Callum & Harper (Sleepless 1)

“Well, at least you did that right,” Cherry teased. “Fine. We got our work cut out for us ladies.” And with that, she stepped between Mary and Kelly, linking arms and lead them to the kitchen.

“What in the world are they doing?” Harper asked before noticing Cherry stamp her foot near the end of the kitchen.

“Uh, I believe that foot tap is for you, Harper,” Charlie said, laughing.

Harper sighed but couldn’t hide her smile. I stared as Harper retreated to the lion’s den. She peered over her shoulder, waiting for me to intervene but I raised my hands and shook my head. She stuck her tongue at me but joined the girls in a giant laugh.

“Quite a big step from a few days ago,” Charlie said matter-of-factly.

“I know it seems like we’re rushing and in all honesty we are a bit.”

“A bit?” Charlie nearly yelled but his mile wide smile let me know he was only half-joking. “You’re not a stupid man, Callum. If you feel this is right for you than I trust you. We all trust you.”

His complete trust in me gave my stomach a sharp pain. I felt like we were duping them all and we were but it didn’t feel as dishonest as it really was. That scared me. I knew I should feel worse about it than I was but it felt natural to marry Harper, too natural.

“It’s decided!” Cherry comes out. “Van agreed to barricade the The Bowery’s roof top Saturday night for free. We have a place to celebrate!” Everyone stood and cheered, much to my dismay. I was worried that Harper would feel badly about it but she looked happy from where I stood. I was grateful to Cherry for being so thoughtful.

Harper

I could not believe how amazing these three girls were being to me. It was a lovely testament to how much they loved Callum.

“Okay, you,” Cherry said pointing to Marty. “Call Van and ask him to shut off the rooftop for this coming Saturday. Tell him it’s for Callum and Harper.”

“On it,” Marty said cheerfully, skipping to Charlie’s wall phone.

Spritely Kelly jumped up and down giddily. “Oh, please, Cherry. Give me a task!”

“Alright, call Benny at the theater and ask him if they still have those pretty string lights from the boat scene in Roman Holiday last year. You know, the one with large bulbs?”

“Yup, I remember. Got it.”

“Okay, let’s see,” Cherry said, pinching her bottom lip between her fingers. She snapped. “The dress! Do you have a dress?”

“No, but I don’t need one,” I said, feeling slightly embarrassed and very guilty.

All three girls turned to me, mouths agape.

“No!” Cherry said, turning to Kelly. “You’re about Harper’s size. Still have that white silk slip dress from The Great Gatsby?”

“I do!” She gasped. “Oh, that would be so perfect! What size shoe do you wear?”

“Uh, a seven.”

“Oh, phooey!” She said. “Oh well. We’ll work something out. I’ll search Costumes. They won’t even know.” She winked at me.

I couldn’t believe my ears. These women were throwing my fake wedding together in practically no time at all. If I wasn’t so amazed, I’d be ashamed.

“You really don’t have to do all this,” I protested.

Cherry furrowed her eyebrows. “Oh, hush, Harper!” She admonished before slapping me on the rear, making me yelp. “Okay! No veils. Let’s see. Oh! Do you guys remember that feather butterfly fascinator I wore for The Ivories’ photo shoot three years ago?”

“Oh that’s perfect!” Marty exclaimed, hanging up the phone. “The Bowery is all ours for the night, by the way.”

“So are the lights,” Kelly said dramatically, moving to lean against the counter, tossing her cell aside and theatrically placing her arms on either side of her in a very melodramatic pose.

“Are you an actress?” I asked Kelly.

“Of course, honey. It’s the only thing that can explain my odd behavior.”