Skein of the Crime by Maggie Sefton

keep her from driving me crazy.”
    “I understand,” Mimi said, patting Megan’s arm. “I’ll be glad to talk to your mom and tell her everything that’s available here in Fort Connor. Catering firms, musicians, hall rental, and all those things.”
    “Whoa, I didn’t know you knew all that, Mimi,” Lisa said.
    “Oh, yes, I used to organize a lot of parties for the university when I was still married to my husband. So, I’ve got lots of contacts. Plus, several of my customers are in the business, too. Burt and I didn’t use them because our ceremony was so small.”
    “Fantastic!” Megan exclaimed. “Mimi, you’re a gold mine.”
    “Have you given any thought to what sorts of catering you’d like? Sit-down dinner, large buffet reception?”
    “Matter of fact, no. We’ve just started thinking about the wedding and trying to settle on the exact date. We haven’t even made lists yet,” Megan admitted sheepishly.
    “ What! No lists? Megan, I don’t believe it,” Lisa exclaimed, hand to her breast. “You’re going to have to start thinking about food, wines, liquor, reception halls, music. And lots more stuff.”
    Megan held up both hands. “I know, I know. Just thinking about it stresses me out. It’s easier to plan other people’s stuff. When it’s yours, it’s different.”
    “Don’t forget a dress,” Jennifer added with a grin. “You’ll have to choose a gown or something. Unless you two plan to get married in your softball jerseys and cleats.”
    Kelly laughed at the picture Jennifer created. “That would be kind of cute.” She could almost picture Megan and Marty now, standing at home plate saying “I do.”
    Lisa rolled her eyes. “Only Kelly would think so. Speaking of dresses, are you going to have bridesmaids? Are we included?”
    “Of course!” Megan declared. “I just wish I could have all three of you guys as maid of honor, but I’ll have to choose my sister to keep my mom happy. But you guys will be my bridesmaids and you’ll be in charge of keeping track of everything so I can enjoy the ceremony.”
    Kelly saluted. “Got it, Imperial Commander. We hear and obey.”
    “Oh, no, don’t get her started.”
    “Just make sure you consult us when you decide to pick colors, okay?” Lisa said. “I went to a wedding once where all the bridesmaids were in charcoal gray, and it looked like a funeral.”
    “Okay, no gray, I swear,” Megan promised with a nod.
    “Why don’t you come back tomorrow morning, Megan?” Mimi suggested. “I’ll gather lots of magazines from my friends and we can start looking through everything and getting ideas. And we can make some notes.”
    “That would be great, Mimi,” Megan said, visibly relaxing. “Thank you for helping me get organized. I’ve had so much IT work lately that I haven’t had a chance to even think about the wedding except to listen to my mom.”
    Mimi reached out and patted Megan on the arm. One of Mother Mimi’s maternal “pats.” Meant to reassure. “And if you’d like information on jewelers, then Burt and I can help you with that, too. We’ve both lived in Fort Connor for years, and we know all the shops.”
    Megan closed her eyes and leaned her head back. “I know, I know . . . we have to choose a ring. But we have to save up for it. Marty wants to buy a big ring but he’s still paying off his law school loans so he doesn’t have that much saved. I told him I didn’t need a big ring. I’d be happy with a small one or one of those other stones. I don’t need a diamond to make me happy.”
    Mimi beamed at Megan. “You’re the diamond in that relationship, Megan. And Marty knows it. You let him choose the ring. That’ll be his surprise for you.”
    Kelly watched Megan blush at Mimi’s praise. Mimi was right on. Megan was a diamond.
    Burt appeared in the archway then and gave Megan a smile. “Hey, can I have a congratulatory hug? Or, is it best wishes for the bride-to-be? I get them mixed