Save the Date (Modern Arrangements, #1)

Liam just smirked at us as he ordered another drink.

Four hours later, we headed to a local sports bar for a late lunch and some beers. Most of us were a little buzzed and opted for water or coffee at this point. We sat around watching sports on the large screen TV’s. After we finished eating we headed up to a private room James had secured at a local casino type place.

We sat around for five hours playing blackjack, poker and a few other card games. It was roughly eight-thirty in the evening when I received a picture message from Maggie.

I almost shot beer out of my nose from the message. Everyone looked up at me.

"Who would be opposed to crashing a bachelorette party?" I smirked and every single one of their eyes lit up like it was Christmas.

~

At eleven in the morning people started to arrive for brunch. Viola had had a cater come and set up early, along with table set up and decorating. I had been up since six this morning so I could help and of course Phoebe was adamant about helping me get dressed.

Once Aidan had left, his Aunt Anne arrived with Elora and her mother. Then came a slew of people I barely remembered from Elora and James’ wedding. I plastered on my smile and greeted everyone as they entered.

Mimosas were served along with hor d’oevres for about an hour before we all sat down and to a light lunch of soup, salad and finger sandwiches. As dessert, cookies and small cakes were set out and served with tea. The brunch had gone smoothly, except for Aidan’s Aunt Anne. She was something else, very blunt and even downright rude.

She had called Celia a bargirl and was so happy for me that Aidan had gotten me out of ‘that lifestyle’. She went on to interrogate me about my future plans and if we had started trying to get pregnant yet. She was not my favorite person. Elora shot me an apologetic look from across the table. She obviously understood my pain right now. I smiled and winked at her, causing her to giggle and earning her a disappointed look from Aunt Anne and her own mother.

I hadn’t realized that I would have to open all of the presents while everyone was there. It took me two hours to open the gifts, show them and thank people. I was exhausted when Viola handed me one more, small package.

"This one is from Aidan," Viola smiled as she stood next to Maggie. Maggie had been sitting with me and helping me with all the gifts.

"Aidan?" I questioned. She nodded. I opened the gift and found a necklace with a large pendent on it. It was very pretty, but I wasn’t sure what it was.

"It’s the Iverson family crest, dear," I looked over to Viola who was smiling. "It is tradition for you and Aidan to both wear the crest during the wedding."

"Oh," I said quietly.

"He had it specially made for you." I looked back to her quickly. I knew that this was definitely a specially made piece and that they didn’t just run to Wal-Mart for it, so I could only imagine how much it cost.

I wonder if this is one of the pieces of jewelry that gets returned at the end of the four years?

"It’s beautiful." I smiled politely.

Once everything was done and the conversations began to die down, people finally started to leave. I was telling Elora goodbye when Phoebe approached.

"Where do you think you are going?" Phoebe huffed.

"Umm…" Elora didn’t get to finish.

"Send your mother and the in-law on their way. You are staying." Phoebe winked and headed over to a few others.

I collapsed onto the couch and put my feet up.

"Who knew that it would be this tiring?" I said out loud, not really expecting a response from anyone. All I got were giggles.

"The night isn’t over yet, ladies!" Phoebe smirked.

"What?" I looked up to see Phoebe smiling profusely.

"Oh, I’ve got plans," she smiled then turned to Maggie. "Baby girl, you know I love you, but you will have to leave the party at one point."

Maggie pouted.

"Why?"

"Because part of the night is not teenager approved," Phoebe kissed her cheek and smiled.

"Oh my," Viola gasped. "Maybe I should…"

"Oh, hell, no!" I yelled at her. "You are staying,"

Phoebe shooed us upstairs where she conveniently had extra clothes set out. I was kind of happy because it was a pair of skinny jeans and a simple sleeveless blouse. It was much more comfortable.

The first thing I noticed as I descended the stairs was the music, my eyes then settled on a bar that wasn’t there before.

"Phoebe, what the hell is this?" I smiled.

Phoebe turned.

"This is where we get to design our own cocktails."

"Nice," I appraised with a smile.

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