Lib Novel Page 1
CHAPTER 1
Six Weeks Before the Wedding
Maggie Moretti threw the Captiva Chronicle newspaper down onto the kitchen table and shook her head.
“Not one word about Beth and Gabriel in this article. Not that she’d want to be in it anyway, but this piece makes it sound like Becca is the island princess who’s coming home to have the wedding of the year.”
Paolo, looking afraid to have Maggie’s anger directed at him, remained quiet.
“This is Crawford’s doing, I guarantee it. After all, Powell Water Sports has been a staple on this island since the seventies. Not only that, but his family has also been a part of the development of this island from the very beginning.”
“I don’t think that’s the reason, Maggie. After all, the Key Lime Garden Inn brings in tourists from all over the world. Besides, Christopher is the groom. I’m sure he was mentioned.”
Maggie was losing patience with Paolo as she paced the kitchen floor plotting next steps.
“Good morning, Moretti family,” Chelsea announced as she entered the kitchen in search of her usual morning breakfast.
“Chelsea, how many times do I have to tell you not to let the screen door slam? Some of my guests aren’t awake yet,” Maggie complained.
Chelsea looked at Paolo. “I’m guessing she got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”
Paolo shrugged and didn’t answer.
Rolling her eyes, she whispered, “I’m sorry, Maggie, I’ll do better next time.”
Chelsea grabbed a coffee mug and poured herself a cup.
“What’s got you so riled up this morning, anyway?”
Handing Chelsea the morning newspaper, Maggie leaned against the kitchen island and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for Chelsea to read the article.
“This is a very nice piece. Is this what you’re so upset about?” she asked.
“Chelsea, did you not notice that Beth and Gabriel’s wedding isn’t mentioned at all?”
Chelsea nodded. “So?”
Exasperation set firmly on Maggie’s face. “So, it’s not right. This isn’t only Becca’s wedding, they should have explained that the wedding of the year, as they call it, is a double one.”
Chelsea put her arm on Maggie’s shoulder. “I hate to explain this to you, Mags, but the truth is that it is indeed her wedding announcement. This article is about Becca Powell and Christopher Wheeler, and that is how it should be. Come over here and sit at the table. I’ll get you a cup of coffee and I’ll explain.”
Maggie shook her head. “No. I’ve made a pot of English Breakfast Tea and that’s what I’m drinking.”
Chelsea looked at Paolo and tried to make light of the situation. “Oh, my. This is bad. She’s drinking tea instead of coffee. Fine. I’ll pour you more tea.”
When Chelsea topped off Maggie’s cup, she carried it to the table and was about to explain when Paolo headed for the door.
“I’ll catch up with you ladies later. I’ve got to get to Sanibellia.” He looked at Chelsea and smiled. “I trust I’m leaving her in good hands.”
Maggie grabbed the kitchen towel and threw it at her husband. They could still hear Paolo laughing as he walked down the steps of the back porch.
“Chelsea don’t try to talk me out of my anger. I’m going to need it later when I talk to Crawford.”
“No,” Chelsea answered.
“What do you mean, no?”
“Just what I said. No. Maggie, my best and dearest friend. You are losing perspective. This wedding event has you so on edge, no one can talk to you. No one, except me, that is. I have no problem telling you when you’re wrong, and in this situation…you’re wrong.”