hospitality ladder, advancing to general manager for a hotel and conference center. Marcia earned an MBA in International Hotel and Tourism Management from Schiller International University, Dunedin, FL, in 2004. She commenced teaching hospitality courses at Schiller and the University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, and Gulf Coast State College, Panama City, FL, and retiring in 2023. Her interests include travel. She and her late husband, Bill, took a five-year sojourn RVing full-time through forty-five states. They also cruised to many ports of call worldwide. She says, "Singapore and New Zealand were, by far, her favorites."

Book preview

Chapter One

Saturday morning, I sat watching the flickering flames from the fireplace, enjoying my morning coffee and reflecting on my move to River Town, Florida. The past six months have been like an out-of-control roller coaster ride. At the peak of my ride is my recent engagement to hotel manager Trip Evans. I dearly love this handsome, kindhearted man with his quirky smile and hazel-brown eyes. The downside of the ride— regretfully, I have experienced bullying firsthand, and worse, I learned there were many misguided people on campus so consumed with hatred and bigotry that they became evil enough to kill.

The college is on a well-needed semester break, providing a welcome relief from all the campus drama. I’m not naïve enough to believe that just because the murderers were finally caught, the problems are solved. I have no idea what to expect going into my second semester at Panhandle State University (PSU) or where life’s roller-coaster ride will take me next.

Right now, I am in need of a walk around the neighborhood. It is time to get off the couch and get ready for the day. Dressing in a purple and white jogging suit, I lifted my curly auburn hair into a ponytail and slipped into my Skechers walking shoes.

Opening the front door, I quickly learned as I walked past my neighbor’s houses that they had been busy decorating for the holiday —wreaths of all shapes and sizes adorned front doors, complimented by colorful lighted hedges.  Some of the neighbors have invested in Nativity scenes, while the more gregarious run the gamut with blown-up Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and even the evil Grinch.

Peeking at the lighted Christmas trees, visible through many of the windows, is a glaring reminder that I am one of the last holdouts. I need to get a grip, shake off my melancholy, and invite the Christmas Spirit into my home.

My procrastination is fear-based. This Christmas is my first one without Mom, and I worry that looking through the boxes of Mom’s decorations, representing our Christmases together, might send me into a meltdown, back down the rabbit hole of depression that it took me so long to climb out of.

I hadn’t worn a jacket, and it was cold out today. Glad to be home from my walk, I left my shoes by the front door and went into the kitchen to fix a bowl of instant cinnamon raisin oatmeal and a cup of coffee. Setting my breakfast on the dining room table, I turned on the TV, which is always a breath-holding moment; murders have been a significant source of local news over the last six months in River Town.

Well, thankfully, today, there are only traffic concerns and a lost dog. Finishing my oatmeal, I shut off the TV, put my dishes in the dishwasher, and wandered into the bedroom to change from walking gear into black slacks and a long-sleeved green sweater. It’s time to decorate my house.

Opening the door to the garage, I pensively eyed the boxes of Christmas decorations stacked three high along one wall in the garage. Starting with the front porch will help me blend into my neighborhood, making my neighbors happy. Searching through a tall box labeled wreaths, I selected a round evergreen with pine cones and berries. The lighted wreath boasted a broad red and green plaid bow with a small bell in the center that would tinkle a welcoming greeting to arriving visitors. I hung the wreath in the center of the front door of my bungalow and went in search of garland.

Thank goodness, after so many years of packing and unpacking decorations, I learned to label everything. From the box labeled lights/garland, I selected two long strands of lights encased in greens and wrapped them around the porch railings, plugging them into the porch outlet to make sure they worked; sweet success. My exterior decorations are sparse compared to my neighbors, but this year, I am okay with that.

Dragging the awkward Christmas Tree box from the garage into the living room, I managed to pull the tree out of the box and slide it in place between the fireplace and the living room window.  I located several strands of white lights to wrap around the tree and a strand of lighted garland to encase the fireplace mantle.

Mom was also an organizer; she, too, labeled her Christmas boxes, taking the challenge out of my locating our Christmas stockings. I hung the well-loved red stockings with our names embroidered on them from the fireplace mantle. Mom’s stocking is being passed on to her namesake, my cat, Lily.

