Hitched

68

Much to Nora’s delight, Regan would now be able to keep her promise and devote the rest of the week to her wedding preparations. That is, after Regan finally woke up on Tuesday afternoon and caught up on all the newspaper stories and media coverage about the capture of the dress thieves.

The top priority was to procure a band. Tracy suggested they hire the band that she no longer needed.

“They’re certainly free on Saturday night, Regan,” she said. “But if you hire them, you have to invite me.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“And I’d like to bring Jay.”

Regan smiled. “There’s nothing I’d like better than to see you two dancing at my wedding. I’m so glad you’re doing well.”

“I’m living with the satisfaction that Jeffrey is calling constantly, begging for forgiveness. Of course I would never go back to him, but I’m enjoying his misery.” She sighed. “He wasn’t the one. When I see you with Jack, I realize how I want it to be for me…”

Regan and Nora spent hours deciding who would sit at which table. When they finally finished, Nora sighed. “You know that someone’s going to be unhappy with where we put them.”

Regan laughed. “Mom, it wouldn’t be a wedding otherwise. I bet it’ll be Aunt Nahnah who complains. She got that nickname for a reason.”

“Regan!” Nora protested.

“You’re right, Regan,” Luke said as he walked in the door. “I’m glad you didn’t mention someone from my side of the family.”

“Don’t get me started!” Nora laughed, as her husband kissed the top of her head.

Luke was thrilled that the mystery of the strange phone calls was solved by the New Jersey police, who had raided an apartment for drugs. What they found on the dining table wasn’t drugs but a pile of engagement announcements cut out of local newspapers. Regan’s was on top. The Reilly home had indeed been targeted for a break-in on Saturday afternoon.

Nora and Regan checked and rechecked all the arrangements-the menu, the cake, the readings at the church, the flowers. There was an endless stream of phone calls and deliveries while Regan packed for her honeymoon. On Thursday, Regan went with her bridesmaids to a day spa in New York City where they were pampered with massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Lunch was served as they lounged in their terry-cloth bathrobes. They all emerged looking gorgeous and relaxed.

The rehearsal dinner was Friday night. In the afternoon, Regan received a special delivery from Pamela and Arnold. It was one of Pamela’s antique bracelets. The card read, “We wish you the best tomorrow, Regan. Please accept this bracelet as a token of our affection and gratitude.”

Regan called to thank them. Pamela was exuberant on the phone. “Regan, our son just called us. He and his wife were in the process of adopting a baby but didn’t want to tell us until it went through. They didn’t want to get our hopes up. So we will have a baby to spoil after all. You and Jack will have to come by when they’re in town.”

“We will,” Regan promised.

Brianne called as well. She was about to head out to her rehearsal dinner. Her gown was hanging safely in her parents’ house. Alfred and Charisse had worked for three days and nights getting it done.

“Regan,” Brianne said, “I wish we could be at each other’s weddings.”

“Me, too, Brianne. When we get back from our honeymoons, we’ll have a night comparing our videos and pictures.”

“I’m so glad we’re friends, Regan. I feel as if we really got to know each other.”

“That we did!” Regan laughed.

“And I’m sorry if I acted like a jerk when you first met me.”

“Hey-don’t worry about it. Your dress was the one in shreds.”

“Can you believe it?” Brianne asked, her voice becoming agitated. “I still wish I could have shown those two bums a thing or two.”

“Brianne, I think they got your message,” Regan chuckled. You can be comforted by the fact that they’re suffering right now. Especially Francis. That guy is never going to recover.”

“You’re right, Regan. Can you believe we’re the only two out of the five April Brides getting married? I think Alfred is a jinx.”

“Brianne!”

“It’s true, Regan.”

“I don’t think it’s Alfred’s fault that less than half of his April Brides are making it to the altar. You and I are lucky. And Tracy ’s better off without Jeffrey. Those other two, well, as Alfred would say, ‘At least they have good taste in wedding dresses.’ ”

Brianne laughed. “All the best to you tomorrow, Regan. You’re going to make a beautiful bride. And you’re going to make someone very happy.”

“So are you, Brianne,” Regan said sincerely. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”