Chapter 38
"Yeah, she's going to be in the hospital for a couple of days," Paul said to someone on the phone. "And a lot of stuff we put deposits on we can't get back, so this is the only option I could think of unless we end up eating all those deposits."
He then paused a moment before a broad smile came across his face. "Oh, it's open that day and you'll let us do it? Thank you, Chaplain; you are a lifesaver!"
Paul then called his former neighbor, Winona, relaying everything to her. Winona happily agreed to pick up the floral arrangements and decorate the chapel.
He then called Sandy's family to update them on her condition and the wedding would be in the hospital chapel. Could they still come?
Marie Lacroix was elated with the idea Paul had come up with and they would be definitely be there. She and Edie would also be happy to arrange a small reception when Sandy came home the next day.
"Marie, you are the absolute best!" he cheerfully replied. "Whatever you ladies want to do, go for it!"
Paul then set the phone on an end table before doing a little dance. "Yes, yes, yes!" he said happily, " this is going to work out great!"
"What's going to work out great?" Tyler asked, coming in the room and munching some chips.
"Ty, you can't say a word to anyone just yet, especially your mother, until I work out the rest of the details."
"Okay. So what's the big secret?"
"Well, since your mom is going to still be in the hospital when we have the wedding, I checked into using the hospital chapel for it instead. Otherwise, we're going to end up losing a shitload of money in deposits. Winona is already going to pick up the flowers that morning and go decorate the chapel before we have the nurses bring Mom down. I'll need you to take her gown to her that morning and drop it at the nurses' station. And when she comes home the next day, your grandmother and Aunt Edie are going to have the reception.
"Wow, Paul, that is going to be freaking cool! When did you come up with this idea?"
"Believe it or not, in your mother's hospital room last night."
"You work quick," Tyler said with a grin. "And consider me taking Mom's dress to the hospital done."
"I knew I could count on you, buddy."
"Just one question, though. Just when is Mom going to know about this?"
"I should have everything in place before tomorrow," Paul nodded. "I'll tell her when we go visit her in the morning."
"Uh…..Paul? That is exactly one day before the original wedding, you know that?"
"I wouldn't be rushing to put all this shit together if I didn't, Tyler."
"Okay. But something tells me Mom is going to think you really lost it now."