I don’t feel emotionally up to looking through the rest of Mom’s Christmas boxes right now. Bringing in the cartons of decorations I had used for years in my own homes, I unwrapped the ornaments and arranged them on the tree, gently placing the lighted angel Mom had given me on the top. Plugging in the tree and fireplace mantle lights, I stood back to admire the full effect. A sense of calm washed over me as I felt my mother’s presence.

Chapter Two

Like many other communities around the country, the day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas season in River Town. The holiday spirit is apparent everywhere, from the Welcome to River Town sign at the town’s entrance decorated with evergreens and sprigs of holly to the old-fashioned lampposts that light up Main Street, encircled with evergreens and red bows. Storefront windows are craftily decorated with the intention of showcasing seasonal wares, enticing residents to come inside.

After decorating my home, I was caught up in the Christmas spirit and decided to check out the decorations and window displays of the eclectic shops on the boardwalk at the local marina, treating myself to lunch at the River Front Restaurant. Trip Evans, my fiancé, and I love their seafood, and it has become one of our favorite casual dining spots.

***

The marina’s boardwalk stretches along the riverfront of the Deep Black River. I checked out a few of the charming shops on the boardwalk but decided to come back to see the full effect when they are lit up at night.

The marina offers docking space for the boats of local fishermen and pleasure craft belonging to River Town’s affluent. Today was unseasonably windy and cold for the Panhandle of Florida, and it is always chilly on the water. Grateful I was wrapped in a warm seasonal jacket, I strolled along the riverfront, admiring the fishing boats being decorated for Monday evening’s boat parade. Trip and I are looking forward to watching this annual event for the first time.

I heard tell that some people go to extremes for that grand prize and, of course, the recognition— covering every square inch of their boats with colored lights, mounting Christmas trees aglow with strands of bright bulbs, and gleaming ornaments on the bow. The gregarious boat owners dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, with their little elves, will be smiling and waving at the bystanders on the boardwalk as they slowly motor their boats past the judges for inspection.

I stepped inside the River Front Restaurant, glad to be out of the wind. The restaurant wasn’t busy today, and I was handed a menu and seated at a water-view table as soon as I arrived. I had been craving New England Clam Chowder and was happy to see it was still on the menu. I gave my smiling waitress, Becky, my order, and Becky promptly returned with a steaming cup of coffee and rolls.  I settled in to await the rest of my meal.

Thoughtfully stirring the cream and sweetener into my coffee, my mind wandered back to last evening when we picked out my engagement ring. Staring at my sparkling diamond, I still couldn’t believe my good fortune in finally finding a life partner. Our relationship has gone through some rocky times—primarily the result of interference from others or the inability of the River Town Police Department to conduct proper investigations. My first semester teaching at PSU was challenging enough without solving murders for the town’s bumbling detectives. I took a sip of coffee and buttered a roll.

I knew that Trip was as excited as I was about our June wedding plans and was on board with my dream of having a formal wedding. We plan to hold our reception in the ballroom of the River Town Hotel and Conference Center. As the hotel manager, Trip has a vested interest from a business standpoint. Our wedding will be a perfect opportunity to showcase the hotel to River Town’s cultivated and corporate decision-makers.

Becky returned with a large bowl of chowder, refreshed my coffee, and dropped off my check. The creamy chowder was a perfect choice for a crisp fall day. I slowly savored every delicious spoonful. Leaving a tip on the table, I paid my bill at the register.

I had one more stop to make before heading home. The Davis family is throwing a birthday party for Trip this evening. I had ordered a large sheet cake from The River Town Bakery, telling them it was for a hotel manager. I couldn’t wait to see what they came up with.

The bakery was busy, and I got in line. It didn’t take long before it was my turn, and the cashier went in search of my cake. I can see why The River Town Bakery has an excellent reputation. The cake was decorated as a replica of the River Town Hotel, with intricate, colorful, iced flowers lining a walkway to the front door of the hotel. A male figurine in a tuxedo was placed at the glistening frosted hotel entrance.

