Dudes Down Under (36 page)

“
Yeah, you do kinda look like you’ve been hit by a truck, buddy.”

“
Tell me about it, mate. I keep thinkin’ I’m gonna wake up in a second and find it was all a loopy dream.”

“
You want me to pinch ya?” said Rebecca from behind him.

“
Mmm, yes, please.”

“
Glad to oblige.”

“
Ouch! I was jokin’.”

“
I wasn’t.”

Lucy and Charlie shared a conspiratorial wink and headed off to make their big announcement.

Skeet meanwhile sat with Rebecca and watched the shenanigans of some of the people in the ballroom. He was clearly having a great time and Rebecca sat by his side. They whispered and laughed together, and everyone noticed.

Lana had the film crew working hard. This was too good to miss - the 'Who’s Who' of Hollywood rolling around in wheelchairs and bandages, laughing and enjoying themselves more than she had ever witnessed. She too was bandaged and shared in the belief that this place had altered not only her outlook on many things, but it had affected others deeply as well.

Sidney Sheridan was one of the major surprises of the holiday. Lana watched her sitting perched up on the bar in a pair of cut-off denim shorts and a t-shirt, barefoot, tanned, and positively glowing with health. Lana gave a nod in her direction to her cameraman and he smiled and focused in that direction, just in time to catch Sidney as she slipped ice down the back of Tony De La Cruz’s shirt. An ice fight broke out with everyone laughing and abandoning wheel chairs to run around looking like zombies and trying to ‘ice’ everyone in reach.

*  *  *

Lucy and Charlie walked out on stage together, and Lucy went across to the microphone. “Ladies and gents. If I can interrupt for a moment, I have a couple of announcements to make. Firstly, let’s have a round of applause for our mate Skeet. Welcome home, my friend.” The listeners applauded and yahooed. “Charlie wants a quick word with you as well.” Lucy stood next to him as he spoke. “Well, my friends, I don’t think this is going to come as a big surprise but I have asked Lucy to marry me … and I am delighted to announce that she said yes.”

The crowd went nuts at that one, suspicions confirmed delightedly. Charlie held up his hand after a while to focus their attention. “Most of you know that Ginny and Ed are engaged. I am delighted to tell you all that we will be having a double wedding here in the Grand Ballroom six days from now.” That was totally unexpected, and Ed and Ginny were quickly surrounded by well-wishers. The film crew capturing every moment.

Ginny and Ed shared a kiss for the cameras, and Ed had a tight hold of her hand.

Lucy took the mike from her fiancé and called for quiet. “I will be leaving
Dudes
in the capable control of our mate Skeet. He has accepted the position and I am delighted. Oh, and one more small thing, I have been keeping a secret from all of you and it’s time to share it. I am the mystery owner of this place.”

This was greeted initially by stunned silence, then the audience cut loose. “Well, I’ll be damned!” said Max. This was echoed over and over in the room.

The atmosphere was wonderful, with everyone congratulating everyone else and a lot of 'I told you sos' being exchanged.

*  *  *

“
See, I knew all about that from the beginning and I didn’t say a word. Lucy’s daddy was the one who looked after me when I was hatched. Lucy took over whenever she was home from boarding school. I am such an honorable croc. I didn’t even tell you, Sadie, my dear.”

“
Well, I’m stunned. Lucy and Charlie getting married, and Ginny and Ed. It’s all so romantic!”

“
My Skeet is gonna be the big boss, the head honcho, sigh! I wonder if he’ll still have time for me. Oh, what do we have that’s suitable for a wedding? I must get a new tux and you, my dear, whatever will you wear? Musn’t be white, that’s for the brides. You have gained a little weight, Sadie, my dear. You do look marvelous, though, of course.”

“
Yes, I have, haven’t I? must be all the munchies. Speaking of the which, do you have any handy, Cyril dear?”

“
Of course. I stock up every day. Sidney gets them from that funny silent thing in the foyer for me every morning. But I think you should try and cut down, dearest. It may not be good for you. I need a drink. Where is Rebecca?”

“
With Skeet ,of course.”

“
Do you think maybe they are , you know, getting serious?”

“
I hope so. He is just perfect for my Rebecca and that would mean I can stay.”

“
STAY? Of course you will stay. I didn’t think there was any doubt about that, Is there? I mean, you want to stay, don’t you?”

“
Yes, Cyril dear, of course I do.”

“
Oh, you had me having a moment. My face must be pale. I can’t imagine being without you … um, I mean, you are such good company.”

“
Yes, Cyril, of course I am. Was there ever any doubt?”

“
Not a damn thing wrong with your ego either.”

“
Yes, I’m perfection.”

“
Sigh! That makes two of us. I need a beer.”

Chapter 39

“
Lana, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t taken on the arrangements for me. Thanks so much, my friend,” said Lucy, giving her a hug.

“
Me too, Lana. I don’t know the first damned thing about weddings. I’ve never even been to one,” Ginny added.

