"Stay in there."

"They're gonna be suspicious!"

"No they won't, just stick to the script."

"What if they wanna see?"

"They're not going to. Lock the door. I'll knock three times. Understand?"

Poor Eddie. He was scarlet, wide-eyed, and clearly feeling ashamed, hovering his hands over his crotch and shuffling sideways into the bathroom as Rosie covered him.

"I'll be right back."

The other men were still in the kitchen talking crap. Rosie went up to Pete.

"What's up, Rosie?"

"One of the ponies spat on Eddie."

"Oooh shit! I forgot to warn him about that!" Pete scratched his head. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah but it's all down his leg." She shouldn't laugh, but her mouth quirked. "Where's his bag?"

"Is Eddie's bag over there?"

Rob looked around and gave a thumbs up. "Yah."

"Where's Eddie?" Their dad asked.

"I'd say it was Duncan. Spit all over him."

"Ugh. Nothin' worse."

Rosie was holding on for dear life. She could think of something worse. Rob hefted the bag up onto the island. "Thanks."

"Eddie?"

"Don't come in!" His arm shot out. "Just pass me the bag."

"Do you need help?"

"You've been plenty of help."

Her cool broke, as she passed the bag in, Rosie burst out laughing.

"It's not funny!"

"It's kinda funny." She sniggered through the crack. "If it happened to me -"

"It can't happen to you. Not really. Ugh." He was hopping around inside, trying to get the jeans off and also clean himself. "Shit!"

"What?"

"I don't have another pair."

"What!?"

"Just some shorts."

"Oh. Good."

"I can't meet your dad in shorts!"

Rosie put her mouth close to the gap. "No one cares!"

"I look like I'm going to the beach."

"Short shorts?"

"No, just the grey ones."

"Those go right down to your knees, it's fine." Rosie encouraged. "Show off those chicken legs."

"Chicken legs. Thanks. So flattering."

She escorted him back into the kitchen, Eddie hunched over and looking very unsure. Rob came right over and put an arm around his shoulders, leading him back in and telling him to get a beer. Once Rosie was sure he was settled, and selling their story to the boys, she returned to the living room. Another drink or two, encouraged by her sister, and she was already starting to feel hazy. It had been a long trip down, and Rosie felt every hour. She pushed through as best she could, but as the clock crept towards 1am she wavered.

"I'm going to sleep." She announced around a yawn. "You'll be in with us tonight, right?"

"Yeah." Lilah confirmed. "There's a pull-out in you and Emma's room. I'll be a bit."

"Don't stay up too late. Big day and all."

"Yes, Mom."

Yawning again, Rosie made it across to the kitchen. Some of them had made it over to the small, round table in the corner, but two were missing. Rosie halted.

"Where's Eddie?"

Rob grinned. "Dad stole him."

"What for?"

Shrug. "They're down in the den."

"That way, Rosie." Pete pointed.

Off the kitchen was a little hall leading to the garage. She made out the laundry through one door, and the next was clearly a large pantry. Further down light poured up from a narrow stairwell. Rosie held the rail and slunk down a few steps, not making a sound.

Was that strumming? She sat on the next step and listened.

"So I think it's a G-minor." Eddie said thoughtfully, playing the note again. "And then A, E, B-flat."

"That's a good ear." Her dad. He sounded impressed. Rosie covered her own mouth, afraid even her breathing would interrupt them. Gripped the banister as she peeped around the wall. Eddie was sitting on the sofa in front of the cocktail bar, one of Pete's expensive acoustic's in his hands. Her father perched on the coffee table, swaying slightly and ruddy-faced. He watched carefully as Eddie tried the notes again.

"Yeah, I-I can teach myself most things. Might have to listen for a day or two, but I'll usually get it."

"See that's the difference between someone like me and a true musician, Son." Dad went on. "I can only copy someone else's work. Read out of a book, you see? But you...you've got the gift to do it on your own."

Grinning stupidly to herself, she almost crawled back up the stairs. Much as she wanted to say good-night, she knew it was best to leave them to it.

