Sam and I were standing outside the suit rental place ten minutes before they opened on Saturday morning. Thankfully the heat wave had relented overnight, and we enjoyed a comfortable breeze while we worked our phones, waiting for the doors to open. Sam was trying to rent chairs — apparently the reception venue had tables, but all their chairs were in use for another function. I was on the hunt for flowers.
Sam’s lips pinched together in a tight grimace. “Let me get this straight,” he said to the guy on the other end of his cell phone. “You have the chairs. You have the truck. But you won’t rent them to us? Tell me why, again?”
I put a hand on his arm, worried he might blow a gasket. I knew that look – someone was playing hardball and Sam was disgusted.
“Listen,” said Sam, trying to take the edge off his voice and failing. “I get that it’s a beautiful day and you were hoping to knock off early. But we’re talking about a once-in-a-lifetime event here, man. We need those chairs. Can I send someone over with a truck to get them?”
“Whatever it takes,” I mouthed silently. He nodded.
“Okay, let me ask you this,” said Sam to the hold out. “What if I pay double for your trouble?” He listened as the man on the other end softened.
Sam grinned. “You’ll have them there by noon, cleaned and ready to go?” More grinning as he nodded to me. Victory.
“Thank you, I appreciate it,” said Sam. “You’ve just made the bride and groom two very happy campers.”
Sam finished paying for the chair rental with his credit card while I dialed the last florist on my hand written list. The phone rang several times, and I expected voicemail again, but at the last second, a woman answered, breathless.
“Amling’s,” she said.
“Hi, I’m calling with a bit of an unusual request. Would you by any chance be able to put together a wedding flower package for this afternoon?” I paused, waiting for the laughter or rudeness that had ended all my previous calls.
“Oh, my, today?”
“Yes,” I said, holding my breath.
“Well…hmm…I might be able to do something.” I didn’t dare hope, hearing strong hesitation in her voice.
“I know it’s last minute. We’d take just about anything. It’s for a reception at Cantigny Park.”
“Sounds lovely. Do you know which venue?”
I looked at my notes on my phone. “Le Jardin?”
“Beautiful. We did a wedding there at Christmas.”
“Can you help us?”
“Well, ordinarily wedding flowers take days to put together, and I don’t know if you would want this or not, but I did have a rather large cancellation for a funeral tomorrow. It’s mostly yellow roses and filler. I could probably rework them into something.”
“We can work with that,” I said, not at all sure, but something was better than nothing. Who the hell cancels a funeral?
“Will you need bouquets, as well?”
“No, I don’t think so. I was told twenty-four centerpieces, something for the head table, and assorted arrangements for decoration around the room.”
“Buffet or sit-down?”
“Uh, buffet…I think.”
“Okay, something for the buffet table. It’s going to be tight. What time is the reception?”
“The ceremony is at three. I think the reception starts at five,” I replied. “Honestly, whatever you can do would be great.”
“Hold on a minute,” she said, holding the phone from her face as she discussed options with a co-worker. I heard faint talk about fillers, foam, and gerber daisies. When she came back on line, she had a plan.
“Okay, I think we can put something together for you and have it delivered by one, two o-clock at the latest. How do you want to pay for this?”
When she told me the price, I thought I might as well buy her whole business, but I was in no position to quibble. She was saving our butts, and for Allison and Fred, nothing else mattered. I paid the woman her asking price, and added a hundred dollar tip. She might have squealed as she hung up.
Behind us, the store manager unlocked the door and I followed Sam inside. We were greeted by a young blond guy a few years younger than us. He seemed eager to help, but when we explained what we needed, he paled.
“Um…I’m not sure we can do that. Wait here, let me get the manager,” he said.
“What happens if we can’t get a matching suit?” whispered Sam.
“We get as close as we can,” I said, scanning the walls for a suit even close to the blue of mine.
“Gentlemen, how can I help?” said the approaching manager.
I explained the situation again, and the man looked Sam up and down, twice.
“Tall,” was all he said, then turned and sauntered to a desk in the back, near the dressing rooms. The young blond clerk followed. They had a short discussion, lots of head nodding, then the young man turned to us.
“Did the guy you’re replacing in the wedding pick up his suit?”
“I’m guessing not, but I don’t really know,” said Sam, looking at me for guidance. I shrugged.
“Let me check something,” said the manager. “Tad, get his measurements, please.”
Young Tad perked up with a cheeky grin and yanked his cloth measuring tape from around his neck. A little too eager to his task, if you asked me. I watched like a hawk as he slowly wrapped his tape around Sam’s chest, waist, and neck, taking his time to let his fingers linger.
Then he knelt down and ran the tape from the floor to Sam’s crotch. I nearly decked the kid, but we needed a suit, and I didn’t have time to make bail. Sam, as usual, was completely oblivious to the young man salivating over his junk.
Thankfully the manager came back just in time, carrying a suit in a plastic wrapper, same as mine. He checked the sizes, conferred with the kid, then frowned.
“Oh, seems we have a problem,” he said.
“What kind of problem?” asked Sam.
“The coat and shirt should be fine, but these pants will be too short, I fear.”
“Can you tailor them?” I asked.
“Depends. Hold on,” he said, pulling the pants off the hangar and turning out the cuffs. “It might work. Here, try these on. We have an inch or two to play with.”
Sam took the pants and Tad was only too happy to show Sam a changing room. I was surprised he didn’t offer to help him undress.
Sam came out and stood on a short platform in front of the full mirror. At present the pants were much too short. The manager made some notes, drew a white line on the back of each of Sam’s calves, and turned to me.
“I think we can make these work. I can have them for you next Saturday.”
“That won’t work. The wedding is this afternoon. Doesn’t it say so on the card?” I asked.
He looked again. “Oh…yes…yes, it does. I see. Well, I’m sorry, but our tailor only just arrived and she has a stack of work already waiting.”
I sighed. I didn’t think he was fishing for a bribe, he didn’t seem the type. But we were out of options.
“What will it take to put this on top of her stack? You see, our friends have had one challenge after another. We really need to find a way to make this happen. Is there anything you can do?”
“I could do it,” said Tad. The manager whirled around.
“You can sew?” he asked.
“Sure…the easy stuff. Hems and such. Just need to let them out, line it up with the new measurement, and restitch it. Shouldn’t take ten minutes.”
The manager turned to me. “I can’t vouch for his sewing, but if you want to take a chance…”
“Do it,” said Sam before I could answer. I settled for a nod. Tad grinned like he’d won the lottery and trotted to the backroom. The manager went to find shoes in Sam’s size.
