“That’s what Penny and Chase wanted,” Abigail claimed, though really, the size of the place dictated the guest list. And the cost. She was so grateful that the Merry Widows volunteered to take themselves off the guest list, saving them money and opening a table for Alexa’s family. “Don’t invite us. We’ve had enough PSC lobster tacos to last a lifetime,” Toots offered. And Abigail thanked her. But no reason to explain all that to Bernadette. “It feels . . . traditional. Right for us.”

“And Alexa’s family may be the most attractive family on the planet. Good genes going into the pool, Abby.” The Diamandis men were stylish in an array of handsome linen jackets in shades of blue, their dark hair and tanned skin set off by white shirts and good teeth. The women, blonder than Abigail assumed they might be, paired long dresses with sleek leather jackets to protect them from the cool winter weather. The two cousins looked like Penny’s twin sisters and wore sophisticated, midriff-baring ensembles that screamed “youth with money.” As a group, they were striking.

Abigail nodded in agreement. There was nothing more to be said on that front except, “A lot of good hair.”

“Many families don’t come together to support the couple. They are entrenched in their own needs and wants. Eighty percent of my mailbox is family conflicts. I’m more therapist than etiquette expert. The tiniest grievances become life-or-death issues around a wedding. One bride threatened to throw her future mother-in-law out of the wedding ceremony if she did an attention-stealing choreographed dance with her son. There’s unity for you,” Bernadette said, accepting a shrimp kabob from a server who might also be a male model. “And don’t get me started on all the MOB versus MOG incidents. I hate playing into the women competing with other women stereotype, but if my mail is to be believed, it’s a real issue. But you and Alexa, you’ve found middle ground. You’ve risen to the challenge, Abigail. It’s good to see.”

Her old friend held new admiration for her. That warmed Abigail from the inside.

She thought back to her initial reaction to the engagement and knew Bernadette was right. She had been headed in that direction, toward Full Entrenchment. But now look at her! Open to new ideas—within reason. “Thank you, Bernadette. That means a lot to me.”

Madison appeared so suddenly by her side, it startled Abigail. “Go time for your husband’s toast. We’re passing champagne now. Sound good?”

“Perfect.”