Part 144 (1/2)

time being. We don't want Greg and Rick getting wind of

any of this yet.”

”My lips are sealed.”

-i

udrey brought over a plate of cookies to share at the

wedding planning meeting the next morning. Soon

all the women were settled around Maggie's dining

room table with Chloe as moderator, Rosa as the note-taking

secretary, and Maggie as hostess.

”My mother thinks I've totally lost my marbles,” said

Chloe, then she dramatically imitated what must have been

her mother's intonation. ”n.o.body, and I mean absolutely

no body, throws a wedding like this at -the very last moment.

Just think what people will say! Surely they'll a.s.sume that

you're pregnant, Chloe, or just terribly desperate, or that

you've simply lost your mind altogether.” The women all

laughed and Chloe bowed theatrically.

”Well, I have to admit I was a little surprised too,” said

Maggie as she refilled the plate of cookies on the table. ”But

I do think it's a charming idea to have a small, intimate wed-

ding, and I'm happy to be a conspirator in the whole thing.

Do you think your parents are going to come?”

”Mom keeps telling me to forget it, but I know my dad

will give in and come-even if it's at the last minute. And my

brother told me 'off the record' that he and his girlfriend will -[

be here with bells on.” She produced a piece of paper. ”This