“Easy, Jack. The kid’s trying to help,” said Sam.
“Yeah, right. He’s all over you,” I said. Sam smiled, amused by my jealousy.
“Relax. I’m all yours,” he said. I sighed and leaned against his shoulder.
It was closer to twenty minutes when Tad reappeared with the pants.
“I think that’ll do it. Here, let me open the door for you,” he said, escorting Sam back to the changing room. I followed and stood by the door so the kid couldn’t hover. So I was…protective. Sue me.
In the end I had to give the kid credit, he nailed the length. Sam put the whole outfit on, including the shoes and stood before the mirror.
“Wow,” said Tad, then he blushed. “I mean…you look very nice, sir.”
I frowned. Sam smiled. “Thanks,” he said.
“Okay, fashion show’s over. Let’s go. We have a million stops to make,” I said, pulling Sam off the platform and pushing him toward the changing room. He laughed as I closed the door in his face.
I busied myself with looking at ties while Sam changed. Suddenly Tad was at my elbow, whispering.
“He’s so hot. Is he single?”
I stepped back. “Are you for real?” I hissed. “He’s mine — all mine — so back the fuck off…now.”
Tad’s face fell and his neck flamed red. “Oh my god, I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.”
“How could you not know?”
“You just…you don’t seem like a couple.”
My mouth dropped. “And how exactly does a couple seem?” I was trying to hold it down, but inside I was raging. Sam was mine, I was his, and no one was getting in between us.
“I don’t know. More…affectionate, maybe?”
“More affectionate?”
“Yeah…little touches, standing too close, holding hands, or…I don’t know.” He shrugged. I knew what he meant, sort of. I sighed. I needed to cut him some slack.
“Look…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take your head off.”
He grinned. “No worries. If I had a guy like that, I’d rip anyone to pieces who got near him. Totally my bad. No hard feelings?” he asked, extending his hand. We shook.
“There you are,” said Sam, coming up behind us carrying his suit in a bag. Tad stepped back and Sam slid right next to me, kissed my cheek, and put his hand at the small of my back. “Everything okay?”
“It is now,” I said.
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about,” said Tad with a huge grin and a wink at me. “Awesome.”
“What?” asked Sam.
“I’ll explain it in the car,” I replied. “Let’s go. Thanks, Tad, for all your help.”
“Any time.”
According to Ben, all repairs to our plane were complete, and we had moved home base operations at Centennial to a more secure, private hangar. Armed guards patrolled twenty-four, seven. We had nothing to fear. He also assured me security would remain airtight around the aircraft, which was due to land at DuPage Airport in less than an hour.
I spent the drive staring out the window, thinking about what Tad, the overzealous clerk, had said. Sam and I didn’t seem like a couple. That was my fault. I knew Sam couldn’t care less what people thought, but out of respect and deference to me, we kept the public displays of affection to a minimum. I felt it protected us from unwanted attacks, but apparently it could also invite unexpected advances. Another thing to stress over.
I felt like I had come a long way to being comfortable and open with Sam, at least amongst our family and friends. With others, not so much. Not knowing how they would react left me feeling raw and exposed. For every good experience, like the Thompsons, the opposite lurked in the shadows ready to pounce, like Allison’s aunt. Maybe Jerome was right — it was better to stay close to who you already knew.
And yet…
I didn’t want to hide anymore. Mostly I didn’t want to dishonor Sam by not acknowledging full on how we felt about each other. His love for me was total, and he deserved my total acceptance of who we were, even if other people didn’t understand. Somehow I was going to have to fight through another level of doing it afraid.
“Hey, you okay?” whispered Sam. I turned to him and shrugged.
“Lot on my mind,” I said.
Sam looked deep into my eyes as I rested my head against the seat and let him in. I didn’t have words, so maybe he could figure it all out for me. His fingers caressed my cheek, and he kissed me softly.
“I love you so much, little man,” he said.
“Love you back, big guy.”
“We good?”
“Forever.”
We pressed our foreheads together and closed our eyes, content to shut out the world for as long as we could — exactly six minutes.
“We’re here,” said Ben from the front seat, scanning his phone.
Somebody had invested a crap ton of money into Dupage Airport to make it one of the most advanced general aviation complexes in the country. The new driver — this one was big, blond, and smiled a lot — aimed our SUV down the tree-lined boulevard leading to the gorgeous, multi-story flight center and pulled to the curb along the graceful curve out front. The control tower with a matching facade rose into the sky to our left.
Ben lifted his phone to speak to the drivers of the two additional SUVs following us. I swear we looked like a presidential motorcade without the armour-plated limousine. Embarrassing, but necessary.
My phone buzzed with a text. I read it, exhaling in relief.
“Peggy’s contacts came through. A delivery truck should arrive by noon at the venue, which should give her and the team enough time to get everything set.”
Sam squeezed my hand and smiled. “It’s gonna be an awesome day.” I smiled back and leaned on his shoulder.
“Thanks,” I said.
“For what?”
“For having my back, and believing in this hairbrained idea. What was I thinking, trying to pull off a wedding reception in under twenty-four hours?”
Sam grinned. “You ask me, seems like a normal day at the office.”
“Speaking of the office, how did you convince Todd and Margie to come along?”
“I didn’t. She volunteered, and it’s not like the bean counter’s gonna let her outta his sight.”
I smiled to myself. Margie definitely had her husband wrapped around her little finger. Might have something to do with the fact she was carrying his first-born.
Sam’s phone buzzed. “New programs are printed, should be at the church in plenty of time. Polly and Jim got it done.”
“It’s amazing how everyone is coming together to make this happen for Fred and Allison,” I said.
“Another Jack Schaeffer miracle in the making.”
“Hold that thought. We’ve miles to go.”
He turned his azure blue eyes to mine and my heart skipped a beat. His bright smile snatched my breath away. “We make a good team.”
“The best,” I whispered. He leaned over and kissed the top of my head, pulling me closer to his side.
Ben looked back at us from the front passenger seat and smiled, dark eyes crinkling at the corners. He was as excited as we were to see what the day would bring.
We were not allowed outside to greet the plane, despite Ben’s best efforts to convince the flight center management team. He did his best to hide his frustration as we watched our sleek aircraft taxi to a stop through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the expansive tarmac.
There was no mistaking Ben’s smile when Peggy was first off the plane. She was followed by two other women I didn’t recognize. I presumed they were her catering buddies. The second she walked through the doors into the waiting area, Ben scooped her up into his arms. She giggled and kissed him lightly on the lips. No doubt they were a couple. The happiness on Ben’s face lifted my spirits.
