Running Hot

FIFTY-TWO

The wedding took place in the little cove Luther had discovered and made his own. The bride was barefoot and blissfully pregnant.

They closed down the restaurant for the day and invited the regulars and Milly Okada and Julie Hagstrom and her son. Altogether some eighteen people showed up for the sunset ceremony. Everyone got a lei. The bridal couple got eighteen leis each. The fragrant blossoms were stacked so high around Grace’s throat she had to spit out a few petals when she took her vows.

The guests stood around in the warm sand while the sun went down and everyone paid close attention while the minister conducted the service. Afterward Crazy Ray took out his guitar and launched into “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” sounding just like Elvis.

Later they repaired to Milly Okada’s for udon soup. At the close of the meal Milly surprised everyone with a massive cake emblazoned with the words

Grace and Luther, Happy Ever After. There was a bottle of champagne and a lot of beer to go with the cake. Milly and Julie shared the champagne. Grace stuck with sparkling water because of the baby. Everyone else went for the beer.

There were a number of toasts, but Wayne delivered the one that made the day perfect.

“Here’s to Grace and Luther,” he said, hoisting his beer. “And to the baby who’s due to arrive in seven months and eight days, not that anyone’s counting. The kid’s going to have himself one hell of a family. We’re gonna take good care of him. Teach him all the stuff he needs to know.”

“Got a feelin’ about that,” Petra said.

They all looked at her

She chuckled. “A good feelin’.”