“Oh yeah. I’ll still have room for supper though,” said Luc. The roast was beginning to smell really good.
“Is there anything else left to do?” asked Patrick.
“No, most of it is last minute stuff, so I guess you can all head home,” said Meg. “The bakery will deliver the cake at 5pm. Be back by 5:30pm and we should be fine. Dinner is set for 6pm.”
“Alright,” said Ginny. “See you then.”
The three of them left to shower, take a break and change clothes. Luc picked up the trash and when he came back in to the living room, Meg was still sitting at the table.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, guess I just ate too fast. My stomach’s a little off,” said Meg.
“Why don’t you go lay down for a bit and I’ll finish setting the tables,” suggested Luc.
“Are you sure?” Meg asked. The thought of a nap sounded wonderful.
“Yes. Go rest. I know how to set a table and I’ll wake you in time to shower,” he said.
“Okay,” said Meg. She kissed him and headed off to lay down. “Maybe it was too much coffee this morning, or just stress,” she thought as she lay down on the bed. She pulled the quilt on the end of the bed up and over her. She was asleep in less than a minute.
*
Luc got the tables set, decorated the sideboard where the food platers were going, checked on the roast and started the rice and veggies. He sat down for a few minutes with a soda and tried to think if there was anything he had forgotten. Looking at the clock, he saw it was 4:15pm. It was time to wake Meg. She’d kill him if he let her sleep any longer.
“Meg. It’s time to wake up,” he said softly.
She blinked owlishly and stretched. “So soon?” she asked.
“It’s nearly 4:30,” he said.
“Oh damn. Did you put the rice on?” she asked as she got up and folded the quilt.
“Yes, and the veggies too. Go shower and I’ll wait for the cake,” he said.
Meg headed for the shower and got out in under ten minutes. Wrapping herself up in her towel, she used the hair dryer. Once her hair was dry, she got dressed and then worked on her makeup. Just as she finished the last bit of eyeshadow, she heard the doorbell. “That must be the cake,”she thought. She washed her hands, and slipped into her shoes. A quick glance in the mirror and she liked what she saw. Auburn hair with just a touch of curl, little black dress with just enough curve to the neck line to show off the chain Luc had given her and a pair of amber earrings that set off her eyes. She smiled and headed to the kitchen.
“Luc, your turn for the shower,” she called as she walked into the kitchen.
“Okay. Cake’s here,” he said and pointed at the cake set on the table.
“Oh that’s beautiful. Can you put it on the sideboard?” she asked.
Luc moved the cake, gave her a kiss and headed for the shower. Knowing his family, they’d be here in fifteen minutes. He was surprised to see his clothes set out for him. He smiled.
Meg grabbed an apron and started finishing up the preparations for the dinner. She set out the salads, relish trays, and various sauces and dips. The timer on the roast went off just as she set down the last bowl. Grabbing the pot holders, she eased it out of the oven and onto the counter. It had to cool for a bit before it could be sliced. She checked on the rice and veg before she opened the wines to breathe.
“Meg! We’re here,” called Ginny. She swept into the kitchen wearing a floaty green dress that astonished Meg.
“Ginny? Um what did you do to Ginny and who are you?” she teased.
Ginny laughed. “It’s all Patrick’s fault,” she said. “He bought the dress,”
“And who is taking my name in vain?” asked Patrick.
Meg turned to see Patrick. “My god you clean up well,” she said. “I’ve never seen a suit look that good. Ginny, I’m surprised you let him leave the bedroom,” Meg teased.
“It was a close thing, believe me,” said Ginny. She smiled at Patrick. She had been gob smacked when he’d walked out of the bedroom all dressed up. ‘Solda and Bitty had whistled and even Sara had said how ‘pwitty’ he was.
“Now, what’s left to get ready?” asked Patrick.
“Can you carve the roast?” asked Meg.
“I certainly can,” he said and took the carving knife she held out.
“Why don’t you check on Luc and then greet your guests while we finish up,” said Ysabel.
“Okay,” said Meg and she handed Ginny her apron and went to find Luc. He was just fighting his tie when she walked into the bedroom. He was growling.
“Here, let me help,” she said. In a few seconds, she had his tie in place and added the small wolf’s head tie pin to hold it in place.
“Thanks. I hate these things,” he said gesturing to the tie. He picked up his suit jacket and slipped it on. “How do I look?” he asked.
“Like a wolf is suit clothing,” Meg teased.
“Funny, very funny. Let’s go answer the door,” he said as the bell rang again.
*
Twenty minutes later, Luc’s house was full of family and friends. Angie arrived with a case of nerves, but Meg introduced her to George, who stepped in as friendly native guide. Sandy, Kevin, Marie, Cal and Peter all arrived at once. Jeff came with his wife, who Meg recognized as one of the nurses who worked at the clinic. Others she recognized from the night Duke went nuts. Soon, there was barely room to move. Andrew and the girl from the shop were the last to arrive. Ginny nipped out of the kitchen and got Meg’s attention.
“We’re ready in here, have Luc call everyone to the table,” Ginny said.
Meg nodded and after a bit of a wiggle through the crowd, delivered the message to Luc.
“Can I have everyone’s attention? I have it on good authority that dinner is ready,” he said.