“The cavalry has arrived,” said Sam.
“I’ll say,” I said, watching Todd and Margie come down the aircraft steps in the distance, followed by Danny, Will and Simon.
“Did you?” I started.
“Nope,” said Sam with a shrug.
Ron and Justin followed close behind. Ron started his post-flight checks, paying close attention to the brand new nose gear gleaming in the sun. Justin moved toward the rear fuselage, motioning to an approaching small tractor pulling a couple of luggage dollies. Premium service.
Nancy bounded down the stairs next, and took Margie’s arm as Todd joined the guys watching Justin direct the offloading of the luggage.
“Morning, ladies,” said Sam as they entered through the sliding doors into the large open waiting area.
“Morning, Sam,” said Margie. Seeing me, she smiled and said, “Hey, boss.”
“Hi,” I said, then waved a hello to Nancy. “How was your flight?”
“Fine,” she replied.
“Nice bird,” said Margie, staring at her cell phone.
“Not that I’m not grateful, but why are you here?” I asked Margie.
She looked up. “Wedding coordinator.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m the new wedding coordinator. I’ve been on the phone with Allison and her mother for the last two hours. Peggy and I put the whole plan together, got the bride’s approval, now we just have to pull it off in four short hours. Where are we at with chairs and flowers?”
“Wait…what?” I said, doing a double take.
Sam laughed. “This is gonna be epic.”
“No time to chit chat, boys, we have a wedding to put on,” said Margie, waving an arm toward Peggy and leading the group toward the exits. Sam and I were left trailing in their wake.
Outside, drivers stood waiting by their vehicles. All armed and dangerous, all trained in martial arts and extreme survival skills. Not one of them would be a match for Margie Martin on a mission. Epic, indeed.
The luggage was finally stowed, quick greetings were exchanged, and we were off for Cantigny Park.
The fifteen minute ride to the park passed in a blur of text messages and phone calls, reconfirming with the chair guy, the florist, and of all things, someone who was supposed to provide a horse and carriage?
We entered the main gates and followed the drive through a grove of oak trees and past the outer parking lots. Three SUVs came to a stop at the curb in front of the Visitor’s Center, the same building housing Le Jardin, our reception venue.
“Nice,” said Sam, sliding out of the back seat, me following.
“Pretty,” I said, admiring the flower gardens in full bloom fronting the long, one-story building. “She’s gonna love it.”
A young woman with dark hair held back by a wide headband, dressed in nice jeans and a green summer top, approached us. “Hello, I’m Bettina, event coordinator for the park. Welcome.” She held tightly to a brown leather portfolio and fairly bounced in her flat white shoes.
Margie took over. “Hi. Margie, wedding coordinator. Can you show us the room so we can get situated?” They shook hands like ladies do, and we all followed them inside.
“Rest rooms here on the right, cocktail bar and hors d’oeuvres can be set up here in the grand hallway, if you like, before the reception,” said Bettina. “I’ll show you the kitchen and the main room. This way.”
No wonder Allison wanted her reception here. The room was stunning! Vaulted ceiling criss-crossed with white beams. Surrounded by windows from floor to ceiling on three walls, leaving you with the feeling you were outside amongst the flowers and beautiful foliage. Nothing but gorgeous green views as far as the eye could see.
And nothing else. The room was empty. We had our work cut out for us. While Margie and Peggy conferred in the corner, Sam and I gathered the troops. We hadn’t properly greeted one another, so we did a round of fist bumps and back slaps. I was still in shock that they had all come.
“Anybody know the plan?” asked Danny, eyes roaming around the room.
“Margie’s large and in charge,” answered Todd. “Here she comes,” he said, nodding to his wife with a smile. Peggy and the other ladies disappeared into the kitchen.
“Okay, guys, here’s the drill,” said Margie. “Danny, Will, Sam, and Todd, you’re on set up. We need three eight-foot straight tables across that side for the head table, about ten feet from the windows. We need three longs on each side of the room for the buffet, again about ten feet from the windows. Leave enough room to get through on both sides. We need twenty-two round tables, seating for eight at each, in the middle. I’ve drawn a map but I’m still finalizing the seating chart and place cards. When the chairs arrive, you set those in place. Oh, we need a table for the place cards near the entrance, and several high tops in the hallway. Plus a couple of smaller rounds at each buffet. Bettina’s having the linens dropped off in a few.”
“The tables are where?” asked Simon. Margie pointed to a set of double doors in the back wall, opposite the entrance to the kitchen. “Got it,” he said.
“What about me?” I asked.
“You’re with me. Flowers should arrive any minute. Let’s go.”
While we waited outside for the florist, I asked Margie to fill in a few details.
“I’ve got this, boss,” she said. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
“With you in charge? I’m not worried, just curious.”
She smiled. “Nothing too crazy. Peggy’s putting together the food, of course. She has her team. She wants to do sit-down, but we don’t have enough servers to pull it off. We only have Todd, Simon, Will, Danny, Justin and Mason.”
“Mason’s coming?”
“Yep. Should be here around four.”
“But…how?”
“Todd called him. He jumped, same as the others.”
“Why?”
She grinned and patted my arm. “Why not? It’s a chance to be a part of a big Jack Schaeffer cause. Besides, weddings are fun.”
Food suppliers and catering vans arrived and began carting huge rolling bins of supplies into the building.
“Wow, that’s a lot of food,” I said, marveling as the third truck pulled up to the curb.
“Peggy’s pulling out all the stops. Allison’s getting the reception of her dreams, and then some. Only thing I couldn’t pull off was an ice sculpture, but screw it, it’s like a billion degrees, and nobody wants an expensive water puddle.” She pulled her blouse from her chest and fanned it in and out in a vain attempt at a cooling breeze.
“You’re amazing,” I said.
“I know. And you’re lucky to have me.”
I laughed. “That I am. Thank you for doing this.”
She grinned. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I love this shit. Oh, here they come.”
Two florist vans arrived. Margie and I assisted in carrying in waves of gorgeous flower arrangements, each one more beautiful than the next. Bright yellows, luscious greens, with a smattering of light pink here and there. Stunning.
“From death to life,” I said.
“What?” asked Margie.
“Oh…nothing.”
She gave me a look. “Spill it.”
I lowered my voice and leaned closer. “These flowers were originally for a funeral that was cancelled last minute.”
She did a double-take, looked at the beautiful arrangements, and smiled. “Their loss, our gain.”
I made a face.
“Yeah, that sounded bad didn’t it,” she said. “Still, how the hell do you cancel a funeral?”