“
Trust me, girlfriends, I want this to be the best, happiest, most beautiful wedding ever. I have all the things you both asked for happening. The guests you have invited are scheduled to arrive in four days' time. That gives them two days to recover. Your dresses have been made to measure and they’ll be here tomorrow. My team in Chicago have pulled out all the stops on this one. The ballroom is perfect for it - it’s huge - and the scenery from every window is stunning. Marquees out on the grass beside the lagoon will be catering to all. I know that neither of you wanted too much formality, so it will be a ceremony inside the ballroom for Ginny and Ed, and an outside ceremony for you and Charlie, Lucy. I have surprises which I hope to hell you are both happy with. As for my dress, that’s done. I have organized a dressmaker on the mainland for Didi, Izzy and Sidney. She’ll be here this afternoon with the materials and staff to measure and make their gowns. Flowers - check. Guys' tuxedos - check. Skeet’s not thrilled about wearing a tux, but because it’s you two, he conceded defeat. I have interlinking ramps organized for Skeet so he can access inside and out. Guests' accommodation - no problem of course. Extra choppers hired to transport everything not arriving on the big catamaran - check. You girls are having the full manicure, pedicure, massage, make-up and hair by the best in LA. I’m as nervous as a mother hen. I hope it all falls into place.”

“
It will be wonderful, Lana, I’m certain,” said Lucy and Ginny together.

“
Okay, I need you ladies to stay away from the ballroom and the area outside for a full thirty-six hours. Can you do that for me?”

“
Sure, I can,” said Lucy. “Ginny, how bout you come up and spend that time in my place. You’ve never seen it. I’ll get the fridge stocked up, grab us some chic flicks and we’ll have an all-girls time out. What do you think?”

“
Oh yes, that would be just great. Um, does that mean I don’t see Ed for all that time?”

“
That’s up to you, sweetie,. It’s kinda traditional not to see the groom the night before the wedding.”

“
Oh, um … we … that is I am stil … you know…we haven’t done…”

“
My God, girlfriend! Are you saying that you're still a virgin with Ed Guest as a fiancé? He must be in love.”

“
Yes, we both are,” Ginny stated clearly.

“
I keep thinking nothing will surprise me anymore. Wrong! Gimme a hug, Ginny,” said Lana Peters. Ginny was happy to comply.

*  *  *

The days weren’t long enough for everyone, not just with all the plans for the weddings. The guests had begun to realize that their time at
Dudes Down Under
was drawing to a close. Two days after the weddings they were due to fly out. No one was happy about it. Home was home, of course, but it had been an incredible learning curve in different ways for all of them.

Tony De La Cruz was sitting in the Swamp talking with his ex-wife. “So, have you heard from Karen?”

“
No, nothing.”

“
From her lawyer?”

“
No.”

“
Is she taking your calls?”

“
I haven’t called.”

“
What? Are you nuts? She may have just wanted some reassurance that you really loved her,” Vanessa said before she could stop herself.

“
Did you?”

“
You are such a damned fool where women are concerned, Tony. Of course I did.”

“
Shit! Is that all it would have taken for you and me, me telling you I loved you?” He was stunned and it showed.

“
Yes, at that time I would have given anything to hear you say that.” Vanessa admitted.

“
I’m a fool, aren’t I?”

“
Yes, yes, Tony you are. Call her.”

“
But …?”

“
Call her. Don’t be an idiot. Pride is all that’s stopping you. Call her.”

“
I … okay, I will. Thanks, Nessa.” He gave her a quick hug and headed off to the office to place the call.

“
Well, you are in danger of becoming a decent human being,” Sidney Sheridan said from behind her.

“
It’s bloody contagious ,hey, Sid?”

“
Looking that way. You want to do lunch?”

“
Yeah, good call. Let’s go eat.”

“
And drink.”

“
That’s a given.”

The two women exited the Swamp arm-in-arm and headed for the Tropicana restaurant.

*   *  *

Skeet had finished the audit that Lucy had wanted done. The accountant was a nice bloke and they hit it off together.

“
You’ll do fine, Skeet. You have a natural aptitude for figures.”

“
I’ll say, mate. Especially if they come with dark hair and brown eyes.”

“
Like Rebecca, for instance?”

“
You got that right, mate. She a tiny bundle of dynamite.”

“
She’s staying on after you take over, isn’t she?”

“
Bloody hell, I haven’t asked her.”

“
You’d better, mate. Doesn’t do to assume anything where woman are concerned.”

“
You sure got that right.” Skeet wheeled himself outside and checked his watch. Rebecca would be feeding Cyril and Sadie about now.

He went off looking for the three of them.

*  *  *

Lana was weary but delighted; everything was almost ready. The Grand Ballroom looked superb with drapes of white silk around every window. Roses, in a profusion of soft pinks, to fuscia were placed in large baskets everywhere. The fuscia were the same color as the bridesmaids' dresses to be worn by Sidney, and Didi. The long span of carpet forming an aisle between the white seats was also a deeper fuscia. The effect was stunning.

Splashes of the colors appeared in detail around the room in satin ribbons tied expertly from the drapes. The entire effect was soft, warm and utterly beautiful. The priest and Ginny and Ed would stand in front of the stage. The curtains were changed to white heavy shantung. The platform in front would elevate them so that all guests had a clear view. Even the cushions they would kneel on were color-coordinated. Ginny would carry a dozen roses. Her veil was lovingly embroidered with tiny flowers in matching tones around the edges of the twelve foot train. Her gown was a dream of white lace and silk, cut to sway as she walked like a ball gown from
Gone With The Wind
.

Her parents had arrived the previous night and Ginny was a little nervous about Ed meeting her folks. They were the same age and she wasn’t certain how they would take it. She had neglected to mention exactly who it was she was marrying, simply stating that he was very mature and quite well off financially’

Ginny discovered which side of the family had the fainting gene as her mother hit the floor when she met Ed.