“Did you bring your red dress?” asked Trevor. “Men like women in red.”
Sandra swatted him. “Beware, Angie; You have a tough job ahead of you keeping this man in line. I’d gladly surrender my wooden spoon, if you like?” She turned and walked from the office.
Angie had opened her home, the part of the Inn where she’d grown up, to her new mother-in-law. It freed up the paid rooms for guests and for Sandra, it added a personal touch of family that she’d missed so much since Braxton died. Once inside her room, she headed for the closet. She frowned when she saw the dress in question. It wasn’t red – it was burgundy, an A-line design that camouflaged the bad areas and accented the good. She usually wore a fancy lace shawl over it and it hung there to taunt her. Should she dress up? She’d brought the gown in case some pre-wedding event called for it and determined that this evening fit the category. She withdrew the dress and tossed it on the bed. Trevor was a man – even if he were her son – so if the dress was memorable enough for him to suggest, she’d wear it. Sandra headed for the shower; decision made.
An hour later she emerged from her bedroom ready to go. Robert was calling on her proper, like a real date, and for the next ten minutes she paced the floor. Angie popped into the apartment and exclaimed.
“Sandra, you are gorgeous. Robert won’t know what hit him when he comes to pick you up.”
“Feel a tad foolish. All this fuss just to eat.”
Angie hugged the woman. “Mm, and you smell good too.”
“Don’t go reading anything into it. Dressed up because you said the place expected such nonsense.”
“Sammy will drive you and Robert to the restaurant,” Angie said. “Can’t have you both walking to town in your finery. When you’re ready to come home, just text us and we’ll send him back.”
“Oh, Angie. I feel so selfish. This is your time, and here I am sidetracking from our main goal. Two weeks will fly so fast and maybe we won’t be ready for the wedding.”
“It’s one night. And Mr. Fredrick’s said you earned every inch of pampering with all the work you two got done today.”
“I hope you like the place we picked by the beach. The decorations we brainstormed will make the whole area appear heavenly.”
Angie laughed. “I love the water. Even considered once having one of those destination weddings where the bride and groom ski behind the boat.” She placed a finger on her chin. “We could do that with the Harvest Queen.” Her voice raised in excitement then plummeted. “Think I was ten when I imagined such a grand entrance. My dress would never survive. Guess I’ll leave the skiing for the honeymoon.”
“I don’t think Trevor knows how to ski,” said Sandra.
“You’re right! I almost forgot his attempts when he was here in July. Couldn’t stay upright. Mind you – that might create comedy relief. Perhaps I should reconsider? The groom riding in on my board. Let him know who wears the pants in the family.” When Sandra frowned, Angie kissed her on the cheek. “Just teasing. Relax. But I brought up the subject of his future career choice; made sure he knew he had one, that I’d welcome his expertise here at the resort on a full-time basis.”
“What did he say?”
“Said he would seriously consider coming on board. We miss each other terribly when he heads off to lead tours. Don’t think we are long-distance couple material.”
“Glad to hear that.”
Just then, a knock came to the door and panic-struck Sandra. “Look at me shaking like a schoolgirl. I never imagined I’d be dating again.”
“Just be yourself. If the man doesn’t like that, no sense setting yourself up for a fall.” Angie gave Sandra a gentle push. “Well. Don’t keep him waiting forever. Got my phone camera ready to catch his look of astonishment.”
“Don’t you dare.” Sandra hurried to the door and opened it. Robert stood in dark grey pants and a navy blazer holding a bouquet. She took the flowers, never breaking eye contact and a slow smile curled on his lips.
“You are beautiful, and I am the luckiest man in the world tonight.”
Then came the flash, and they both pivoted to see Angie with the camera. “Smile.” They did, involuntarily.
“What do you think this is, prom night?” said Sandra. She passed the flowers to her and said, “Put them in water, please. And don’t wait up.” Robert helped her with her shawl and the two exited. By the time they reached the front entrance, they were near giggling. “Who’d have ever thought we’d make such a fuss about going out to dinner?”
“I’m glad you did. Now I have hours to feast my eyes on you.”
“Yeah, well, it’s all fluff. The real me is down there somewhere.”
“I’m quite in view of the real you, Sandra Dristoll. I just think you forget the inner woman existed. I truly am awakening a sleeping beauty.”
“You are a man overflowing with sugar-coated words, Robert Fredricks, and I haven’t decided if I’m comfortable with it yet.”
“We have two glorious weeks to find our place of comfort,” said Robert. “Did I tell you I married my first wife after three months of courtship and never regretted it.”
Sandra laughed. “I knew Braxton my entire life, so don’t get any funny ideas.”
Sammy stood beside the silver limo with the back door open. “Good evening, folks. Your chariot awaits.”
Once settled inside, Sandra muttered, “Seems absurd to drive such a short distance.”
“I notice you have a hard time letting people spoil you.”
“Suppose I’ve gotten practical over the years. Didn’t lead a