“That’s what I said.”
By two o’clock the room was largely set. Tables and white linens in place, flowers arranged. The chairs arrived as Sam and I said goodbye to the guys and followed Ben to the SUV. We were running late. Big surprise.
At the church, we found the changing room for the guys. Fred and his father were dressed in their suits and chatting quietly in the corner. Both stood as we entered.
“Hey guys,” said Fred. “How’s everything going?”
“Fine,” I said. “Under control. How’s Allison?”
Fred’s nerves popped at the mention of her name. “Don’t know. I called her this morning to say hi, but we’ve been banned from talking to each other until the ceremony.”
Marcus smiled. “He’s just a nervous groom. Happens to all of us. Just wait – you’ll take one look at her coming down the aisle, and everything will fall into place.”
I ignored his “all of us” comment. We had only minutes to get suited up. With no privacy, Sam and I stripped down to our underwear. Warren arrived at that moment, already dressed. He paid us no attention.
Fred and Marcus left to speak to the pastor. Warren excused himself to find the restroom. Probably looking for a place to steal a quick sip from the small flask he had in his jacket pocket. Lush.
Sam helped me with my tie. I had made three attempts, ending up short every time.
“I want people to know,” I said, as he tightened my tie to my neck.
“Know what?”
“Us. I want them to know — that we’re together.”
His azure blue eyes widened in surprise. “Yeah?”
“Yes. We love each other. Our connection is real. I don’t want to hide it — from anyone. Well, maybe my family, but that’s it. I’m tired of hiding. You deserve better.”
“Jack,” he said, pulling me close, arms around my waist. “What brought this on?”
I sighed. “That kid, Tad, at the suit shop. He asked me if you were single. I got pissed. He said we didn’t seem like a couple. Sam…”
“Shhh. It’s okay.”
I took a step back, fists clenched. “No, it’s not okay. It’s not. I want to be a couple, dammit! We belong together. We’re good together. We matter. I’m not saying we should be obnoxious or whatever, you know what I mean, right?”
He smiled. “I think so. You’re sure?”
I nodded. “Yes. No more hiding. I’m not saying I’ll be perfect, and I might flake on you sometimes, but…just know I love you with my whole heart, with everything I am, and I want this…for us.”
He kissed me. My toes curled, my heart stopped, my neck burned. Damn.
After we had helped each other attach floral boutonnieres to our suit jackets, I followed Fred and the Pastor to our position at the front of the church. Sam and Warren had finished ushering in the family members and returned to the narthex, as I learned the lobby was called. What a weird name.
The organ started, and Sam and Emily, Allison’s eighteen-year old baby sister, walked in. Emily was giddy and clinging to his arm, but Sam only had eyes for me, and the look he gave me as he passed to stand behind me made my dick instantly hard. Crap! He did that on purpose, the big jerk.
Warren and Mary Jane Gregson, a cousin of Allison’s, walked up next, her flaming red hair blending beautifully with the soft green chiffon of her dress. Warren looked half in the bag, but I’d seen him worse. He would be okay — I hoped.
Theresa Collins, Allison’s best friend from childhood and her maid of honor, processed down the aisle, radiant and happy. She smiled at me, and for some reason, I wanted to cry. I held the tears back — until Allison and her father came in.
I actually felt the force of Fred’s gasp as he saw her for the first time. She was…breathtaking. No other word to describe it. Her wedding gown floated on a sea of lace, tulle, and crystals. But more than the stunning dress, it was her eyes, and the way they looked at Fred. I had to look away before I totally lost it.
I so wished it was Sam right behind me instead of Warren. I longed for his hand at the small of my back. How many times had Sam looked at me with eyes similar to Allison’s. Eyes full of love, hope and confidence in the connection.
I had that with Sam. And someday, I wanted the whole world to know it.
The ceremony was a revelation. Not overly religious, but solemn and beautiful, punctuated by personal vows that brought tears to both bride and groom. No one could doubt their love, their commitment, their connection. When Fred kissed his bride, it was tender and sweet, and I knew better than most how long he had waited, the price he had paid, to have that moment. Well done, Fred.
We processed out to some upbeat pop song I didn’t recognize, but I was happy and did my best to bounce alongside Theresa down the aisle. In the narthex, the wedding party assembled in a receiving line. We shook a million hands, smiling until our jaws ached.
The guests left for the reception, while we remained behind with family for pictures. Thankfully the photographer and videographer knew what they were doing. And I silently thanked Allison for nixing any idea of having little children in her wedding. We got through it with a minimum of fuss.
Ben hovered, keeping an eye on us. I also noticed at least four other men in dark suits stationed at the corners of the sanctuary. Odd.
Outside, a limo waited to carry the wedding party to the reception. I didn’t miss the heavy black SUV half a block in front, and another half a block behind. Ben nodded to me as we exited the church.
I managed to sit next to Sam in the limo, across from a beaming bride and giddy groom. Even Warren seemed happy, which was nice. He joked with Mary Jane and Theresa about something. Emily sat next to her sister and basked in the glory of being in her first wedding. No doubt she was planning her own, down to every last detail.
I saw Fred take Allison’s hand, and throwing caution to the wind, I grabbed Sam’s. Emily grinned, and Allison nodded. Okay, then. Sam’s smile could have lit half of Chicago.
I wasn’t surprised to see the two SUVs flanking the limo as we stopped just inside the gates at Cantigny Park and we all got out. Ben stepped out from the passenger side of the lead vehicle, relaxed, yet vigilant. He nodded to me. I wanted to ask why the heavy security presence, but the timing wasn’t appropriate.
A large white, horse-drawn carriage waited expectantly, ready to carry the bride and groom the final quarter-mile to their celebration. The owner stroked the horse’s muzzle as the horse bobbed his head up and down impatiently. Theresa and Fred helped a very excited Allison into the carriage with her large dress, after Theresa managed to bustle her train. Fred couldn’t stop grinning to save himself, which we all laughed at, sharing his joy.
We jumped back in the limo and led the way to the reception hall. On the sidewalk, fronting the flower gardens, we stood with family and other guests and watched Fred and Allison arrive in royal style. The clip clopping of horse hooves on the pavement echoed across the park.
“So cool,” whispered Sam in my ear. I smiled. Very cool.
The photographer and videographer captured the romantic moment, then everyone but the wedding party departed to the main reception room. In the grand hallway, now beautifully decorated with flower arrangements, colorful draping, and sparkling strands of lights, we lined up to be introduced by the DJ.
