Howard smirked and blushed. “I was there with a couple of friends, and they thought it would be fun. I was really straitlaced back then, even more than I am now, but I went along, expecting to be uncomfortable. It was hilarious. I never laughed so hard in my life. And that’s what I want. Doing this straight…is going to seem dumb. So, go for it. There will be children there, so we have to keep it clean, but otherwise give them hell.” Howard knocked on the top of the table and then stood up, extending his hand to Holly, helping her up. “You need to stay here to get dressed, and I’m going back to my place to make sure the guys are ready.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you at the church. I’ll be the one down front waiting for my princess to save me.” He squeezed her hand, and Daniel sighed. He wanted that someday and was man enough to admit it.
Howard left the yard with all eyes on him. “You found yourself a good one,” Daniel told Holly. “Once you have your hands on him, never let that boy go. He’ll make you happy forever.”
Holly smiled and checked her watch. “I need to get dressed and call my matron of honor to make sure there are no issues. The limousines will be here at one.”
“What about Mom and Dad?” James asked. “We need to explain what’s going on.”
Holly stopped in her tracks, and Daniel excused himself, getting out of the line of fire.
Chapter Nineteen
“I can’t believe you were trying to skip out and leave me with telling the folks,” James scolded Holly, once Daniel had gone inside. “It’s your wedding. I can explain what will happen, but you at least have to say that you and Howard made the decision.”
She sighed. “Okay. Let’s get this over with.” Holly strode off toward the house, pulling open the sliding glass doors. “Mom, we found someone to do the service,” Holly said as soon as she stepped inside. “Howard and I have decided what we want to do. I have to go get my hair done, so James is going to explain what’s going on.” Holly grabbed her purse and was out of the house in two seconds flat.
“Damn her,” James swore.
“Your sister was always good at sticking you with things she didn’t want to deal with,” his mother said as she set a mug of coffee in front of him. “What is it this time? I take it she and Howard have made some decision that they don’t think I’m going to be happy with, and she figured you could be the one to tell me.” She sat down, and James thought his mom was being pretty calm after all the drama and surprises of the last few days.
Daniel pulled out the chair next to him, and they shared a quick glance. Clearly Daniel was curious to see if this was what pushed her completely over the edge. At least that was what he thought, until Daniel’s hand slipped into his, squeezing lightly. Daniel wasn’t going to let him face this alone.
“Grace,” Daniel said softly.
“What does all of this have to do with you?” she asked snappily, turning on Daniel.
“Knock it off, Mother,” James growled. “We need to tell you and Dad what’s going to happen today as far as the officiant at your daughter’s wedding goes. Dad, can you come in here?” They may as well get this over with all at once.
The living room chair creaked, and his dad came in, sitting next to his mother, both looking concerned.
“As you know, the reverend is gone.”
His mother nodded. “My phone and the church gossip network have been buzzing about it all morning. All my friends have called to ask if the wedding is still on and what we’re going to do.” She gulped her coffee, and James narrowed his gaze, taking her cup and sniffing.
“What did you put in this?” James curled his lip.
“Whiskey. It’s medicinal. I need something to get me through this. My daughter is getting married, we have no minister, your sister blames me for problems with her dress and everything else that has gone wrong. I swear if it rains, she’ll blame me for that.” She snatched back the mug and downed what was left. James didn’t point out that some of that was indeed her fault. No point pouring gasoline on a raging fire.
“Grace, dear,” his dad tried soothing.
“Hell no. Don’t try that with me.” She got up from the table, refilled her mug, and returned, plopping the bottle onto the table. “Want some? You may as well get ready, because Holly skipped out, leaving James to hold the bag, which means we’re going to need some fortification.”
“James,” his father said plaintively.