“Absolutely. Contact me for anything you need,” Alexa responded, handing her card to her fellow female hustler. They both understood the assignment. “As far as the ceremony, I’m happy to arrange your accommodations. Montecito can be busy at the holidays, but I have a wonderful circle of friends who have offered guest suites or casitas to wedding travelers. I’d love to put you someplace special.” It was true. As soon as the word got out, longtime clients had called with congratulations and offers of housing for family and friends for the event. The sort of old-fashioned kindness the locals prided themselves on.

Bernadette nodded. She, too, understood the currency of connection. “What a generous offer. Put me down for a casita for two. I might even persuade my husband to join me for this one.” And then, the vision of pink and green hustled off to secure a sandwich for the ride back to Niantic.

*  *  *

At the door, Alexa thanked her hosts and made all kinds of statements about looking forward to the future and how she couldn’t wait to see them in December.

Sarah looked at her with a perfect doggy head tilt. “December? You’ll see us in July. Penny asked Mom and me to come out and be part of the wedding planning in two weeks. I have the summer off, and Mom can get out of her volunteer gig at the senior center. We’re psyched, Cali-bound!” She did the type of dance that indicated one too many Aperol spritzes on an empty stomach. “I can’t wait. I’ve never been to California. I heard UC Santa Barbara has a field hockey pitch overlooking the Pacific. So cool.”

Alexa tried to hide her shock. She didn’t need the help from these two for a wedding in her town, especially now that her daughter had hired Madison, the wedding planner. And if she had any further questions, the Merry Widows, with their wise counsel and their deep knowledge of florists, caterers, staging companies, dance bands, and glam portable toilets, were all she needed. What was Penny thinking? Was this a makeup for the dress shopping slight? She guessed yes. But what about accommodations for them at the height of the summer tourist season? It would be impossible. Her mind was spinning. Abigail picked up on that.

“It looks like this is news to you?” Abigail said, offering a small bag of warm nuts for the road.