Grinning from ear to ear at the cashier, I said, Please tell the baker I love the cake; it’s creative and just perfect.  How astute of the baker to figure out it was for the manager of the River Town Hotel. I paid the bill and carefully carried the cake to the car. I swung by the Davis house, left the cake with Jennifer, and headed home. I was surprised Jennifer hadn’t noticed my engagement ring; not much usually gets past her.

Chapter Three

Waiting for Trip on the front porch swing, decked out in a sweet little mid-length red plaid dress with a matching jacket, I glanced inside my locket at my mother’s picture. I love you, Mom, I whispered, I sure wish you and Trip could have met. You would have loved him.

None of our friends, with one exception, attorney Flanagan, knows about Trip buying me an engagement ring. We plan to announce our engagement this evening at the birthday party. Mom would be so happy knowing I was getting married.

We called Trip’s parents with our good news yesterday. Our engagement should have been a big deal for them, but it was quickly overshadowed by the news of Trip’s ex-wife, Sissy, and her daughter’s automobile accident. Trip’s father, Clarence, dropped a bombshell telling us Sissy planned to move into their house after being discharged from the hospital.

Sissy’s newest attempted manipulative move was infuriating. Ensuring that Sissy could no longer control Trip’s parents was paramount. Trip had called his friend, attorney Bart Flanagan, last evening to see what he could do. I was anxious to hear what had transpired.

Trip was in a cheerful mood when he arrived to pick me up; I soon learned why. Carefully recounting his conversation with attorney Flanagan, Trip began, Bart confirmed that Sissy had been in an automobile accident, and Abigail’s worrisome bruises were caused by her being thrown from an improperly locked car seat. Bart also spoke with Abigail’s father, Robert Mitchell. Robert said, ‘I did not divorce her because she was pregnant. I have been faithfully paying alimony and child support. Sissy is in default of our visitation arrangement, blatantly disregarding the court’s orders. Her parents are disgusted with Sissy and refuse to watch Abigail until she gets a job.’

Wow, pretty clear since Sissy has very little money of her own, she has been using your parents, hoping to work her way into your inheritance.

"Yes, it is. Bart called my parents, telling them what Abigail’s father had said about Sissy and that he had filed for a restraining order to prevent her from continuing to disturb them.

Dad called me after he talked to Bart, saying ‘putting distance between them and Sissy was the best option. They have decided to move to River Town to be closer to us. They are listing their house with a realtor today.’

Did you tell them that Jennifer could help them find a house?

No, please remind me to ask Jennifer to call them. I am relieved Bart resolved this issue so quickly. Peace of mind is worth a lot.

***

Todd Davis greeted us at the front door, and we followed him into the kitchen. The party was to start at six, but the Davis clan had already arrived. While Todd was pouring Trip and me a glass of wine, the Davis family members approached us one at a time, enclosing us in hugs and wishing Trip a happy birthday.

We are expecting twenty-five guests for your birthday celebration, Trip, Jennifer said. Beaming, Trip announced, Jennifer, you are so thoughtful. I appreciate the birthday party, and there is more to celebrate this evening; Maggie and I got engaged.

Jennifer picked up my hand, examining my ring, Oh my gosh, Maggie, it is beautiful. As soon as everyone gets here, we will have a double toast.

We took a seat at the kitchen bar. The rest of the guests trickled in while we were chatting with Mayor Scott and his wife, Clara,

Todd lined up the flutes on the bar, filling them with champagne while Jennifer rounded up the guests. Todd and Trip handed out the flutes, and Jennifer, poised with her glass raised, offered a simple toast, Happy forty-first Birthday, Trip, wishing you many more to come. Concluding with, Hold the cheers; Trip has an announcement to make.

Smiling lovingly down at me, Trip picked up my hand, I am delighted to tell you that Maggie McManus has agreed to marry me. We picked out her engagement ring yesterday.

Clinking glasses and congratulations resounded throughout the room.

The first well-wishers were Tim and Corrine Swank. Congratulations, Tim said, Have you two picked a date for the wedding, and are you planning a church wedding?

