John laughed. “The tossing of the bouquet is a wedding highlight for some people. Where's your romantic streak gone?”
Shelley patted his knee. “He’s right here beside me.”
Joseph smiled at the tender look they shared. It was reassuring to know that some people were able to survive the ups and downs of married life. “Apart from a romantic streak, what's the secret to a happy marriage?”
“Always agreeing with your wife,” John said quickly.
Shelley sighed. “That’s what he tells everyone, but it’s really the foot massage he gives me each night. They’re bliss.”
A loud cheer rang out from the center of the room. A woman with short blond hair waved the bouquet in the air, earning her even more applause from the other wedding guests.
Shona and Adele clapped with everyone else then headed toward Joseph.
John picked up his cup of coffee. “Adele’s enjoying herself.”
“She likes spending time with Shona.”
“You can tell.” Shelley smiled at Joseph. “They’re like two peas in a pod.”
Two peas that had found another distraction. Louie, the three-legged dog that had stolen Adele’s heart, had made an appearance at the reception. He was sitting on the floor beside Richard, and Adele was stroking his fur.
“Next weekend, we have another adoption day at the animal shelter,” John told Joseph. “If you want a pet, it’s the best place to find one.”
“Adele keeps talking about getting a puppy, but I’m not sure it’s the right time.” Shona kneeled on the floor beside Adele. They both smiled when Louie licked Adele’s face.
“I’d better rescue Adele and Shona from Richard’s dog,” Joseph said. “Can you email me the details about the adoption day?”
“Consider it done,” John said. “While you’re looking after Adele and Shona, I’ll be dancing with my wife. I believe they’re playing our song.”
Shelley laughed. “You could say that.”
Joseph paid closer attention to the music and smiled. The DJ was playing “I’m a Believer” from the last Shrek movie he’d seen with Adele. Considering John was a happily married pastor, it was probably the most appropriate song on the planet.
With Shelley and John already heading onto the dance floor, he made his way across the room. Louie had a small fan club sitting around him, all waiting to pat him.
Adele looked up from the floor and smiled. “Louie loves his cuddles.”
“It looks like it.” Joseph kneeled beside Shona. “Do you know who caught the bouquet?”
“A friend of Paris’. She works in Polson at the flower market.”
“I hope she likes taking home more flowers.”
“She has other reasons for being happy.” Shona pointed to a table not far from them. “She’s been dating her boyfriend for eight years. By the end of the night, another engaged couple might be in the room.”
Adele clambered to her feet. “But that’s not all the news. Shona has something exciting to tell you.”
“You do?”
“Do you remember when I told you I’d entered the flower bouquet quilt into a competition?”
“The one that would give your store extra publicity?”
Shona nodded and looked at Adele. “You tell your dad.”
“It won!” Adele said loudly. “Shona’s going to have her photo in a magazine.”
“That’s fantastic.”