Two by two, we entered the room to wild clapping. While I hated to be the center of attention, it was a nice moment to walk in with Theresa, who was clearly enjoying every minute of it. As I led her to her seat at the head table, then moved further down to my own, I marveled at what my team had accomplished.
Early evening sunlight bathed the room in golden glory. The centerpieces were amazing, so full of life. Around the room, larger floral displays accentuated the decor. My team stood at attention, dressed in black and white, ready to serve. I smiled at Todd, and he grinned at me. Margie stood by the DJ, whispering instructions.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s hear it for the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thompson!”
Thunderous applause as Fred led his bride through the tables and finally to the head table. Allison’s eyes darted around the room, awestruck. Her head swiveled from side to side, and I saw her lean over to whisper to Theresa, who nodded vigorously.
“Nailed it, Schaeffer,” said Fred sitting next to me. “Totally awesome, dude.”
“Glad you like it.”
The DJ announced it was time for the head table to partake of the buffet. We followed the bride and groom. I let Warren go ahead of me so I could be closer to Sam. He grinned and grabbed a plate.
“Oh my god!” I said, grabbing his arm.
“What?”
“You never got lunch. Holy crap, I forgot to feed you.”
He laughed. “I’m fine. I ate one of those little sandwiches at the church.”
“What sandwiches?”
“The ones…wait, you didn’t get one?”
“No,” I replied, annoyed for no real reason, except I was left out of something.
“Oh…come to think of it, you might have been in the bathroom when Mary Jane brought them over. Sorry, little man. But look, there’s a whole buffet, and Peggy made steak!”
And a whole lot more. Peggy and her team had created an unending gourmet feast. A soup station with Lobster Bisque, French Onion, or Pasta Fagioli. A salad table with fresh mozzarella and tomato caprese, Ceasar and fresh greens salad, plus dressings. Another table offered roasted Greek chicken, Vesuvio potatoes, with a zucchini and squash vegetable medley. The table Sam headed for served Filet Mignon, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans smothered in bacon and onions. Another table held a collection of cold pastas, and off to the side there was a raw vegetable and cheese bar, with three kinds of dips. The bread table was filled with dinner rolls, garlic toast and a crostini station.
Todd, Will, and Justin stood nearby, ready to run to the kitchen to refill any station. Across the room, the whole setup was repeated, with Mason, Danny and Simon doing the honors. I was so impressed I forgot to fill my plate.
“Aren’t you eating anything?” asked Sam.
“Oh…um…yeah.”
“Hurry up, I’m famished,” he said. I smiled.
I scooped up a bit of caprese salad, a piece of chicken, a spoonful of one of the cold pastas, then followed Sam back to the head table. Warren had disappeared, skipping dinner, so Sam scooted over to his spot to sit next to me.
We ate in silence. Between nibbles, I watched my team serve the room in excellence. The guys hustled, keeping the buffets humming. With two lines, the guests were served quickly, so no one had to wait long for food. Margie missed nothing, subtly pointing to a close-to-empty dish so it could be replaced immediately.
Ben and his team hovered at the edges, speaking into his wrist occasionally. Not sure what he was watching for.
Warren appeared from the hallway, wobbling as he entered. Crap. He was drunk. And he still had responsibilities. What was wrong with that guy.
“Excuse me a minute,” I whispered to Sam. He looked up from his mashed potatoes, nodded, then went back to shoveling it in.
I casually made my way toward the entrance. Warren was trying to convince a bartender to open his bar, which I understood should be closed until after dinner. I jerked my head at Ben to meet me. He nodded.
“What seems to be the problem?” he asked as I stood next to Warren, who was holding the edge of the rolling bar cart for support.
“Warren, what’s going on? Fred is depending on you, man. Don’t do this. Not here, not tonight,” I said. He looked at me and smiled a happy, drunk smile.
“Hey, Jack. Good to see ya. How’s it hangin’.”
“Warren.”
He patted my shoulder with his open hand. “What’s a guy gotta do to get a drink around here?”
“You need to cool it a while.”
“Hey, I’m good, man. I won’t…I mean…yeah, man, that’s cool. I just need a drink, man.”
I shrugged toward Ben. The bartender was waiting patiently for direction from us. I had to make a decision.
“Is there a way to sober him up?” I asked Ben.
“Coffee? Cold shower?”
“Would you try? I’m sorry to ask, but it’s their wedding…”
He sighed. “Fine, but no promises.”
“If it doesn’t work, put him in a car service and get him out of here. I can’t let him make a scene.”
“Got it. Go back to the party,” said Ben.
I turned to go, then turned back as Ben was standing Warren up a little straighter.
“Why the team?”
He smiled. “Bride’s father asked me to keep an eye out for the crazy aunt, in case she tried to crash the party.”
“And?”
“She didn’t get past the church parking lot. I explained she was not welcome. A man I assume is her husband half dragged her back to their car. For such a self-righteous bitty, she used some colorful language.”
“You think she’ll show up here?”
“I doubt it. So far, the coast is clear. I’ve got eyes on the parking lot, the entrance, and in the room. Probably overkill, but, hey, it’s Fred and Allison’s wedding, right?” he said, grinning. “We’ll keep out the riff-raff.”
“Thank you. Sorry about…that,” I said, nodding toward Warren, who looked like he could fall asleep any minute. “Might want to confiscate his flask,” I said, patting my jacket pocket.
I returned to the head table, and Allison and Fred were standing at the one end, chatting with the bridesmaids. She turned as I approached, with tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Come here,” she said, pulling me into a tight hug. Over her shoulder, Fred smiled ear to ear. She sniffled in my ear then let me go.
“Never…in a million years…would I have expected all this. You and Sam, and your team…Jack, it’s amazing. The flowers. The food! Oh my god, the food. My aunt couldn’t touch this. I don’t know what to say.”
“So you’re happy with it?”
She laughed. “Yes…I’m happy with it. Very, very happy. I don’t know how to thank you.”
I looked at Fred, beaming at his wife. “Yeah, you do. Love him, Allison, like only you can. That’s all the thanks we need.”
She put a hand on my arm. “I will, I promise. Now go be with your man.”
Fred made a point to hug me and thank me, too. Now if Warren could behave himself…
The DJ announced the first dance. Through the windows, a glorious sunset exploded across the horizon, bathing everything in reds and golds. Fred and Allison danced, staring into each other’s eyes, the beading on her dress sparkling like a thousand little lights. Sam put his arm around my chair and pulled me closer. I leaned into him, not caring if anyone saw us.
