A Reader's Questions and Concerns...

So...this morning, my good friend and loyal reader "B" sent me an email voicing some questions and concerns about the characters that she suggested needed clarification.  "B" likes to keep me on my toes as an author, so if she is confused,  I worry that others may also be in the same boat.    Therefore,  I'm posting her questions, and my explanations, before we head into the whole wedding storyline on Saturday...

       Question #1.  "Anyway, I do have questions. Quite frankly, I am a little confused over Cassie. In the beginning wasn't she an agoraphobic? Or was that just a ruse? I dont remember addressing that it was just a cover on her part. Maybe you did. Just wondering about her behavior change."

         You are quite right, B.  In the beginning of the story, (last June)  Cassie "McKreedy" Donaghue suffered from serious issues with agoraphobia, and confined herself mainly to her rented home.  She was seeing a local psychatrist, who was treating her with intensive psycho-therapy, as well as a cocktail of drugs, mainly anti-depressants.  She was showing some improvement, but it was the doctor's diagnosis that her illness was caused by lingering effects of a traumatic experience. 

      We later find out that this "experience" was the whole Marzano incident back in New Orleans,18 months before the story opens.  She and her cousin, Lizzie, stole a half million dollars from their employer, who was an important member of the local syndicate. To save their own lives, they set it up to look as if another employee had betrayed Marzano, and the women witness the man's slow and torturous execution.  Shortly after, they flee New Orleans, and settle in Dollyville, under false identities.  In the meantime, Marzano learns the truth, and vows to hunt the two of them down.    

       When Lizzie is brutally murdered near Beckett's cabin, Cassie has no other option than to run, and increases her drug intake to make this possible.  She settles in Florida...first Tampa, and later Daytona...and continues therapy, which appears to be helping her cope.  In addition, it had been implied that she has also begun abusing some illegal drugs; cocaine and Ecstasy when she can get it, and Oxycontin when she can't.  Spending most of her day high, she is often erratic and appears to suffer from several psychoses, as well as hallucinations.   

         So was this information about Cassie obvious to readers?  Maybe not well enough.  It was inferred in several episodes dealing with Kevin's own troubles with Marzano, and the suitcase of money.  But it appears that I may not have been clear enough.  I do apologize, and hope Cassie's behavior seems a bit more believable from here on.       

       Question #2 
" Also, no pre cana? LOL... I know, its a blog. but that did cross my mind while reading!"     

  For those of you who aren't aware, "Pre-Cana" is a marriage preparation program, required by many dioceses, before a couple can marry in the Church.  Years ago, it required  a meeting with your Pastor, and several structured "classes" on topics relating to marriage.      
        Pre-Cana is not part of Canon Law, and is dictated by the local Bishops and Cardinals.  Today, most dioceses require the couple at least take the FOCCUS, a compatibility test that's discussed afterwards in detail, or some type of weekend retreat.     

        I considered adding this to the storyline for Ted and Maureen, and even went so far as to outline that chapter.  But the sub-plots were growing longer and more complex, and I could tell that many readers were getting impatient to get to the actual wedding day. In the end, I decided to skip it.     

            But for complete clarifcation, this is what I believed happened with Beckett and Maureen:

            Fr. Kevin offered to mediate the couple's FOCCUS test, and spend some time discussing the rules of the Catholic Church regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony.  When Maureen explained all this to Ted, who is not a Catholic, and is in no way religious, his answer was..."Never gonna happen, Maureen.  Our marriage is none of Kevin's business!"   

    Fr. Kevin became stubborn about the whole thing, until his brother Patrick phoned him from Boston, and told him to "knock off the nonsense, and get those two married ASAP"  Patrick then procured a "dispensation"from a Bishop friend of his at the Archdiocese of Boston, that allowed the Bride and Groom to forgo the whole preparation rule.    

      So...there you have it!  Hope this clears things up for "B", and the rest of you.  If you have any questions or concerns about the storyline, or see where I've made a glaring "Faux Pas", please feel free to contact me via email.  As this is a learning journey for me, I do appreciate your thoughts and ideas!    Best Wishes Until Saturday,            Vicki                 


     
   

    

                     

Wednesday Sneak Peek (7-10-13) and Give Away Winner

                                   

Beckett checks his voice mail...and isn't happy with what he hears

        It was nearly 1 AM when the manager finally ushered the last of the rehearsal guests out the front door of Salvatore's.  It was hard to tell exactly who was holding who upright as the men gathered on the sidewalk in the front of the restaurant.  Leaning between his brothers, Jamie and Brendan, Patrick worked at maneuvering his iPhone in an attempt to call for a taxi back to the Park West.  Of the group, only Fr. Kevin was sober enough to drive his rented Toyota, while the Groom and his Best Man debated about the possibility of walking home instead of taking either of their cars.

         When he first arrived for the celebration, Beckett had no intention of getting hammered.  He was set to be on his very best behavior in preparation for the stress of the following day, and was planning to make an early evening of it.  But Maureen's insistence that they spend the night apart, and the appearance of his long time buddy, combined to tempt him into relaxing his guard, and imbuing more than was prudent for the night before one's wedding.

         As the discussion of transportation volleyed among the group, Beckett took the opportunity to check his voice and email for the first time in a number of hours.  Seeing the large amount of missed calls, and the long list of waiting voice mails, he swore under his breath, and stepped away from the cluster of people.  Despite the fact that it was the wee hours of Saturday morning, he dialed the number, and someone on the other end picked up on the first ring.

       "It's Beckett.  What's the problem?"

        "We've been trying to reach you for hours, Sir."

       "I see that.  What's up?"

        There was a moment of hesitation.  "I'm sorry, Sir.  We've seemed to have lost the target."

