Out on business for the day, but tonight you’re mine. I have a very important question to ask you.
Five o’clock sharp.
—RL
Jimmy’s heart fluttered as he smiled to himself. Cold was actually going to propose properly. He was going to do it tonight! Jimmy didn’t want to get his hopes up, but he knew how much Cold loved to plan things and this had the promise of being spectacular.
Maybe tonight’s proposal would be as perfect as he’d always wanted it to be, and Jimmy would finally say yes.
His excitement for this evening was almost enough to forget this morning’s dreaded brunch festivities. He got dressed and headed downstairs, finding that Rowena was already here and had taken over the parlor.
“Good morning, Jimmy!” she greeted cheerfully, hugging him close and kissing his cheek.
“Mmm, good morning!” Jimmy was concerned when he saw Rowena pouring them both very large slushy drinks from a colorful pitcher, prompting him to ask, “Everything okay, Rowena?”
“Oh!” Rowena laughed. “Don’t worry, I haven’t killed anyone lately. I only drink socially now. I’m just really excited.”
“That’s good.” Jimmy cringed and took a sip.
“I know Roddy’s really screwed up and you’re mad at him, but we can try to make the best of this,” Rowena urged. “You can have the freakin’ wedding of your dreams!”
“My dream wedding would be on the beach with no shoes.” Jimmy flopped down in one of the overstuffed chairs.
“Oh, yeah, no, Roddy would never.” Rowena chuckled quietly to herself, but her eyes suddenly widened. “Oh! That gives me an idea. I’m a fuckin’ genius. If we can’t go to the beach, why don’t we bring the beach to us?”
“Huh?” Jimmy laughed. “Exactly how many mimosas have you had?”
“A beach wedding without the beach!” Charlie’s delighted voice called out. “You are a genius, Miss Legrand! Mm, but the magic is all in the color scheme.”
“Hello, Charlie!” Rowena waved, gesturing for him to join them. “Please, have a seat.”
Jimmy kept drinking.
“Morning, all!” Charlie said cheerfully, sliding a large bag off his shoulder. “How are you doing on this beautiful day?”
“We’re just peachy.” Rowena smiled sweetly. “Think we finally found a theme Jimmy is gonna like. Now, what were you saying about the colors?”
“Right! The colors are definitely key,” Charlie went on as he sat down. “Blues and tans with white, yes. Still beach, also masculine, but simple and clean.”
“Sounds beautiful!” Rowena looked to Jimmy. “What do you think, Jimmy?”
“I guess that could be nice,” Jimmy said reluctantly.
“That’s the most positive thing I’ve heard you say about the wedding yet.” Charlie grinned. “Let’s keep it going.”
“Where are you from, Charlie?” Jimmy asked suddenly. He realized that his tone almost sounded accusatory, adding quickly, “I just mean, here we are planning my big special day, and I hardly know you.”
“Oh!” Charlie blinked in surprise. “Well, I was actually born right here in Strassen Springs, but Mum moved us to Epsey, England, when I was a lad. Stayed there until I was grown and well, I wanted to come back to the States and see where I was born!”
“What about your father?”
“Died when I was little,” Charlie replied with a sad smile. “Never knew him or my mum’s parents very well. Some nasty family history, I’m afraid.”
“Sounds juicy,” Rowena interjected, filling a glass and pushing it toward Charlie with a sly grin. “Spill.”
“Isn’t it a tad early?”
“Never too early. Please. I insist.”
