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.
Everyone quieted down and moved to the tables. Ginny, Ysabel and Patrick brought the last of the food out and set it on the sideboard.
“Luc and Meg get to go first. After that, it doesn’t matter,” said Ginny. “However, anyone pushing or shoving will be smacked with a rolled up newspaper!”
Everyone laughed. However, they knew Ginny far too well to piss her off. In a few minutes, everyone was seated at the table with plates of food. Luc and Sandy were filling people’s glasses with wine or handing out beer per request. When everyone had a glass of something, Sandy stood up.
“As the oldest member of the family, it is perhaps my duty to say a few words,” he started. Laughter cascaded up and down the table along with a few silly remarks. “In all honesty, we never thought that this day would come. Luc settled down, finally owning up to his responsibilities, and making an honest woman of Meg here,” he continued. “However, the important part is that we are family. We’ve had our ups and downs lately. Luc scared the shit out of us all, not only by dating, but by trying to shred a bear while still driving.” He paused for the laughter to settle down. “Now before the food gets too cold and Ginny whips out that rolled up newspaper she fondles constantly, I’d like to toast Luc and Meg and their newly minted relationship,” Sandy finished saying as he raised his glass.
“To Luc and Meg,” rang around the room.
“Enjoy the feast,” said Ginny as Sandy sat down.
Dinner conversations flew across the table. Laughter with Luc at the butt of the jokes was the common topic, and at one point, the sheep that the cubs had given Luc was brought out as a centerpiece. Soon there was very little food left and Ginny and Ysabel started to clear the table of the main dishes in order to serve dessert. Not only was there the lovely cake, but coffee, sweet liquors and champagne. Patrick helped open the bottles and when everyone had a glass, they stood and toasted the couple again.