I looked at Trip, and he nodded for me to respond. We are hoping for a June wedding and will be looking into the Presbyterian Church.

Good, we will meet you two tomorrow at the Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. We have been members for years.

Corrine chimed in, And by the way, you shouldn’t miss the Christmas Eve service. We are having a small get-together after the service and would love for you to come.

I looked at Trip for confirmation, and he said, We will be there unless something unexpected happens at the hotel.

Corrine gave us a bright smile, saying, Wonderful; I will provide you with the details tomorrow.

Jennifer began directing guests to the dining room with instructions to collect their plates and silverware from the sideboard and to help themselves to the food on the dining room table. Trip and I lined up with the other guests, filling our dishes with a magnificent spread—an antipasto, a mixed green salad, Italian bread, and lasagna. After everyone had found seats, Todd appeared carrying a tray of white and red wines.

Sitting at the kitchen table next to Todd, Jennifer, Clara, and the mayor, I listened intently to Jennifer telling our table mates she had been to Dress for Success and was impressed with Ann’s transformation.  Clara offered, While I am a stay-at-home mom, I still attend lots of events. I am excited to see what changes Ann has made.

I was happy to hear all this and said, I plan on going over on Monday. I can’t wait to check it out.

Jennifer and Todd had hosting large groups down to a science and had no problem accepting help from their guests, who were already bringing their dirty dishes to the kitchen. Jennifer and I replaced the leftover food from the buffet with the birthday cake.

I was glad I ordered such a large sheet cake and remembered to take a picture of the cake before Trip appeared. Jennifer lit the candles, and the guests rallied around him, singing Happy Birthday.  Trip blew out the candles; I wondered what he wished for but knew it was bad luck to ask. Jennifer cut the cake, and the guests lined up for dessert.

Trip and I took our cake and coffee back to the kitchen table. When Jennifer finally joined us, Trip told her that his parents wanted to move to River Town and asked her to call them. Jennifer said she would call them on Monday to discuss their plans. 

The party broke up shortly after nine, a long, event-filled day for both of us. We were anxious to get home. Trip walked me to the front door, kissed me goodnight, and said he would pick me up at 9:30 for church.

Chapter Four

I was up early, excited to meet Tim and Corrine at the Presbyterian Church. Attending our first church service together began our commitment to resuming the church life we both had experienced for many years—the foundation for our marriage and, hopefully, for a family if we were so lucky.

The Presbyterian Church, established in 1876, is one of the oldest churches in River Town and a landmark in the downtown historic district. We pulled into the parking lot, admiring the brick-faced facade of this glorious old church—a series of steps leading up to the double front doors were wide open, welcoming today’s worshippers.

As we approached the front door, a smiling church member extended his hand in greeting, presenting us with a church bulletin, the order of service. Tim and Corrine were waiting for us in the vestibule. We were guided to our seats, and I sat looking around. The church was small, in keeping with the size of the community when the church was built. Magnificent stained-glass windows depicted bible stories, reminding me of the beauty of God’s creation– the world and its people.

The beautiful sanctuary at the front of the church was reminiscent of other churches I had attended. The church organist was seated at a pipe organ behind the pulpit. Glancing at my bulletin, I found the pastor’s name on the cover, Reverend Dr. Robert Norton.

A few minutes before the service was to begin, the organist commenced playing the prelude.  Pastor Norton and the choir solemnly proceeded into the sanctuary and took their places. The bells tolled the hour, and Pastor Norton asked the congregation to stand and sing the first hymn in our bulletin.

Opening my hymnal, I recognized the song For the Beauty of the Earth by Thomas Newman, one of my old favorites. I was pleased to hear Trip’s lilting voice resounding next to me.

Reverend Norton’s sermon, The Meaning of Christmas, contained a thought-provoking message laced with a bit of humor about not being a Scrooge but being mindful of the holiday’s over-commercialization. After standing for the final hymn and the benediction, we made our way to the back of the church.

The hour passed almost too quickly. We stood in line with Tim and Corrine to meet Reverend Norton. Shaking my hand as Tim introduced us, the pastor welcomed us, saying, "Thank you for visiting; I