        The statement hit as a mental kick to his balls, and the gaiety of the previous hours evaporated like steam into the humid night time air.  "Damn it!  How could you lose her?  She was one fuckn' civilian woman!   How the hell could she shake your tail?  You're supposed to be trained agents!  When the hell did you last see her?"

         "I'm sorry, Sir.  I take complete responsibility for this, and we're working around the clock to re-locate her.

        "Answer the damn question, Lister!  When was the last time you had visual contact?"

         The voice on the other end sounded sheepish and strained.  "We followed the target into the Volusia Mall, directly across from the Daytona Speedway, at approximately 4:00 PM on Friday afternoon.  She window shopped a bit, and then entered Macy's at 4:22.  Once inside the department store, she went to the sports wear section, and searched through some racks of swim suits and cover-ups, taking an armful into the store's dressing rooms.  I had a team stationed in various locations just outside the entrance, but she never re-appeared.  After 30 minutes, I asked the saleslady if she could check on my "wife", but the woman returned saying all the dressing rooms were empty."  There was  pregnant pause, and then Lister continued.  "The store had a storage room at the far end of the space we were unaware of.  She must have slipped into there, and exited on the other side of the wall without us noticing."

      Beckett swore again, this time loud enough for the others to hear.  They stopped their conversations, and stared at him with drunken faces.  Turning his back on them, he asked,  "And there's been no sign of her since?"

      "No, Sir.  But she only had a 30 minute head start on us, and we have the airport, bus terminals, car rentals, and train stations covered.  It would be near impossible for her to travel anywheres out of the Daytona area without transportation."

        Spitting in disgust, Beckett offered, "Unless, she perhaps stole a car from somewhere?"

         There was more silence before the embarrassed agent answered.  "We'll look into that right away, Sir."

          "Do that.  And call me as soon as you hear anything."  He ended the call without further comment, and sliding the phone back into his pants pocket, wandered back to where the rest of men were standing.

           It was Kevin who observed him with suspicion.  "Something wrong, Sheriff?"

            Beckett smiled, hands in his pocket relaxed.  "Nothing serious, Father.  Just some last minute checking for tomorrow's festivities."

            "At 1 AM in the morning?  That seems odd."

            He grinned, and shrugged his shoulders, but the joviality didn't meet his eyes.  "I want everything to be perfect for my bride on our wedding day, Kevin.  If I have to knock some people out of bed, so be it.  I got it all covered."

__________________________________

The Votes Have Been Tabulated...

        The votes on a party dress for Roxie Spinelli have been tabulated!  She is all ready for Ted and Maureen's wedding on Saturday!  For now, I will leave the winning dress a mystery...(bet that doesn't surprise you at all...LOL)

         I entered the names of everyone who voted on their personal choice, from those who commented directly on the post, as well as those who have sent me a note via e-mail.   In a blind draw... the winner of the Give Away is...

                                           Jennifer Soest

     Congratulations Jennifer, and thank you for taking the time to vote.  Please send me your name and address, so I can mail Baby William to you.  If you are by some chance, not a miniaturist, ( I do have some readers who read only for the story, and not the mini scenes) let me know.  I can send a different prize.

      Thanks to everyone for taking part in our little fashion discussion.  Hope it was as fun for you as it was for me.  Please know that I am ever grateful for your continued following of my "mini" literary endeavor.  With the millions of blogs out there in cyber land, I truly appreciate the fact that you take time out of your busy schedules to come read mine.  A special wink to all of you who leave comments each week.  Know that I read and cherish each one!

         Please join me on Saturday for the start of the much anticipated wedding of Theodore Henton Beckett and Maureen Margaret O'Kenney!  It promises to be quite the social event of the year!

   Until then, stay safe and happy!

           Vicki

Copyright  2013 Victoria T. Rocus
All Rights Reserved

        

Rehearsal Revelry

A note for my readers...

       Although this fiction blog is illustrated with photos of dolls, and dollhouse miniatures, the language and content of the storyline is intended for an adult audience.

       Please be advised!

Thank you. 

Maureen and Ted attend their rehearsal dinner.

 
     If he had learned anything at all in the last 12 hours, it was that the O'Kenneys liked a good time.  Apparently, when more than two of them were gathered in any location at the same time, it was cause for celebration.  And as Beckett looked around the packed banquet room of Salvatore's Restaurant, it appeared that tonight they were in the mood to party hardy.

     It was Maureen's brother Patrick who had hosted evening's event, insisting that it was his duty to do so as her eldest brother.  What the groom couldn't understand, was why the entire family was present, when only a handful of them were actually involved in the actual rehearsal?  In fact, he wasn't really convinced that anyone needed a "run through" for the simple process of saying "I do", and was rather annoyed at Fr. Kevin's need to take them through the entire ceremony, step by step.  In his mind, since everyone was already gathered, the priest should have just married the two of them, instead of just "practicing"at it.

      Once the family had played audience to the rehearsing part, they re-convened at the Italian restaurant for a huge meal, and enough alcohol to put down an entire platoon.  He might have enjoyed the evening more if he had not been worried over the past due arrival of Mike Nolan, long time friend, and soon to be Best Man, who was several hours late.  It was already embarrassing to know that the groom's side of the church would be virtually empty, his estranged family having sent unanimous regrets.  Not that their reaction was any surprise.  He had burned enough bridges to keep his family alienated far too long for them to make any attempt at attending.  But it would surely be a tad humiliating if he had no Best Man at his side tomorrow, and ended up scrambling to find a proxy.

     As if the wedding gods could read his mind, Mike appeared at the doorway of the room, searching the crowd for a familiar face.  Weaving his way through mobs of festive O'Kennys, Beckett met the man in whose hands he had placed his life on several occasions.  He and Nolan had known each other since their early military days, and both had come through Special Forces together.  It was Mike who had drawn him into the job after their discharge from the Army, understanding that his friend would never quite adjust to a normal life in corporate America.  They had served together on countless missions, and if there were one person in the world Beckett could completely count on, it was Michael  Nolan.

