says she’s going to be the bestest of the best in flower girl history. They collaborated,” Summer said with air quotes, “on what will be in the basket she carries. Just standard rose petals aren’t going to cut it.”
Lorelai spoke next. “Jon says your big day will be off the hook. I think he knows the catering details.”
She smiled. “I’m completely in the dark, and he won’t let me ask.”
“What do you know, if you don’t mind us asking.” Dawn chuckled.
“I know we’re getting married on February thirteenth.”
Lorelai jumped in enthusiastically. “Oh! I know this part. It’s the thirteenth so that the first full day of your marriage is Valentine’s Day. Am I right?”
“Yes! Day one!”
“That is just so damn romantic.” Dawn sighed.
Summer sighed too. “He got the idea from a song,” she told them.
Lorelai gasped and hopped up and down on her seat. “Are you serious? It’s his ringtone, isn’t it? Jon told me he heard it one day and questioned Arnie’s sexual orientation. I thought he was just being a jerk until he arranged for Arnie’s phone to ring one day when I was there.”
“His ringtone?” Summer laughed. “What are you talking about?”
“Haven’t you heard it?” Dawn asked.
She thought about it for a moment and shook her head. “He’s been keeping his phone muted because of the baby. All I hear are buzzes and chirps.”
“Well, shit.” Lorelai laughed. “I hope I’m not ruining this for you, but his ringtone for the last year has been ‘Teenage Dream.’”
Dawn looked like she was playing on her phone until the Katy Perry song started, and she turned it to the camera. “Spotify. I’ve got a playlist for every occasion and just happen to have it on several.”
They belted out the song as a trio. Lorelai threw in some bumps and grinds. Summer filled with joy. These crazy women were the icing on her NIGHTWIND cake.
“Whew,” Dawn chortled as they caught their breath. “So what else do you know?”
“I know the ceremony takes place at a Malibu estate. I know I’m wearing white.”
“Guys like to make statements.” Lorelai snorted.
“Virgin brides,” Dawn howled. “So goddamn funny when you consider the bridegrooms.”
“I’ve had a hand in the music. Not so much when it comes to my bridesmaid’s attire.” She shrugged. “I’m going to trust him on this one.”
Lorelai winked. “Sweetie, I’ve seen the digital designs. They’re faboosh!”
“And she would know after all, with her experience sewing stripper costumes.” Dawn smirked playfully.
“I told Arnie no strippers. I had to draw the line somewhere. He’s worse than a little boy in an arcade running from thing to thing. When I caught him checking out skywriting and hot air balloons online, I put my foot down before I found myself walking down the aisle accompanied by the USC Trojan marching band.”
“Sounds about right.” Dawn laughed.
“My brother is giving me away, and I’m pretty much just assuming the floral décor will be heavy on the sunflowers.”
“What’s your honeymoon plan?” Lorelai asked.
“Delayed,” she replied. “With all that’s happened and has yet to happen as far as moving east and whatnot, we’re going to take a step back and take our time. Wait until the baby is six months old and can travel with us.”
Dawn appeared surprised. “On your honeymoon?”
“On this matter, we are on the same page. Being a family is all Arnie or I want. We were apart for so long and too damn much stuff happened. I’m never taking any of this for granted. I was miserable without him, and he’s not about to let me or the baby out of his sight anytime soon.”
Arnie paced back and forth in front of the garage tucked behind the main house. If his jaw clenched any tighter, he was going to crack a tooth.
He checked his watch as if knowing the exact time made a difference.
The faint sound of an approaching car stopped him. He peered at the curve in the driveway, waiting to see who came around the corner. When Senior’s Cadillac executive limo, made the turn, he straightened and stood at attention. He’d sent the car to the airport and was anxious as fuck about the next few minutes.
Captain Reed Warren exited the car and came straight to him with his hand out.
“Hey, man. Thanks for the lift and handling my travel arrangements.” He looked around. “Are we safe to talk?”
“Yeah. There’s a lounge for the drivers. I can ask everyone to clear out.”
Arnie motioned to the limo driver. “It’d just be easier to wait. Leave his