When the daddy-daughter, mother-son dance was announced, I whispered to Sam about Warren and his inability to function as a dance partner. Sam just grinned and said, “I got this.”
Laura Thompson and Fred ended their dance to cheers and clinking of spoons to glasses. He grabbed Allison and kissed her, dipping her backwards. Cat calls and shouts for more echoed across the room, then the DJ called the wedding party to the floor.
Ugh. The one thing I had been dreading all day.
Sam never missed a beat. He grabbed Emily in one hand, Mary Jane in the other, and proceeded to slow dance with both at the same time. I did the best I could with Theresa, who smiled and seemed to enjoy herself, despite my clumsy shuffling.
“He really is amazing, isn’t he?” she said.
“Who? Fred?”
“No, silly. Well, yeah, Fred. But I meant Sam.”
I sighed. “The best.”
“You love him, don’t you.”
“With every fiber of my being.”
“Awww. That’s so sweet.”
“What about you? Anyone special in your life?”
She sighed. “Not yet. Not like Fred or Sam.”
“Give it time. One day, you’ll look up, and there he’ll be.”
She laughed. “That easy, huh.”
I shrugged. “I hope so, for your sake.”
“Thanks,” she said. “And thanks for stepping in with Warren. Allison was about to freak out. Fred didn’t know what to do.”
“It’s okay. I’ve handled my share of drunks before. Ben took care of it, I think.”
“You’re a very special man, Jack Schaeffer. What you did for Allie and Freddie? Totally takes the cake.”
I stopped dancing. “Oh my god!”
“What?” she asked, confused.
I smacked my forehead. “I forgot all about a cake. How could I be so stupid.”
“Uh…don’t look now, but I think you did just fine.” She pointed over her shoulder and I spun around to see.
Todd and Simon were slowly wheeling a cart topped with an amazing, six layer wedding cake covered in a cascade of fresh yellow roses and greenery. I found Margie in the crowd, and she winked at me with a big smile. Wedding coordinator, extraordinaire.
“The bride and groom will now cut their cake. Gather around everyone,” announced the DJ. Fred escorted Allison to the cart, and with a special knife, they sliced a piece together, then proceeded to smash it in each other’s face, laughing hysterically. I shook my head. Silly traditions.
The speeches followed. Fred gave me a thumbs up as I stood, and when Margie handed me the microphone, I glanced over to Sam, whose eyes sparkled with confidence. He nodded, and I turned to face the crowd.
“Good evening,” I said. “I promised Fred to keep this short and sweet and not embarrass him. With him and me, that’s usually my lot.” A few chuckles crossed the room.
“The thing is, Fred’s been head over heels for Allison as long as I’ve known both of them. And I’ve always hoped they would end up together, because honestly, when two people love each other, have this…deep connection…like they do, then it would be a shame to deny it. That’s why we’re here, to celebrate that connection, to make it known, and to put the world on notice, don’t mess with this.” I looked to Sam, and his smile took my breath away.
I swallowed hard and reached for my untouched glass of champagne. “To Fred and Allison, two of the kindest, most gracious people I know. May they cherish every day, make every moment count, and show the world what true love really is.”
People toasted and cheered. Allison mouthed a sweet “thank you” and Fred patted my shoulder as I sat next to him.
“Oh boy, here we go,” he said as his father stood and motioned to Margie for the microphone.
Fred needn’t have worried. His father’s toast brought tears to my eyes. I never thought of Marcus as sentimental, but he clearly was feeling the loss of his son moving on. Fred stood up and hugged his father at the end of the head table as the room exploded in cheers. Laura, sitting at a round table nearby, dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. Beautiful.
The party continued with more dancing. The bars reopened and people loosened up. While the guests partied, Sam and I helped the guys gather dirty dishes and soiled napkins and break down the buffet stations. Once we had the main mess cleared, Peggy and her staff set up an ice cream sundae bar, a candy bar, and a popcorn bar, filled with seven different flavors of popcorn. There were little bags so guests could take some home.
Allison and Emily squealed with delight and ran to the sundae bar, loading up bowls with scoops of ice cream, then dumped candy over the top. They sat at the nearest table and dug in. Fred looked at his wife like she’d lost her mind. Theresa and Mary Jane grabbed popcorn, and Sam and I joined them at the round table. It was nice to finally sit and not think about anything that needed to be done.
Later, when most of the guests were gone, and it was just family left, Sam and I sat with our team, relaxing before the final clean up.
“Helluva party, gentlemen,” said Danny, putting his feet up on another chair.
“Yeah,” said Will, rubbing his face.
I was seated next to Mason. “It’s good to see you. Thanks for coming out to help. You didn’t need to do that.”
“Yes, he did,” came a chorus of voices from Todd, Simon and Danny.
Mason laughed. “I wouldn’t have missed it. It’s been fun. Fred and Allison look happy.”
“They are, thanks to you all,” said Sam. “Seriously, you guys are the best.”
“Here, here,” said Todd, raising a glass of something. Those with drinks toasted the air.
Peggy and her crew — Carol and Daphne — came out of the kitchen, followed by Ron and Nancy. They all pulled up chairs as close to us as they could.
“When did you guys get here?” I asked Ron, shocked to see them. I had no idea.
He snorted. “Been up to my armpits in steaming pots and pans all evening, slaving away in the kitchen.”
Nancy slapped his arm. “Stop your grousing. You had fun and you know it. Aww, just look at them,” she said, watching Fred and Allison laugh together with their parents across the room. She leaned her head on Ron’s shoulder. “Remember?”
Ron smiled and leaned closer. “I don’t need to remember. I live it every day with you.”
“Awwww,” came another chorus. Nancy looked at me and winked. I smiled. So sweet.
Ben joined us, grabbing a chair next to Peggy.
“Peggy, and ladies, you did an amazing job. Allison was beside herself. Thank you so much,” I said.
“Really? I’m so glad. We tried to make it as special as we could,” said Peggy.
Ben grinned. “From the comments I heard all evening, I’d say it was one of the best weddings most of these guests ever attended.”
Peggy blushed and slapped his arm. “You’re just saying that.”
“Nope,” he replied. “Seriously, the standard has been raised. Not sure you could ever top this, Jack.”
“I didn’t do it, you all did. I can’t…” I started, then stopped, as a lump rose in my throat.
“What Jack’s trying to say,” said Sam. “Is that this was totally a group effort. And we have the best damn team in all the world. You guys rock.”
“Amen to that,” said Allison sneaking up behind me. I spun and tried to stand, but she put a hand on my shoulder.
“Sit,” she said, then grabbed Fred’s hand.