Lilah woke up at 7:30am with her mother to start getting ready. Rosie and Emma, thankfully, were allowed another hour's sleep, but lay there partially awake as the room became busy. The two other bridesmaids arrived, then both of Rosie's sister-in-laws. Chattering and laughing and milling around over catered breakfasts. She gave up and went in for a shower, then slowly began to get ready and help her sister. Hair and makeup had arrived, Lilah was a ball of nerves and kept asking her opinion. Rosie was happy to convince her to go for more of a natural look, not wanting to be caked in makeup herself. They would be at the chapel by 11:30, an early lunch downstairs. Back for the champagne reception, dinner, party. Rosie reminded Lilah a thousand times, thinking if they had the schedule memorized things wouldn't get too overwhelming.

A thirty-minute drive to the church. They sat with the windows all the way down, taking turns to fan the bride. Rosie shifted about, pulling at her dress. It was simple; just a pale blue chiffon. She was so happy her sister hadn't opted for too many frills, but the mesh underskirt was itchy. She'd have to take it off after the ceremony.

More bustling and nattering when they arrived, Emma pushing people into position. Rosie had to go first with the best man, and they sent Pete's nephew sprinting down the aisle to get him. He got the other groomsmen, too. Her father was already there, naturally. Kevin held her back from dashing to the altar, herself. With all the focus on her sister, Rosie had ignored her own nerves. Now they were crawling. She searched those standing for a familiar mane of dark hair. There. She flashed him a smile, then wished she hadn't. His gaze fixed on her, roving up and down, mouth curling into a little smirk. Rosie blushed and turned away.

The vows went smoothly. No-one objected and Kevin had remembered the rings. Midway through everything, a loud click echoed through the chapel, and Eddie hid behind a pillar with her polaroid camera. Rosie bit back a laugh. Should've warned him how loud it could be. Out of the corner of her eye she watched him slide back down into his seat nonchalantly.

Damn dress still itched. She couldn't fidget. Focused on the beret in Lilah's hair and clenched her hands around her bouquet. Thanked whatever lord she had to that the priest didn't drone on, and let them go with his blessing before Rosie lost her mind. As they followed back up the aisle, Eddie was less reserved with the camera, and ran ahead to snap her. With all formalities done with, Rosie let go of Kevin and skipped over to him.

"You look amazing!"

Eddie turned red. "You like it?"

She pretended to fix his collar. "So handsome. The black on black!"

"Right!"

"Suave."

He was all shy, eyes darting around to watch her family pass. "Your dad can see us."

"I'm just admiring your suit." Rosie stepped back and tugged his hand. "Turn around, let me see."

Goofy grin slapped across his face, he gave her a turn. His ass looked fantastic in the slacks. His hair was as neat as it got, and she was happy that he hadn't tied it back. He'd kept his rings, too. Little bits of Eddie sprinkled up and down this distinguished gentleman.

"Well?"

"I love it. Where'd you get this?" Rosie touched the white boutonniere pinned to him.

"Your mom."

"Oh she said she was getting something for you!"

"Doesn't he look dashing!" As though summoned, Rosie's mother had appeared behind them, her father in tow.

"Yeah, it's a nice touch." Rosie indicated the flower.

"They don't do them in black, Darlin'. I would've got you one." Carol reached up and patted Eddie on the shoulder.

"No, no. It's perfect." He stammered back, half-bowing.

"Where's the photographer?"

"Mom!"

"I need a photo of you two!"

"We have this!" Eddie held up the polaroid.

"A good photo!" Her mother hailed the cameraman. "I'm paying for it, aren't I? Step over there."

"I'll take that off you." Her father received the polaroid from Eddie, who nearly leapt out of his skin. "Smile, Rosie. No attitude."

"Good luck." Eddie clapped his hand over his mouth after the quip. "I didn't mean -!"

"Ha-HAAA! Spoken like someone who knows." Her father clapped him on the arm. Didn't object or scowl when the photographer asked Eddie to put his arm around Rosie. Even let his wife gush over him some more. Then tapped his elbow playfully as he returned their camera.