      Clapping each other on the back, Beckett pumped the man's hand.  "Was startn' to worry, buddy.  I'm glad you're here."

      "Aw, damn, Teddy, you shoulda known better.  Always got your back, man.  Even if you're about to do the stupidest thing I've ever seen ya do.  Are ya sure there's no way around this?"

      "This is a good thing, my friend.  It's all gonna work out fine.  Trust me."  Beckett turned, and looked across the room to locate his bride, and waved her over.  "I want to introduce you to Maureen."

      "Can't wait.  Looking forward to meeting the only livin', breathn' woman who trapped 'Bed 'Em, and Boot 'Em Beckett'.  She must be quite the specimen to achieve that honor."

       Laughing out loud, Beckett retorted, "I'll leave you to make that call, but I'd damn well appreciate if you didn't mention that nickname in front of my bride.  She's a might sensitive these days."

       Nolan shook his head.  "The Great Lover already whipped.  Never thought I'd see the day."

       Maureen joined the men, and let Beckett wrap his arm around her waist. "Darlin', I'd like you to meet my oldest buddy, and my best man, Mike Nolan.  Mike, this is my fiance, Maureen Margaret O'Kenney."

       Maureen stuck out her hand to welcome the man, but he surprised her by pulling her into an embrace, and kissing her on the cheek.

       "Nice to meet you, Miss Maureen."  Nolan stepped back, and gave the bride a lingering once-over, before continuing his comment.  "You are definitely a delight.  All peaches and warm Irish cream.  Simply delicious.  Like a little dessert."

        Blushing at his words, the genuine smile on Maureen's face faltered, and was replaced with a stiff one pasted on her face like a postage stamp.  "And you, Mr. Nolan, are very...friendly.  So, you've know Ted for a long time, have you?"

       "Longer...and better than just about anyone, kitten.  So if you need any advice on how to best please your husband, little one, you just come see me."

       Beckett noticed Maureen's eyes narrow, while her jaw set itself firm, ready for a fight.  He thought about jumping in, and smoothing things over, but thought better of it.  He knew Nolan well enough to know that his bantering with Maureen was just his way, a method to see what she was really made of, and that he was in no way disrespecting her.  Nolan and Maureen needed to come to terms with each other, and the sooner the better.  His relationship with the man was solid, and he was counting on Mike to look after Maureen when he wasn't around, and to see to her needs if the unthinkable should happen.  She, in turn, would have to learn to trust him should the situation arise, and it was best if two of them saw each other in an honest light right from the very start.

      The smile still firmly stuck in place, she replied, sarcasm winding it's way through every forced word.  "I assure you, Mr. Nolan, that I am quite capable of meeting my husband's needs.  All of them.  And I am doubtful that the day will ever arrive in which I would need to seek your counsel."  She glared up at the man, and added, "But thank you for the generous offer.  I'm sure you meant well."
Then giving them both a dazzling, full-dimpled smile, "If you'll excuse me,  I need to talk  to some of the other...guests."  Offering her hand, and stepping back out of his reach, she spoke to the Best Man.  "It was a...pleasure...meeting you, Mike.  I'm sure we'll speak again."  Turning her back on him, she flounced off, her spine straight and rigid."

     Grinning, Nolan faced Beckett.  "Meow.  Me thinks the little kitty has some very sharp claws."  He thought a moment and added, "No...not much of a kitty.  More like a fox.  A little red fox."

     Ted couldn't help but smile.  "A little of both, I think.  But I wish the two of you hadn't gotten off on such a bad foot.  I'm counting on you to keep an eye on her when I'm...gone" Now serious, he added, "And to...take care if things if I don't return."

     Nolan gave him a slight shove.  "Don't go getting all morose on me, you asshole.  You'll do your job like always, and come home safe and sound to little Foxy.  That's just the way it's gonna be.  Count on it."  Pausing a moment, Nolan continued, " But if ever needed, you know I'll see to everything.  No worries."

     "Thanks, Mike.  Appreciate it."

     "Like I said, Beckett.  No worries.  She does know, right?"

      The groom remained silent, and then shook his head no.

      "You haven't told her yet?!  What the fuck's wrong with you?  You can't go marrying this woman and not even give her a clue to what it is you do!  How are you gonna explain your absence for days and weeks at a time?  She needs to know the protocol, if nothing else. This is pretty shitty, Beckett, even for you."

      "I'm planning on telling her.  It's just not the right time."

      "Not the right damn time?  You're getting married tomorrow afternoon!  I'd say you're running out of time."

       "Look, Nolan.  I got it covered.  I know my Maureen. It's best not to give her a lot of advance notice about things...something for you to keep in mind for future reference.  She has a tendency to think...spontaneously.  Goes with the first thought that pops into her head.  Plus, she likes to do a disappearing act.  I've had to chase her down on more than one occasion."

      "So... what you're telling me is that you have yourself a subbie brat."

       Beckett ran his hand through his hair, a definite sign to his long time partner that what was to come next he wouldn't much like.  "Fact is, Mike, she's not really into the lifestyle.  Not yet, anyway."

       Nolan shook his head in disgust.  "You're tying yourself to a vanilla?  Now I know you've gone off the deep end!  We both know that there's no way in hell this is ever gonna work out.  I ought to beat some sense into you!"

       "Look, Nolan.  I don't need a lecture...or your approval.  I do as I please, and I intend to marry this woman tomorrow afternoon.  What I do need is your promise to be there when it's necessary.  And if you can't do that, I'll understand."

       "We've been partners a long time, Beckett.  You know damn well I'll do what you ask, but you're never gonna convince me this isn't the worse idea you've ever had.  Kid, or no kid."