“We wanted to come over and thank you all properly for everything,” she said. “Fred and I are so grateful for all you’ve done. I told Jack, this was better than I could have dreamed. Peggy, the food was out of this world. Margie, everything was perfect. The flowers, the music, the cake! Oh my god, it was so good. I’ve eaten my weight in sweets. All of you, we don’t have words.” She stopped, unable to speak.
Fred squeezed her hand. “Thank you all so much. I can’t imagine what, but if there’s anything we could ever do for you, please ask.”
“Do you guys need anything else?” asked Peggy. “I can set up a coffee service quickly.”
Allison laughed and rubbed her stomach. “Oh no, please. No more. We’re stuffed. Besides, my mother is over there cramming every kernel of popcorn left into bags for the brunch tomorrow.”
“There’s a brunch?” I asked.
“Yes, for the families. It’s at Fred’s parents house. You and Sam are invited. We’re going to open presents and just relax.”
“Cool,” said Sam.
“Would your parents like the leftovers? We weren’t sure what to do with them,” said Peggy.
“Got any of that steak?” asked Fred.
Peggy laughed. “Yes. Some of everything, I think. Come on, let’s pack it up so they have it for tomorrow.”
“Yes!” said Fred, rubbing his palms together. Peggy, Carol, Daphne, and Nancy left to pack up the food.
“Sorry, Sam. Guess it’s jerky for you,” said Ben. Sam stuck his tongue out and I rolled my eyes. Some things never change.
“Where are you two going for your honeymoon?” asked Margie.
“Oh…well, we’re gonna wait a bit,” said Fred, looking a little sad.
Allison pulled him close to her side. “We close on a small house the first of September. The down payment wiped us out, so we need to save our pennies for a while. We’re thinking Hawaii next spring. We’ll spend this week packing up our stuff and looking for furniture at the second hand shops. My mom can turn trash into treasure like nobody’s business.”
Sam looked at me, blue eyes on fire, and I nodded. I looked at Margie and she smiled.
“On it,” she said. “Todd, sweetie, let’s help in the kitchen so these people can get home.” Todd rose and followed his wife, turning to look at me with question marks in his eyes.
Sam excused himself. Fred leaned down next to me and asked, “What happened with Warren?”
I looked across the table to Ben, not sure what to say.
“He wasn’t feeling well. I had a car service take him home,” said Ben.
“Oh…well, I guess that’s for the best.”
“Is he okay?” I asked.
Fred sighed heavily. “No, not really. His father’s dying. Cancer. Doesn’t want to fight it. Probably has a month or two. Warren’s pretty messed up about it.”
“That’s awful. Can we do anything to help?”
“Not that I know of. Warren said his insurance would cover treatments, but his father doesn’t want to go through with it. He’s suffered a lot over the years. I think he’s just done.”
“Keep an eye on him, okay?” I said. “He’s gonna need a friend.”
“I will,” said Fred.
Ron’s cell phone buzzed. “Looks like I’m needed in the kitchen. Justin, you too.”
Justin sighed and followed Ron.
The rest of us started stacking chairs against the walls. The rental company would pick them up tomorrow.
“Need any help?” asked Mary Jane, with Theresa standing behind her.
“Would you guys collect the flowers, and put them on the table by the door. Not sure if anyone in the family might want some.”
“Sure.” Emily came across to help them.
We were finished with one side of the room when Simon approached me.
“Yes?”
“Turn around. I think Sam needs you.”
I spun on my heel as the music started. Soft, slow, and romantic. Sam was waiting on the dance floor, staring at me. Oh, crap.
He smiled, and his electric-blue eyes drew me to him like a moth to a flame. Around the room, uplights illuminated the pillars between windows. Outside, dusk had faded into darkness.
I felt every eye in the room on me as I moved slowly, focused only on Sam. My heart raced, and I had to stop to catch my breath. He only smiled brighter, drawing me in. I kept going, until finally I stood in front of him, my back to the room.
“Hey,” he whispered, pulling me close. His hand at the small of my back was heaven. “Dance with me?”
I nodded, too afraid to speak. He started slow, and we sort of swayed in place, his hand on my back, mine on his shoulder, the other two clasped at our chests. I did my best to follow his lead, not knowing at all what I was doing.
“Just keep your eyes on me, don’t think, just…feel,” he whispered. I nodded. He led us slowly across the floor, and magically everything and everyone else disappeared. It was just us, moving together in our own graceful groove.
Sam leaned closer until our foreheads touched as we made a small, slow circle on the dance floor. I tried to hear the words to the song playing, but my heart kept singing its own lyrics. All I ever wanted, all I’ve ever needed, is you. My life, my soul, my everything. Only you. Always you. My heart is finally home.
He kissed me, the softest, sweetest whisper across my lips. My knees faltered, but his strong arms were ready. He held me upright and never missed a step. And when the first song ended and the next one began, he never relaxed his hold.
Suddenly the dance floor was filled with couples dancing all around us. Peggy and Ben, Fred and Allison, their parents. Todd and Margie smiled at us, then went back to making eyes at each other. Danny and Theresa swung by, laughing. Even Will, who was almost as scared of his own shadow as I am in social situations, was dancing with Emily, who giggled at something he said. Mason nodded as he twirled Mary Jane across the floor, bowing regally when Simon cut in.
A single tear of joy fell on my cheek. Sam let go of my hand to wipe it away.
“You’re mine,” he whispered, pulling me closer. “Forever.”
It was after eleven by the time we had everything packed up. The room looked more or less like we found it. Allison and Fred had just left, after their parents had called us all together and thanked us profusely for all we had done. It was sweet, but we were all tired by that point and just wanted to be done.
“I need a bath and a foot rub,” said Margie as we all walked out to the waiting SUVs.
“You got it,” said a sleepy Todd walking next to her, arm around her waist.
“Where are you all staying?” I asked, realizing I had forgotten yet another thing.
“With you,” said Danny. “We brought sleeping bags. Ben said some of us could stay with him, the rest with you two.”
He said it with such a straight face I thought he was totally serious. Then he burst out laughing.
“Wow, your face. That was awesome.”
I smiled. “Fine, you got me. But seriously, where are you staying?”
“Same hotel, separate rooms,” said Margie with a deep sigh.
“Cool,” said Sam, putting his arm around my shoulders. I leaned in closer, enjoying the warmth of his body in the cooler night air.
“We going to the brunch tomorrow?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Do you want to?”
“Not really. I’d rather just go home, if there’s room on the plane.”
“Sounds good to me. Mason, you’re coming with us, right?”
