“And speaking of travelling…how do you plan on getting there?” asked Janice.
“We’ll be travelling on Barney’s motorcycle as far as Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Barney has a long-time friend—also a retired RCMP officer. His name is Dave Pritchard, and he and his wife Cheryl now live in Dawson Creek. Not only have Dave and Cheryl invited us to spend a week with them, but Dave has also offered Barney the use of their motorhome for our trip up the Alaska Highway. Since Dawson Creek happens to be Mile Zero on the Highway, we’ll be starting our Yukon journey at just the right point.”
“Whew!”said Janice, breathing a sigh of relief,”I’m glad to hear you won’t be travelling all the way to Yukon on a motorcycle.”
Freddie chuckled. “So am I, ‘cause there’d never be enough storage for the quilting fabric I might purchase.”
After we finished laughing Loretta asked, “Are you planning on getting married before you leave?”
“Barney and I would like to, but so far our wedding plans are in the early organizing stage, which means other than discussing having a small wedding in early June and being married here in town, that’s the extent of our preparation.”
“Say, I have an idea,” Carole announced. “How about having the wedding in our garden? If you are thinking of early June, many of the flowering shrubs and flowers are in full bloom. And remember, Bob finished the screened gazebo and the arched trellis which leads down the stone walkway to the summer house.”
“Oh, Carole, what a wonderful idea!”
“Not only is Carole’s garden a romantic spot in which to have your wedding, but also, we can have a small reception after the service,” Loretta announced. “I know my daughter Sybil, with her degree in culinary management, would be delighted to help out with planning refreshments. All you and Barney need to do is decide on a date, determine who you wish to conduct the wedding ceremony and decide what you and Barney want to include in your vows.”
Freddie looked around at us as she said, ”I can’t begin to tell you how overwhelmed and deeply grateful I am for your generous offers. I’m sure Barney will also be delighted! When can I let you know?”
“As soon as possible,” Carole replied.
“How about this evening?” was the reply, to which everyone laughed.
So it was decided and the morning wrapped up with the group toasting Barney and Freddie with a small glass of wine. It was Janice who proposed an additional toast: “Lots of laughter, sometimes tears / Quilting friendship through the years.”
…to be continued… (click here for Heading Out Part 2!)
