“That’s why you asked her to do the job. So keep out of her way and let her get on with it.” Dan smiled and followed Rowena into her room. She spun around and he stopped in astonishment.

“What’s the matter?” Rowena glanced down and pulled at her jacket. “Have I got something down the front of me?”

“No,” Dan said. “It’s a very nice outfit.”

“I thought it was the right thing but now I’m not sure.” Rowena smoothed her hands down over the skirt. “I think it might be too much. I should have gone for something simpler. I’m going to be hot.”

“Rowena, take it easy, you look amazing as always, but this is perfect.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes.”

“Where’s your splint?”

“I took it off.”

“You shouldn’t have.”

He looked at his hand which was still mottled with cuts and splotched with various shades of purple. “It’s grotty. I meant to get Paula to bandage it instead but there wasn’t time.”

“I’ve got some tape here, let me do it.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“It won’t take me long.” The tape was already in her hand. “I don’t want you in pain on my wedding day.”

He gave in and let her bind his fingers together.

“There,” she said. “That should do it.”

“Thanks.” He smiled at her.

Rowena studied him for a moment then put her hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Dan, for everything you’ve done for me.”

Dan was surprised. She rarely kissed him any more. He wasn’t sure whether her thanks were for the preparations leading up to today or just in general.

“We’ll sort the will, don’t worry. Anyway it’s me that’s the thankful one, Rowena. What would I have ever done without you?”

“Not had this mess with the will.” Her hands still gripped his shoulders. Tears brimmed in her eyes. “Oh,” she wailed and looked around for a tissue. “I can’t believe I’m behaving like a sentimental fool. I think I just want this day to be over.”

“Hey, this is your special day. Don’t spoil it by worrying. Things will work out.” Dan didn’t know how to deal with an emotional Rowena, or Paula for that matter. Now that she knew everything he hoped they could fix things but she wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. He lifted the corsage he’d been holding. “Now, you’d better pin this flower on me then we can get going. We don’t want people passing out in the church.”

* * *

Paula fanned herself with the wedding booklet and peeled her shoulders from the wooden pew as the music announced the bride’s arrival. Everyone turned to face Rowena walking down the aisle on Dan’s arm and Paula sent up a prayer for the strength to get through the day.