“I’ve got my car. I’ll just head home.”
“All the way to the city?” said Danny. “No way, man. It’s late. Stay with us. You can bunk with me.”
“You sure?”
“Hell, yeah. We don’t want to break up the band just yet.”
Mason looked at me and I nodded. He smiled and agreed to follow us to the hotel.
It was nearly midnight when Sam closed the door to our room behind us. Everyone was settled. The wedding was over, a big success according to all involved. I was exhausted and my feet ached.
Sam undressed quickly to his underwear. He never really liked suits, and we’d been in them all day and most of the night. I stripped more slowly, muscles protesting. He came over and helped. He threw my suit on the pile by the bed and led me into the shower.
We were both too tired to do anything more than wash each other’s backs and kiss a little under the steamy spray. We dried ourselves and fell into the bed. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
One by one, we straggled down to the hotel cafe for their Sunday brunch. Sam and Simon managed to pull enough tables together for our whole group. Everyone was relaxed, dressed casually, and looking forward to going home. The food was okay, nothing like what Peggy created.
“Were you able to arrange everything?” I asked Margie, pushing back from my plate. Sam was busy eating his second helping of everything.
She gave me a look like, “Who do you think you’re talking to?”
“I’ll take that as a yes,” I said. She laughed.
“Ron and Justin will be back here Monday morning, ten-ish.”
“Cool. What time do we leave today?”
“Whenever you say. But if it’s all the same to you, I think for most of us, the sooner the better. This was an unplanned excursion, after all.”
“Gotcha. Sam, put your fork down. We need to go.”
Everyone looked at me. “Already?” asked Will, mid-bite.
“Not you. Sam and I have a stop to make. We’ll meet you at the airport. Don’t leave without us. Come on, big guy.”
Sam shoveled in one more bite of pancakes and snagged two slices of bacon on the way out. Ben followed right behind us.
We packed in record time, stuffing everything in suitcases willy-nilly. We hung the rented suits on hangers and put them in the bags they came in. Make that two stops. By the time we hit the lobby, Ben had an SUV and driver waiting. Our luggage joined his in the back and we were off.
First stop, drop off the suits. Except the store was closed. Not good. We were about to leave when young Tad showed up.
“Hey guys, how’d it go?” he said, unlocking the door and turning off the alarm.
“Great. Thank you for your help yesterday,” said Sam as he handed Tad the suit bags to hang on a rack.
I grabbed Sam’s hand. “Thanks for everything.”
Tad smiled wide. “No problem. Nice to meet you both.”
“Same,” said Sam, pulling me toward the door.
“Hey, Jack?” asked Tad.
I turned. “Yeah?”
“You make a very handsome couple.” The cheeky brat winked at me and I blushed.
Sam never let go of my hand all the way to the Thompson house.
Marcus welcomed us at the front door.
“Jack! Sam! We didn’t think you were coming. Come in, the kids are about to open presents in the family room.”
“We can only stay for a minute. Can we speak to them?”
“Sure, sure. They’re in the kitchen. You know the way.”
Sam followed me. Laura greeted us with glee, grabbing our arms and dragging us over to Fred and Allison, who were talking with her parents.
“There they are, the heroes of the weekend,” said Mr. Reid. “Glad you could join us.”
Mary Jane and Theresa waved from the family room and joined us. Emily came up from the basement with another girl her age, maybe a cousin?
Marcus squeezed my shoulders from behind in a very fatherly move. “What’s up, guys?”
I looked to Sam and he took over, since it was his idea first.
“Jack and I have one more thing we wanted to do for Fred and Allison. Since you guys aren’t in a financial position to go on a honeymoon because of the new house — which is so cool, by the way — we had an idea. We know of a place in the Caribbean where you can stay for the week, or however long you want. Won’t cost you a dime, and you’ll have the place mostly to yourselves. We went for my birthday and it’s freaking amazing. What do you say?”
Mouths dropped open, Allison tried to speak, but Fred managed words first. “But how? I mean, how would we get there?”
“Oh,” said Sam, “that’s easy. Our plane will take you. Be at Dupage Airport tomorrow at ten. You’ll fly to St. Thomas, take a short boat ride to Calloway Island, and you’re there.”
“Oh, Sam, we can’t impose on you anymore. You’ve already done so much,” said Allison.
“Nonsense,” he said. “It’s our plane, it’s our island. If you don’t go, they just sit there. We checked, there’s only one other couple scheduled for the beginning of the week. And trust me, Mr. Napier and the staff will pamper you like you can’t believe.”
Marcus spun me around and looked me in the eye. “You own a plane AND an island?”
I grinned and shrugged. “It came with the inheritance. Not much I can do about it.”
“Except use it,” said Sam. “Come on guys, let us do this. You won’t regret it, I promise.”
Allison looked at Fred, whose mouth was still hanging open. “You in?” she asked. He nodded, speechless.
Then it was chaos, everyone talking over everyone else. I left Margie’s cell phone with Allison so she could get details on Monday morning. It took another ten minutes of back slaps and hugs before Sam and I could extract ourselves.
Ben was waiting by the SUV, sunglasses in place. “I take it from the noise they said yes?”
“Yep,” said Sam, opening the back door and sliding in.
I started to get in behind him, then stopped. I turned back to Ben.
“You know we could never have done any of this without you, right?”
He smiled. “Get in the car, Schaeffer. I’m tired and my girl wants to go home.”
I rolled my eyes and he laughed as he shut the door behind me.
Every seat was taken on the plane. Justin said they even took on extra fuel just to make it to Denver. Nobody was hungry, so thankfully Nancy could just sit and rest. It was a quiet trip, the adrenaline of the day before replaced by a bone-deep weariness.
“You guys should take your time getting in tomorrow,” I said to no one in particular.
“Can’t,” said Todd. “The boss man is coming. We’ve got to clean up after Friday’s rave before he gets in. Hopefully he’s late, as usual.”
“Ha ha, very funny. Seriously, guys, you’ve all worked so hard to help with this wedding, take a little time if you can this week. I mean it,” I said.
A few nods, and a couple of smiles. It was a nice thought, but I doubted they would do it. They all loved their work too much.
“Whatever. Don’t say I didn’t offer. And Todd?”
“Yeah?”
“No more office parties unless I’m invited.”
He smiled. “You got it, boss.”
We were ten minutes from touchdown when Will’s phone went crazy with incoming texts. We watched as he read the messages, his eyes getting wider by the second.
“Uh…guys,” he said.
“What is it?” asked Todd.
“I think we might have figured out who tried to hack our system.”