Lib Novel Page 22
“Hey, Maggie. I’m glad you stopped by because I’ve been meaning to come see you about the wedding, specifically, about the article in the Captiva Chronicle. I hope you know that I wasn’t responsible for what Linda put in the paper. I had a short, one paragraph engagement and wedding update so that the islanders and our friends would know about it. I added Becca’s picture and that was the end of it. I was shocked when I saw how big the article was, and on the first page no less. Linda wouldn’t even take money from me to pay for it. I should have known that she’d run with the whole thing.”
Maggie suddenly felt worse than she did earlier when she’d learned how kind and brave Crawford was to stay on the island. She’d let the worst side of her personality rear its ugly head and she was ashamed.
However, as bad as she felt, she couldn’t stop the laughter that naturally erupted from her throat. Crawford seemed confused by her reaction.
“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, Crawford, you won’t believe what an idiot I’ve been. I was so angry and jealous and protective of Beth that I marched right up to the Captiva Chronicle’s office and paid for a large front page announcement of Beth and Gabriel’s wedding. I did that in reaction and pure competition with your article. And, I can promise you that Linda took my money.”
Now, Crawford was laughing along with her. The absurdity of the situation was funny enough, but the looks they got from passersby made them laugh even harder.
No one in their right mind, with a major storm about to hit the island, could find anything to laugh at, much less in the middle of Andy Rosse Lane.
CHAPTER 8
As promised, Maggie called Beth to update her on the plans.
“That makes me feel better. We’ve been watching the news up here. It looks like it will be a category 2 hurricane when it finally hits the island, which is good news. They had said there was a potential for it to strengthen but it didn’t happen,” Beth said.
“Yes, that’s what we’re hearing as well. I would have been happier if it was a tropical storm, but I’ll take category 2 over anything stronger. We’re packing up now and I’ve got to make a few more calls, but I think we’re in good shape. Chelsea and Ciara are coming with us.”
Beth laughed. “I’m surprised that Chelsea isn’t going to ride out the storm. That woman is formidable.”
“Chelsea is indeed a strong woman, but I don’t think even she believes a hurricane would be afraid of her,” Maggie said.
“Do you think you’ll be able to stay in touch with us up here?” Beth asked.
“I don’t see why not. West Palm Beach is nowhere in the storm’s path. I’ll call you once we’re settled. Do me a favor and call Lauren, Chris and Michael. Tell everyone that we’re fine and will stay in touch throughout the storm.”
“We’re praying there’ll be no major damage, and no loss of life.”
“Me too. I’ll let you know what we find when we return. You and Becca don’t worry too much about the wedding. I’m sure we can get everything in good shape for your day, honey.”
“I don’t care about the wedding. Everyone’s safety is more important,” Beth responded.
“I’ve got to go, honey. I’ll call you when I can.”
“Okay, Mom. Love you bunches,” Beth said.
“I love you, too. Take care.”
* * *
With an overnight bag, a backpack and purse, Chelsea walked into the Key Lime Garden Inn and dropped everything on the floor.
“I’m ready to go when you all are,” she announced.
“Chelsea, we’re not leaving until tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, well. No matter. I can always go home to sleep. I’ll stay with you all today. I can help you get ready.”
Maggie understood Chelsea’s motivation. Her friend was nervous and didn’t want to be alone.
“That’s a great idea. We can always use another set of hands. I want to pull all of the inn’s historical photographs off the wall and packed into that box over there. How would you like to do that while I call Millie?”
“I can do that, but first I’ve got to get a cup of coffee. I unplugged everything over at my place. Any chance there’s a scone in the kitchen?”
Maggie shook her head. “Sorry, my friend. I’ve been too busy to bake. Check the refrigerator. Riley might have put a few leftovers in there before she left yesterday.”