“Thought people might enjoy spreading out, kicking off the shoes that bind and dance in the sand. It is a beach party.”
“Well, to expand on that theme, maybe we need a cozy spot,” she pointed to an area off to the side, “for a fire pit. I love to dream by a blazing fire under a scattering of stars.”
“Good idea. We’ll run it by Trevor and Angie at lunch. Nothing I’d like more than dreaming beside a bonfire with you.”
Sandra cleared her throat. That man could bring a touch of intimacy into any discussion. “We’d have to keep it far from the dancing tent. Don’t want to create a huge smoke and drive everyone away.”
“We’ll make it a small fire pit – for small dreams in the making.”
“Perfect.” She looked at her phone when it pinged. “They will both be there – eager for the good news.” She leaned over to show Robert. “Note all the question marks my son has added to the end of his message. I’d say we got him thinking?” she laughed.
“Delighted to be staging mischief with you, Sandra.”
“Maybe we can play it up a bit – like come in the dining hall holding hands and whispering sweet nothings in one another’s ears.”
“That would suit me fine, woman. Though I’m not sure it would be all play acting for me. I’d love to whisper sweet nothings in your ear.”
Sandra bit her lip. “Well, this is your time to practise up, sir. Let’s do it.”
At twelve-thirty-five, after a short keep-them-guessing waiting time, Sandra looped her arm through Robert’s and snuggled in close. She leaned in and started the first whisper. “Are you ready for some fun?”
“More than ready,” came his response.
Sandra giggled, not because it was funny, but to draw the couple’s attention to their arrival in the room. It worked. She noticed them look up immediately from their conversation at the table.
“They’re watching,” said Sandra.
“Noted.” He huddled closer and bent low in her ear. “All silliness aside, I am totally blown away by you, Sandra Dristoll. You do not want to know what I dreamed about last night.”
She felt a crimson flush spreading up her neck. How absurd at her age. “Perhaps you should leave that for another time,” she added sweetly.
“No way! It was you and me walking down that red-carpeted beach aisle, saving unnecessary money on setting up a brand-new venue, and tying the knot in the wee hours of the morning. Too bad your son missed it – but I suppose honeymoons are rather important.”
“Your dreams are colorful and romantic, Mr. Fredricks.”
“Sandra Fredricks. I like the sound of that.”
“You are making me blush,” said Sandra.
“All the better to lure in the fish for big the catch, my dear. I think we’ve gotten your kid’s attention. We’re almost there. Any last nibbles in my ear.”
“You are a strange man.” She smiled into his face, their lips only inches apart. “I think I like you.”
“Music to my ears.” He pecked a quick kiss on her cheek and the two stopped in front of the startled young couple. “Good afternoon, Angie, Trevor. We have wonderful news for you today.”
They took their time settling into chairs and picked up the one-page lunch menu. “Mm, what would you like to eat, Robert? I can attest to the cook’s Sheppard’s pie. Tastiest I’ve ever had.”
Trevor interrupted. “You make a good pie with Grannies recipe.” He glanced at Robert. “My mother does not give herself half the credit she deserves.”
“I have discovered that about the lady. She also says her designing skills are only mediocre, but I beg to differ,” said Robert.
It relieved Sandra to see him finally getting down to the business at hand and abandoning the charade of their so-called togetherness. The two-minute walk to the table had left her emotions struggling in turbulent waves. They gave their orders to the waitress and Sandra relaxed. She looked at Robert. “It’s time for the big reveal.”
Robert could not resist one list dig. “Which one?” he smiled at her and turned his attention to the couple who remained speechless. “After we’ve eaten, we’d like to show you the nuts and bolts of a design we fashioned for your special day.”
Angie sprang to life. “Really?” She looked at Trevor and shrugged. Sandra wondered if their trickery had truly fooled them. “I’ve almost completed my year end. Only December left to do so I will have more time to invest in the wedding plans.”
“Seems Mom and Mr. Fredricks are going at this event full speed. Maybe they don’t need our help at all and we can just show up for the day.” Trevor grabbed his bride’s hand. “Less stress, right? And I must admit I enjoy monopolizing all your spare time.”
“But it is Angie’s wedding, Trevor. A bride needs to call the shots on her special day, not a marriage planner and her future mother-in-law.”
“I can handle a bit of both. You bring me the plans and I will give my stamp of approval or suggest something else. All persons in favor, say I.” Trevor was the loudest, and the group laughed.
When lunch ended, the foursome moved to an outside terrace table to see the results of the planning so far. Robert opened his laptop and found the file where he’d saved Angie Parkinson & Trevor Dristoll: Wedding Plans. When on screen, he moved it closer for the couple to view. Sandra and Robert watched the young couple’s expression grow with each detail they spotted.
“I love it,” Trevor said. “What do you think, honey?”
Angie wiped the tears gathering in the corner of her eyes. “Everything is perfect; the colors, the backdrop, the decorated archway, the flowers, a rug covering the sand, but mostly the
