Caribbean Cruising Read Free Page B

into the cabin. Since my hair and makeup were already done, it didn't take me long to finish getting ready. My shimmering lavender gown was sleek with flowing lines, had spaghetti straps, and a gathering of folds across the bodice that dipped down and moved fluidly when I did. I loved it.
    I put on low-heeled lavender sandals; a pearl teardrop earrings and necklace set. I wanted to look elegant tonight—for Mom. After tonight I planned to go totally casual. I didn't see myself putting on a fancy dress again until long after we'd returned to this port.
    I held out my arms and twirled slowly. "What do you think?"
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    "Better than prom night."
    "Anything would be better than prom night."
    That was the night that I realized the guy who'd taken me wasn't destined to be a long-term part of my life. He'd been more into hanging around with his buds than dancing with me.
    I grabbed my small white beaded purse. "Ready?"
    "As I'll ever be."
    We headed for the door.
    "Where's your duffle bag?" I asked.
    "I took it to the car earlier. I figured things would be crazy after the wedding and reception. Besides, I was afraid the temptation to stow away would be too great."
    "I wonder what would happen if you did."
    "I'd lose my job and possibly my boyfriend."
    "Ben's not that jealous," I said.
    "Yeah, right. I'm sure he'd absolutely understand my running loose on a cruise ship with a lot of hot single guys onboard."
    Hot single guys. I couldn't wait to be let loose among them.
    We left my cabin and walked to the elevator.
    "There are probably just as many single girls on the ship," I said.
    Julie shrugged. "I didn't see many at the pool."
    "I'm sure not everyone is onboard yet. We don't sail for a few more hours."
    The elevator arrived and we got inside. I pushed the button for the Starlight deck, where tonight's activities would take place. The captain was going to officiate the ceremony, which I thought was cool.
    The elevator came to a stop. Julie and I stepped out onto the Starlight deck. It was so romantic. The sun was setting and twilight was easing in. Tiny white lights were strung along the railing. White cloth–
    covered tables had been set on one side of the deck. Candles flickered inside hurricane lamps. An ice sculpture of a mermaid wearing a wedding veil sat in the center of the table where punch cascaded into a bowl. Nearby was a multitiered wedding cake, topped with the traditional bride and groom figurines.
    On the far side of the deck was a white latticed archway with flowers and lights woven through it. I could see a man wearing a captain's uniform talking with Walter. Chairs had been positioned behind the archway. People were already sitting in many of them.
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    for the dancing after the ceremony.
    "Where's your mom?" Julie asked.
    "I'm sure she's around here somewhere. We'll ask Walter."
    He was walking toward us. Quite a crowd had already assembled. Many people were standing and mingling.
    "Hey, kiddo," Walter said.
    He really looked quite handsome all decked out in his tuxedo.
    "Hi, Walter. You remember my friend, Julie, don't you?" I asked, tilting my head toward Julie.
    "Sure do. Did you change your mind about joining us?" Walter asked.
    "I changed my mind, but my bank account didn't."
    "Maybe you can join us on the next cruise," he said. "They're addictive." He turned to me.
    "Are you ready for the big moment?"
    "You bet."
    "They've got your mom hidden off in a corner somewhere, but I wanted to introduce you to the best man before we got started here. I didn't think you'd want to walk back down the aisle with a man old enough to be your father, so I asked my godson to stand as my best