       "Your word's enough for me.  As long as I know you'll be here when it's necessary, I'm satisfied.  I'll deal with my own consequences as they appear."  Looking at his watch, Beckett tugged at Nolan's sleeve.  "Why don't you have a seat, and I'll see if I can still rustle you up something to eat.  There's another issue I want to run by you."

      "Problem?"

      "Might be.  But eat first...have something to drink...and then we'll talk.  It could be that I'll require some assistance."

________________________________

       Beckett tapped a spoon on the edge of his rock glass, containing a finger of the house's best Irish whiskey, and raised his voice over the din of the crowd.  "If I could have everyone's attention, please?"
He waited until the room hushed, and then continued.  "Maureen and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick, for putting together this wonderful evening.  Pat, I am grateful to you for showing me how the O'Kenneys celebrate...even something as simple as a rehearsal."  There was a chorus of catcalls, whistles and hoots while the groom worked at regaining the floor.  "So if you'll all raise your glass, I'd ask that we toast to Patrick's hospitality...Slainte!"

       The room returned the sentiment with much hoopla, and it was several minutes before Beckett could once again snare the guests's attention.  "And if I could beg your indulgence for just few more minutes, I'd like to share with you all a special moment I've planned for my lovely bride."  He motioned for the waiter, who nodded and left the room, only to return a few seconds later with a large wrapped box.  "I realize it's customary for the groom to give his bride a gift on the actual day of their wedding, but I'm hoping Maureen doesn't mind that I broke with tradition."  Bending down to kiss her, he placed the box on her lap.
                             

Beckett gives Maureen her wedding gift, as Allison looks on

      The bride herself blushed, and looked curiously at the size and heavy weight of the box.  It was obvious to him that she was expecting something more along the jewelry line, and he smiled at the thought that she didn't have a clue.  She glanced at Beckett and then at the package, suddenly embarrassed at being the center of attention.

       Behind her, Jamie tugged at a loose curl hanging at her neck.  "Go ahead, Red.  Don't keep us in suspense.  Open it!"

       Allison stepped next to her.  "Yeah, Momo, open it already!  You know you love presents.  Plus, I need another reason to hate you even more."

       Maureen laughed at her friend, tugged at the ribbon, and slipped it off the box.  Lifting the lid, she pushed back the tissue paper, and stared at the pile of terry cloth lying inside.  She ran a hand over the material, and looked up at Ted, her face registering her confusion.  When he grinned at her, and gave no explanation, she hesitantly asked,  "So...you're giving me beach towels as wedding gift?"

       Laughing, he replied,  "No darlin'...I'm giving you the beach."  When she just sat there staring, he prompted.  "Look underneath the towels."

        By now, several family members had moved in for a closer look, with Patrick standing at her left.  Maureen began pulling the towels out, and laying them on the table.  In the bottom of the box was a large color photograph, and a thick stack of legal paperwork.  Realization slowly dawned, and her eyes grew round and large.  She tried to speak, but nothing came out, and she put her hand to her mouth.

        Patrick could wait no longer, and pulled the stack out for a closer look.  Peering through his glasses, he asked, "Is this what I think it is?"  Beckett nodded, and Pat shook his head in amazement, and held up the photo.  "Well, I'll be damned!  He bought her a beach house on the Cape!"

        Maureen grabbed the photo from her brother, and examined it closer, shock hanging on her face. "Is this...the same one?  From our day trip?"

        Beckett smiled.  "The very same."

        "But...I didn't...it wasn't...for sale."

        "Baby, anything's for sale for the right price."

        Standing behind the groom, Kevin spoke up.  "Do you think the two of you could stop talking in cryptic code, and let the rest of us in on the story?  Is that really Maureen's beach house?"

        Maureen was too stunned to speak, emotion stuck in her throat like heavy cotton.  "You tell them, Ted."

        Taking a sip from the rock glass, he let the room quiet down, and then continued.  "When we first started dating, Maureen and I took a day trip to the Cape.  She had suggested she liked antiquing, so we headed down there for the afternoon."

        From across the room, Nolan piped up, "She already had the biggest antique around, old man."

        The room erupted with laughter, except for Maureen, who evil eyed Ted's best man with
a look of disgust, and would have stuck out her tongue at him if proper ettiquette would've allowed.  The ten year difference in their age was a sore spot with her, and her dislike for the man grew by leaps and bounds.

        Enjoying the telling, Beckett went on with the story.  "During that trip, we drove by some beach homes near Yarmouth, and Maureen told me how your family would sometimes rent a cottage there when she was younger.  She went on to say how she always wished that she could buy a place the whole family could gather at all summer long.  After lunch we walked down the shore, and I jokingly asked her which one would she pick if she had a choice.  She chose this particular one.  Because...?"  He looked at Maureen, and waited for her to finish the sentence.

        She was quiet a moment, and then answered softly, recalling the conversation of that day. "Because...I said...there were enough windows for all the O'Kenney's to have an ocean view."

        "My bride related that the cottage your parents rented only had two bedrooms that faced the ocean, and that there was a battle each year about who would sleep in the second one, your folks obviously taking one for themselves.  According to Maureen, she frequently ended up on the sofa sleeper in the sun room towards the back of the house... the room which faced a busy gravel road."

      At that point in the story, Brendan O'Kenney yelled out from his position at the bar, laughing in bellowing guffaws.  "And don't think she didn't complain about that, Beckett.  Drove us crazy the entire week over the sleeping arrangements."

     "Well, that won't be a problem with this house.  There are four bedrooms on the second floor, and two more on the first, all with windows facing the ocean.  Plus the sun room has floor to ceiling windows.  Plenty of ocean views for everyone."

       Overwhelmed, the room suddenly went still, and Maureen spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper.  "So...it's really mine?  It belongs to us?"

