“The Paradise?” Charity said. “That new hotel is luxurious.”
Jason leaned closer and whispered, “And where else would the mayor and the most beautiful woman in the world celebrate their wedding reception with a few close friends and the entire town?”
Charity giggled, “I can’t imagine a better place.”
“Then it’s settled. I also need a new suit and so will Drew because I’m asking him to stand with me. How about if I take Ben along when I get the suit and have him fitted for a suit, too. I would like him to stand with me, too.”
Charity felt happy tears prickle the backs of her eyes. “I know he would love being a part of the men’s preparations. I think he feels overwhelmed at times being the only male in the house.”
“That will change in six weeks. Ben and I will rule the roost.”
“I beg your pardon,” Charity said, staring into Jason’s eyes.
“It’s only an expression. I mean, we will all share everything. No rulers or bosses. Maybe we’re bosses over the children but not each other,” Jason said as he worked hard to restate his words.
Charity couldn’t help but laugh at Jason’s discomfort. “I’m sure we will work everything out to each other’s satisfaction. Perhaps I could write down some rules to follow.”
“Rules? What kind of rules?” Jason stammered.
“I’m teasing you. We’ll stumble along the way all newly married couples do, and we’ll be all right. Have some faith in us.”
“I do, and we will. I need to get back to the office.”
Jason glanced around the empty café, gave Charity a quick, sweet kiss, and hurried off to his afternoon meetings.
Holly met Charity just inside the kitchen and said, “Tell me what plans you made and how I can help.”
Chapter 7
Holly spoke nonstop on the way to her house from the cafe with Charity following silently but nodding her head occasionally as Holly's excitement grew.
Holly unlocked the front door and ushered Charity into the house and said, “Let me have your coat. Would you like a cup of tea before we look at the machine and the fabric? I was so excited when Joseph surprised me with the sewing machine for Christmas that I immediately ordered two patterns and two colors of satin fabric from the manufacturer in Denver. The package arrived the day before yesterday just in time for your wedding dress.”
“It’s very kind of you to offer to sew my wedding dress, but don’t you need the fabric for yourself?” Charity asked.
“Of course, when I ordered the fabric, I had no idea you were getting married this quickly, but the timing is perfect. I hope you like the patterns. You can choose either one. You and I are close to the same size, and I can adjust the patterns to fit you perfectly. I hope you like one of the two colors. We could send for another color, but I’m not sure if there would be enough time,” Holly said before she hurried out of the room.
Charity nodded and said, “I'm sure I’ll love the patterns. You have excellent taste and are a talented seamstress. If you choose colors that you like, I'm sure I’ll like them too.”
Holly bustled around and pulled a large brown paper wrapped package from inside her bedroom closet and brought it out and laid it on the kitchen table.
When she unwrapped the package, Charity smiled and said, “The fabric is gorgeous. I truly love the blue. How did you know I would need this?”
Holly shrugged. “I didn’t. I thought I would make two dresses for myself, and these are two of my favorite colors--cornflower blue and emerald green.”
She handed the two patterns to Charity and asked, “Which pattern do you like best? You can choose either because I can make a dress for myself from the same pattern later. With a few adjustments, you'd never know it came from the same pattern.”
Charity stared at the two patterns for a few moments and then smiled. “I think I prefer this simple dress. I'm not one for ruffles and lots of lace. Besides, this is my second wedding. I think all the frills should be left for a first-time bride.”
“But,” Holly argued, “you're marrying the mayor. Don't you think a fancy dress would be more appropriate?”
“Possibly,” Charity answered, “but I would feel very uncomfortable.”
Holly clapped her hands. “Perfect. Then we’ll make this simpler dress in the blue fabric, which will look wonderful on you. It matches your eyes.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the front door. Holly said, “Look at the pattern and see if you want to make any changes while I answer the door.”
Charity heard Holly greet Missus Shepherd. “Good afternoon Missus Shepherd. Please, won’t you come in.”
Peggy Shepherd stepped through the front door holding a basket in her hand. She handed the basket to Holly and removed her coat.
“I hope you don’t mind my intrusion,” Peggy Shepherd said. “I stopped at the café to invite Charity to my home for tea and persimmon pudding while we discuss wedding plans. Joseph said you were both here working on a wedding dress, so I rushed home, grabbed the pudding, and came for a visit.”
“You are always welcome, Missus Shepherd,” Holly insisted. “Charity’s in the kitchen looking at the fabric and patterns I purchased. Please join us.”
Peggy smiled, “Thank you. I’d like that.”
Charity looked up when the women entered the kitchen.
“Missus Shepherd, it’s nice to see you,” Charity said.
“Peggy, please. Remember, I asked you to call me Peggy when you and Jason
