A Gala Event Read Free Page A

we’ll just have to throw another party. Maybe a solstice party.”
    â€œYou can plan that one,” Meg said. “But I guess we’re making progress. I’ve alerted my parents, but we haven’t pinned down when they’re going to arrive. I’d really rather they didn’t stay here. Oh, and we need rings, don’t we? And I have no idea what I’m wearing.”
    â€œAbout them staying here . . .” Seth began slowly.
    â€œYou don’t want them to? Or you do?” Meg protested before he could finish. She wasn’t sure which answer she wanted to hear.
    â€œNo, I’m happy to have them. But I’m guessing that one reason you don’t want to put them up is because of the bathroom situation.”
    â€œYou’d be right. The one bath is barely adequate for the three of us, and I can’t imagine adding two more people to the mix. Why do you bring that up?”
    â€œI’ve been thinking . . . I want to give you something special as a wedding present, and I thought maybe an overhaul of the plumbing of this place would be good. Are you horrified?” Seth looked uncharacteristically uncertain.
    Meg was momentarily speechless, and then she burst outlaughing. “I love it! Nothing says true love like plumbing.” Seth looked bewildered, as if unsure of what she was saying, so she took pity on him. “Seriously, Seth, I think it’s a terrific idea. What did you have in mind?”
And when will you find the time?
Meg added to herself.
    â€œI was thinking that I could carve out a smaller bath from that niche in the master bedroom—shower only—without taking anything away from the main bathroom. Although all the pipes there definitely need to be replaced. And if I’m going to have things opened up anyway, I thought I could add a powder room directly beneath it at the same time.”
    â€œThat would be amazing, Seth,” Meg said, and meant it. “But we will have one functional bathroom throughout the whole construction process, right?”
    â€œOf course. And everything that shows will be historically accurate, at least on the surface. I figured you’d want some say in picking out the fixtures. Whenever you have the time.”
    â€œI love the way you think, Seth Chapin. I think it’s a brilliant idea. And I have no idea how I’m going to match it.”
    He smiled, clearly pleased by the success of his suggestion. “Don’t worry about it. This is kind of a shared gift anyway—I’ll be happy not to have to fight either you or Bree for time at the mirror while I’m trying to shave.”
    â€œI haven’t dared ask Bree what she wants to do about living arrangements. I’m sure she’d rather not intrude in our newlywed bliss, but I can’t afford to pay her enough to rent someplace nearby. Or at least, I don’t think I can. I won’t know until after she’s run the numbers for our sales and expenses. Are we really supposed to figure all this out in the next couple of weeks? Oh, and by the way, are we planning a honeymoon?”
    Seth looked stricken. “Do you want one?” he said anxiously.
    Meg burst out laughing at the look on his face. “If you could see yourself! Sure, you know me—I’m pining for a week in the Bahamas, with well-oiled pool boys bringing me endless fruity drinks with umbrellas in them.”
    â€œThen you shouldn’t be marrying a plumber,” Seth responded.
    â€œExcuse me, a specialist in period home renovations with a growing client list,” Meg corrected him. “And don’t worry about it. The idea of sitting here and catching up on the last six months’ worth of . . . well, just about everything sounds like perfection to me.”
    â€œAmen,” Seth said. “Although maybe we could try a restaurant or two.”
    â€œOr a weekend in Boston?”
    â€œDon’t