       "No, baby girl.  It belongs to you.  The paperwork is entirely in your name.  It's not part of any of the marital property.  It's 100% yours.  In addition, I've put money in trust to take care of the taxes on the place for at least the next ten years.  We can revisit that issue later in the future, but you can do whatever you wish with the property.  Patrick can look over the paperwork, and have you sign it.  Then he can take care of the rest, I'm sure.  In the meantime, you have many summers ahead of you to invite family and friends.  Just like you always wanted.  Happy wedding day, baby."

       Maureen threw herself at her fiance, wrapping her arms around his neck.  "Oh Ted!  I don't know what to say.  I'm...stunned.  Thank you. I love it!  It's an unbelievable gift."

       "You are most welcome, darlin'." Beckett kissed her, long and deep, ignoring the multitudes of whooping, gawking  O'Kenneys cheering around them.

        The noise in the room rose to the point where people needed to shout to be heard, and once the music started up, conversation was impossible.  The bride and groom were kept busy meeting and greeting their excited family and friends, and it was because of those things combined, that the groom never noticed the growing number of voice mails left on his phone.
                             

The Cape beach house...with ocean views for all the O'Kenneys

Copyright 2013 Victoria T. Rocus
All Rights Reserved

     



     

   

Give Away Prize

I've finally decided on a prize for the "Dress Roxie" Give Away...

      Meet William.  He is looking for a permanent "mama" and a new home!  William will travel to the lucky winner with his "blankie" and his rocking horse.  He is a big, bouncing baby boy, and would look best in a full size crib or pram.  No delicate, frilly little cradle for him!

                   

Baby William

         If you have voted for a dress, and left a comment, you are automatically entered! (See the post dated 6-26-13.  You must vote to enter!)  Some of you have had some trouble with Google, and the posting of comments, and have emailed me directly.  I'll accept those entries too!  In addition, because of the 4th of July holiday, I am extending the close date until July 8th!  So, if you haven't entered, you still have four more days!

                    Good Luck to all my lovely, loyal readers!  

                              You make writing this blog so much fun!

Happy Independence Day to all my friends in the USA!

Vicki

       

Wednesday Sneak Peek 7-3-13

Maureen opens her gift, as Allison and Beckett look on

       Beckett tapped a spoon on the edge of his rock glass, containing a finger of the house's best Irish whiskey, and raised his voice over the din of the crowd.  "If I could have everyone's attention, please?"

He waited until the room hushed, and then continued.  "Maureen and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick, for putting together this wonderful evening.  Pat, I am grateful to you for showing me how the O'Kenneys celebrate...even something as simple as a rehearsal."  There was a chorus of catcalls, whistles and hoots while the groom worked at regaining the floor.  "So if you'll all raise your glass, I'd ask that we toast to Patrick's hospitality...Slainte!"

       The room returned the sentiment with much hoopla, and it was several minutes before Beckett could once again snare the guests's attention.  "And if I could beg your indulgence for just few more minutes, I'd like to share with you all a special moment I've planned for my lovely bride."  He motioned for the waiter, who nodded and left the room, only to return a few seconds later with a large wrapped box.  "I realize it's customary for the groom to give his bride a gift on the actual day of their wedding, but I'm hoping Maureen doesn't mind that I broke with tradition."  Bending down to kiss her, he placed the box on her lap.  "I'll do my best to make you happy, baby."

      The bride herself blushed, and looked curiously at the size and heavy weight of the box.  It was obvious to him that she was expecting something more along the jewelry line, and he smiled at the thought that she didn't have a clue.  She glanced at Beckett and then at the package, suddenly embarrassed at being the center of attention.

       Behind her, Jamie tugged at a loose curl hanging at her neck.  "Go ahead, Red.  Don't keep us in suspense.  Open it!"

       Suddenly appearing to her right, Allison chimed in,  "Yeah, Mo.  I know how you love gifts.  What's with the hesitation?  I'm dyin' to know what's in there."

       Slowly, Maureen tugged at the ribbon, and slipped it off the box.  Lifting the lid, she pushed back the tissue paper, and stared at the pile of terry cloth lying inside.  She ran a hand over the material, and looked up at Ted, her face registering her confusion.  When he grinned at her, and gave no explanation, she hesitantly asked,  "So...you're giving me beach towels as wedding gift?"

       Laughing, he replied,  "No darlin'...I'm giving you the beach."  When she just sat there staring, he prompted.  "Look underneath the towels."

        By now, several family members had moved in for a closer look, with Patrick standing at her left.  Maureen began pulling the towels out, and laying them on the table.  In the bottom of the box was a large color photograph, and a thick stack of legal paperwork.  Realization slowly dawned, and her eyes grew round and large.  She tried to speak, but nothing came out, and she put her hand to her mouth.

        Patrick could wait no longer, and pulled the papers out for a closer look.  Peering through his glasses, he asked, "Is this what I think it is?"  Beckett nodded, and Pat shook his head in amazement, and held up the photo.  "Well, I'll be damned!  He bought her a beach house on the Cape!"

       

                     

Beckett's wedding gift to Maureen

Wedding Jitters and Famous Last Words

Attention Dear Readers...

      Although this fiction blog is often illustrated with photos of dolls, and dollhouse miniatures, the language and content is intended for an adult audience.  Please be advised.

                      Thank You

                                             

Roxie shops for a dress

     The pile of dresses on the hook kept growing, along with her building frustration.  Roxanne Spinelli pulled the lime green sun dress over her head, and slapping it on a hanger, added it to the growing collection on the dressing room door.  This was utterly ridiculous.  She had spent less time buying her first car, then she was spending on finding this friggn' dress.  It was just a wedding, after all.  Not a damn coronation.  And it wasn't like Dollyville, Massachusetts was the height of the fashion industry any how.

    With a sharp rap, the pesky sales woman was back with a vengeance.  "How we doing, sweetie?  Any of those a possibility?"

