“Oh, did you finally talk to him about it?” Pru had heard plenty about the Irish musician Kennedy had toured with for a while, during her time abroad. He’d been one of the first to book a room after they opened the inn.
“No. He’s playing his way down the East coast. Not quite sure where he is just now, and his cell phone doesn’t work in the States. But he’ll be here in a couple of days. It’s not like he’s going to say no. It’s my wedding.”
Maggie pinched the bridge of her nose and moved her mouth in something that might have been a silent prayer or a curse. “Okay, so what’s left?”
“Just decorating the barn for the ceremony and getting tables set up for the reception. And
we’ll have help with that. Everybody who’s got a room booked from tomorrow through the weekend is one of Mom’s former fosters. And there are more coming in day of,” Pru told her.
Maggie’s shoulders relaxed a little. Kennedy swung an arm around them. “Did you think you were going to have to wade in and sort out chaos?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time. But I should have known better. I can always rely on Pru to have my back.” She flashed a grateful smile.
Pru just shrugged. “It’s what I do.”
“Is there anything else I need to know about?”
From the sofa, Ari began to bounce.
“You got ants in your pants, kid?” Athena asked.
Ari looked at Pru, and it was impossible to hold back the smile.
“She’s excited because she’s finally going to be a Reynolds. I’m adopting her.”
“Whoa.” Athena hooked Ari around the neck and pulled her into a headlock. “Welcome to the family, kid.”
Maggie smiled at the giggling teen, who was digging her fingers into Athena’s sides in a vain effort to tickle her. “That’s wonderful.”
“There are still some steps to go through, but that’s the plan,” Pru said.
The doorbell rang.
“Are we expecting more guests?” Kennedy asked. “I didn’t think we had anybody else booked for tonight.”
“Not guests. Your surprise,” Pru said. “Ari, you want to go get the door?”
“’K!” Red-faced and gasping, she rolled off the sofa and raced out of the room. Moments later, she came back, a smiling blonde in tow.
“Hail, hail, the gang’s all here,” the blonde called. “Welcome home, y’all.”
“Abbey Whittaker! I had no idea you were back in the Ridge.” Maggie crossed the room to give her a hug.
“Only been back a couple of weeks. Grandaddy Whittaker isn’t doing so great. His dementia is getting worse, so I came back to help out, while the family figures out what to do about it.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. But I’m definitely glad to see you. Weren’t you off in Atlanta?”
“That’s where I headed when Pru and I finished school, but I wound up moving to Mississippi last year. I’ve got kin in Wishful—Granddaddy’s brother and his branch of the family are there. I’ve been working at a swank spa in Wishful.”
“Which is why she’s here tonight,” Pru said. “She’s giving all of us spa treatments.”
“All natural and guaranteed to rejuvenate and relax.”
Athena jerked a thumb at Maggie. “This one definitely needs to relax.”
Abbey laughed. “And what about the bride to be?”
“Pretty sure she’s the most laid back one here,” Pru said.