     "No!  They all look like shit on me."  Then remembering that none of this was the woman's fault, she added, "I'm sorry.  Do you think you could bring me the other bunch of size 5s?  The ones I left near the cashier?"

      "But didn't you already try those on, dear?"

      " Yeah, I did.  But I'm thinking that maybe a couple of them were okay.  I can't remember."

       There was a moment's pause, and the woman, determined to salvage some of the past two hours with a sale, forced a cheerful "No problem" from her lips.

        Maybe this whole fiasco with the dress was a sign she should forget about going to Maureen O'Kenney's wedding.  Just not show up.   It wasn't as if anyone there would miss her.  And it was even more doubtful that there'd be a decent opportunity to talk to the groom about a future job as a Deputy.  Not in the midst of his own wedding reception.  Plus, staying home would allow her to put off having to face Kevin.  Or rather, Fr. O'Kenney, as it now was.  Sending last minute regrets...a bad case of the flu...work problems...whatever...would save her from dealing with what was sure to be a lot of awkward moments.

        But the thought made her guilty, as if she were some type of quitter.  A coward.  She had just spent time with Maureen at her bridal showers, and had promised, on her honor, that she was going to show up to this circus.  Mo had even arranged for her to share an overnight room with her Maid of Honor, Allison, who always seemed up for some fun, and who had begged for the company.  To back out now, at this late date, would be rather rude, and surely hurt Maureen's feelings.  Besides, she was curious to meet her friend's future husband.  Despite the fact that he was heir to some big ass fortune, information on the internet about him was sparse, and the few images she found were several years old.  One thing was sure, if he still looked anything like he did in those photos, Momo was a hell of a lucky girl.

      The clerk returned with the stack of requested dresses, beaming a I-need-the-commission smile, and dragging along a few size 7s...on a lark...reminding her the store offered free alterations if needed.  Locked in the tiny cubicle, Roxie held up one dress after another, not even sure what was appropriate for "a good friend marrying a rich guy" kind of affair.  For the most part, she was either at school, where the dress code consisted of leggings, jeans, and t-shirts, or at Ruby's, where clothes weren't a huge part of the evening.  She had plenty of apparel for going out to the clubs, and a set of favorite field clothes she wore when she was doing surveillance for her small investigative jobs, but none of those seemed right for the impression she wanted to make.  She sure as hell didn't want something that screamed "Exotic Dancer" when she walked through the door, or anything that made her stick out, for that matter.   Blending in was the key, and on how to accomplish that objective, she wasn't sure.

   

     Amidst the generous harvest of styles and colors, Roxie managed to narrow the field down to four suitable choices, each one completely different from the others.  Sighing, she tried every one on again, fretting and fussing in front of the mirror, and wishing she had brought some one along for the benefit of a second opinion.  

_______________________________

    It was altogether a shitty week.  Finding Cassie in his house last Thursday was a gut-clenching shock, and made him rethink the quality of his security.  Up until then, he had been comfortable that his general anonymity, and the expensive wireless system, had been enough to keep him secure.  But the fact that she had so easily breached it, proved that he needed a serious update.  And soon.  If an amateur like Donaghue was able to enter his home without him being aware, then a trained operative would find it child's play.  Not that he expected anyone to come looking for him here in Dollyville, but there was no reason to take unnecessary chances.

    The more pressing issue was what to do with the psycho bitch who didn't seem to take "Fuck Off" as an answer.  He had rounded her up, and dragged her out of the house as quickly as possible, and as far as he knew, no one had seen them.  He had spent the wee hours of the morning driving to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, where he unceremoniously dumped her at the gate, bought a one way ticket back to Daytona, Florida,( her supposed home base), and watched as she boarded the damn plane.  Once Donaghue was air borne, he contacted an associate who owed him a favor. Assurances were made to keep the nut job under constant surveillance until the wedding was over, and the newlyweds left for their honeymoon.  After that, Beckett would need to deal with the woman on a more permanent basis, but at the present moment, his focus could remain on the upcoming wedding.

     He had spent the rest of that weekend taking care of general business at the station, and touched based with the powers that be about where he'd be traveling, and how long he would be unavailable.  When Sunday finally rolled around, he was mentally ready to pick Maureen back up from Boson, and begin his final week as a single male, while ending it as a husband.  Arriving at her brother Jamie's home, it was obvious that the Mustang was not equipped to cart home all the crap she had accumulated
during the bridal showers in her honor, and arrangements were made to ship all the things to his house in Dollyville, where he had no idea what they would do with three electric frying pans, several sets of crystal stem ware, and an array of cutesy ice buckets.  The bride herself was overflowing with quips, complaints and bitchy commentary about the visit, and by the time they arrived back home, he found himself nursing the start of a nasty tension headache.  If, in that moment, Beckett had even the slightest idea of what was to come in the week ahead, he might have worked harder at convincing his bride to throw tradition to the wind, and elope with him to Vegas.

________________________

       The thought of his entire family's arrival, and his sister's journey to the altar, gave Fr. Kevin a bad case of heart burn, which he was pretty sure had now turned into acid reflux disease.  Since that night
at the gas station, where he had the misfortune of seeing Beckett driving around with a strange woman , he had polished off  an entire bottle of antacids with virtually no relief.  Even now, the burning sensation churned up from his belly like hot lava of the volcanic intestines.  He spent several sleepless nights tossing and turning over the question of whether he should say anything to Maureen, or confront the Sheriff himself, but came to no decision.  There was little doubt that neither of them would appreciate his interference, and if turned out to be a harmless coincidence, he'd feel like a complete ass, and an even bigger trouble maker.

        He even thought about calling up one his older brothers, and asking their advice on the delicate matter, but couldn't decide who it should be.  Patrick was the logical choice, but as far Fr. Kevin could tell, his eldest brother thought Ted Beckett walked on water, and that Maureen had hit the husband jackpot.  Kev could dig up a body in the man's front lawn, and Patrick would still probably shake the guy's hand, and welcome him into the family.  He thought about pulling Jamie to the side and speaking with him, but worried that he'd blab to the rest of the family.  Jamie was awful at keeping secrets, and until he was 100% sure Beckett was at fault, the fewer people who knew, the better off they were.

       So, when his future brother in law pulled up to the the church's front steps, unexpectedly, the afternoon before the rehearsal dinner, Fr. Kevin took it as divine intervention that he was meant to set things straight about the events of that questionable night.

___________________________________
                                     

Fr. Kevin and Beckett have words

      Beckett had spent most of the day dealing with the arrival of the O'Kenneys in Dollyville. The clan had arrived en masse by car and train, and he had spent the better part of Friday hassling with the logistics of settling them all into the Park West.  The family, plus a few odd friends, took up an entire floor of the hotel, and everywhere he turned there were children of all ages.  Babies, toddlers, small kids and teens over ran the hallways, the fitness room, and had solidly taken over the small indoor pool.  The O'Kenneys were obviously a fertile bunch of good Catholics, and he shuddered to think that his own future might include a brood of look alike rugrats.

       By the time 2 PM rolled around, he simply had enough of the handshaking and back slapping from Maureen's brothers, and the unending twittering and fussing of their wives.  He professed a need to check in with Fr. Kevin over at the church regarding tomorrow's ceremony, and begged off an invitation to join them all for a beer in the hotel's tiny bar.  What he really wanted, was a to share a Guiness and a few minutes of peace and quiet with the only O'Kenney, besides his bride, that he felt comfortably enough to chat with, and he was pleased to find Fr. Kevin alone at the church.

      "I bring greetings, Padre, from your family.  They seem to have handily taken over the Park West."

      "So I hear from Maureen."

      Feeling a definite frost in the air, Beckett worked at warming up the conversation.  "The blushing bride seems to be taking all the excitement in stride.  I left her giggling over lunch with all of your brother's wives."

       "Yeah...I guess it must be a joy to live unawares of the sordid details."

        Beckett looked at him with narrowed eyes.  "Just what is it your implying, O'Kenney?"

        "You tell me, Sheriff.  You're the one who keeps his cards close to his vest."

       "Hell, Kev!  Stop talking in friggn' metaphors, and spit it out.  You got something to say, just go ahead and say it.  I thought we were beyond this game playing bullshit."

        Kevin stopped his polishing of the stained glass, and stared at the man with the best evil eye he could muster.  "I saw you."

        For an instant, Beckett looked confused, and then his face froze into an emotionless mask.  "You have me at a disadvantage, Father.  I'm not exactly sure what you mean."

       "Last Thursday night.  I saw you.  At the gas station.  With a woman in your car that was definitely not my sister.  The sister who was back home in Boston celebrating her upcoming marriage... to you."

        If the Sheriff was surprised at Kevin's revelation, he didn't show it.  "I see.  And if I told you that there is a logical explanation for what you saw, would you trust me, and leave it at that?"

        "Not a freakn' chance, Beckett.  I've been agonizing for a solid week as to whether I should go ahead and break my sister's heart with this information."

         "You didn't mention this to Maureen, did you?"

        "No.  I just couldn't bring myself to tell her.  How do you say something like that to someone you love dearly.  It would kill her to know you're cheating on her."

         Beckett tisked in disgust.  "I wasn't cheating on Maureen.  It's complicated."  He ran a hand through his hair, uncomfortable with the discussion.

        "Well, sure.  That's explains everything.  Thanks so much."  Fr. Kevin's sarcasm turned to anger.  "You must think I'm six shades of stupid, Beckett.  I've had it up to here with your secretive, need to know answers.  I don't live with my head up my ass.  I'm well aware of what was going on, and implying that what it was you were doing is beyond my feeble comprehension is just damn insulting."

        His face grim, Beckett warily explained.  "Look...it wasn't a strange woman in my car.  It was Cassie.  Donghue.  McKreedy. Whatever name you wanna use."

         "So that makes it better?  She's your ex!  What reason could you possibly have for her being in your car in the middle of the night, other than picking up where you left off?  I need to put a stop to this whole wedding, before Maureen makes the biggest mistake of her life.  Pregnant or not, she doesn't need an asshole like you in her life."

         "For Maureen's sake, I'm gonna forget that you just said that, O'Kenney.  Otherwise, I might have to rip your head off your shoulders.  There's no fuckn' way I'm carrying on with that crazy bitch!  She was in my house when I got home last Thursday.  She somehow managed to jam the security system, and sneak in.   She was down in my...um...basement.  Damn well shocked the living crap out of me.  She even drugged my dog!  The woman's off her nut.  Completely and utterly living in some freakoid fantasy world."

        This turn of events left Fr. Kevin not sure what to think.  "But why did she come back here?  She must understand how risky it is.  Marzano can't have given up on looking for her.  And why didn't you just arrest her?  For breaking and entering.  Then she'd be safely locked up."

      "I thought about arresting her, but decided against it.  For one, I couldn't hold her very long on a simple B and E.  She'd post bail and be out in less than 48 hours, and with the wedding in a week, I needed her gone on a more permannent basis.  Plus, I wanted to spare Maureen all the scandal her arrest would probably bring.  You know how things are here in town.  You can't fart without everybody knowing about it.  That's not the kind of publicity you want on your wedding day.  I thought it best if she just went away."

     "So where is she now?"  It was Kevin's to be wary.

     "I drove her to Hartford, and put her on a plane to Daytona.  Supposedly that's where she's been for the past three months.  I watched her board, and then take off.  I'm 100% sure she's not within 500 miles of Dollyville."

     "Yeah, but what makes you think she isn't gonna just turn around and come right back.  If she's obsessed like you say, she's not gonna give up that easy."

      "I've got that covered  You needn't worry."

      " Shit, Beckett!  I'm still gonna worry!  Don't you think you ought to warn Maureen about all this.  Especially if this crazy woman is hell bent on coming after you, or anyone attached to you.  This definitely puts my sister at risk."

      "I absolutely do not want Maureen to know about any of this.  She deserves the wedding she's dreamed of, without having to look over her shoulder every five minutes.  Plus, all the extra stress can't be good for she, or the baby.  Maureen is my own concern, and I'll do what I think best for her. There's no logical reason to alarm her.  I've hired security to follow Cassie from the moment she landed in Daytona.  They've been on her every minute since, and have orders to prevent her from leaving Florida, in what ever manner necessary.  Once Maureen and I return from our honeymoon, I'll try to come up with a more permanent solution.  But until then, I'm confident the problem's being adequately handled.  Leave this to me, Kevin.  I know what I'm doing."

Copyright 2013 Victoria T. Rocus
All Rights Reserved

There's still time to help Roxie select the perfect dress for Ted and Maureen's wedding, and be entered in the give away!  See the  Wednesday, June 26th, 2013 post for more details!

     




     

     

Wednesday Sneak Peek and Give Away Offer

 

Roxie goes shopping at Boston's Mac Macy's

    The pile of dresses on the hook kept growing, along with her frustration.  Roxanne Spinelli pulled the lime green sun dress over her head, and slapping it on a hanger, added it to the growing collection on the dressing room door.  This was utterly ridiculous.  She had spent less time buying her first car, then she was spending on finding this friggn' dress.  It was just a wedding, after all.  Not a damn coronation.  And it wasn't like Dollyville, Massachusetts was the height of the fashion industry any how.

    With a sharp rap, the pesky sales woman was back with a vengeance.  "How we doing, sweetie?  Any of those a possibility?"

     "No!  They all look like shit on me."  Then remembering that none of this was the woman's fault, she added, "I'm sorry.  Do you think you could bring me the other bunch of size 5s?  The ones I left near the cashier?"

      "But didn't you already try those on, dear?"

      " Yeah, I did.  But I'm thinking that maybe a couple of them were okay.  I can't remember."

       There was a moment's pause, and the woman, determined to salvage some of the past two hours with a sale, forced a cheerful "No problem" from her lips.

        Maybe this whole fiasco with the dress was a sign she should forget about going to Maureen O'Kenney's wedding.  Just not show up.   It wasn't as if anyone there would miss her.  And it was even more doubtful that there'd be a decent opportunity to talk to the groom about a future job as a Deputy.  Not in the midst of his own wedding reception.  Plus, staying home would allow her to put off having to face Kevin.  Or rather, Fr. O'Kenney, as it now was.  Sending last minute regrets...a bad case of the flu...work problems...whatever...would save her from dealing with what was sure to be a lot of awkward moments.

        But the thought made her guilty, as if she were some type of quitter.  A coward.  She had just spent time with Maureen at her bridal showers, and had promised, on her honor, that she was going to show up to this circus.  Mo had even arranged for her to share an overnight room with her Maid of Honor, Allison, who always seemed up for some fun, and who had begged for the company.  To back out now, at this late date, would be rather rude, and surely hurt Maureen's feelings.  Besides, she was curious to meet her friend's future husband.  Despite the fact that he was heir to some big ass fortune, information on the internet about him was sparse, and the few images she found were several years old.  One thing was sure, if he still looked anything like he did in those photos, Momo was a hell of a lucky girl.

      The clerk returned with the stack of requested dresses, beaming a I-need-the-commission smile, and dragging along a few size 7s...on a lark...reminding her the store offered free alterations if needed.  Locked in the tiny cubicle, Roxie held up one dress after another, not even sure what was appropriate for "a good friend marrying a rich guy" kind of affair.  For the most part, she was either at school, where the dress code consisted of leggings, jeans, and t-shirts, or at Ruby's, where clothes weren't a huge part of the evening.  She had plenty of apparel for going out to the clubs, and a set of favorite field clothes she wore when she was doing surveillance for her small investigative jobs, but none of those seemed right for the impression she wanted to make.  She sure as hell didn't want something that screamed "Exotic Dancer" when she walked through the door, or anything that made her stick out, for that matter.   Blending in was the key, and on how to accomplish that objective, she wasn't sure.
   
     Amidst the generous harvest of styles and colors, Roxie managed to narrow the field down to four suitable choices, each one completely different from the others.  Sighing, she tried every one on again, fretting and fussing in front of the mirror, and wishing she had brought some one along for the benefit of a second opinion.

_______________________________

     Poor Roxie!  She's been in that dressing room for several hours, and could really use your help in deciding which dress is right for Ted and Maureen's upcoming wedding.  Can you offer her a second opinion?

     Below are photographs of her final four choices.  Select the one you think is the best choice for the Dollyville nuptials, and leave your suggestion in the comment space.  Keep in mind, all the dresses will receive "alterations" before the big day, and accessories will be added once the right dress is chosen.  Roxie will abide by your decision, and the dress with the most votes is the one she'll wear in that post.  In addition, just to make this a bit more fun, every reader who comments will be entered into a drawing for a surprise give away.  (Which neither Roxie or I have a clue as to what it might be, but we're both sure I can find something nice to tickle your mini fancy in my ever growing stash)  Voting ends July 6th, and only one vote per reader.

        Rox and I look forward to hearing from you!  Just no bitchy comments about her large feet, or thick ankles, okay?  She's very sensitive about that. 

Thanks for all your help!

Dress # 1 - Soft summer silk

Dress # 2 - White linen with blue trim

Dress #3 - Pink print cotton sundress

                                 

Dress #4 - Sleeveless geometric print

           Copyright 2013 Victoria T. Rocus
           All Rights Reserved