Chapter Twenty-Seven
The caterer was in a frenzy. All the foods had been laid out for the reception which was due to start in ten minutes but now several of the big platters of meats and seafood had mysteriously disappeared.
"Get the Butler, Alfred. He needs to be notified. Heavens, where can they have gone to? All I can say is, it's a good thing the Swiss chef at the Kostan's had ordered plenty of extras. She must know something I'm obviously not privy to." sniffed the exclusive Caterer to the Stars, Monsieur Henri. "I will never come to this barbaric place again."
The Grand Ballroom at the Kostan compound south of Aspen was decorated to the hilt. Beth and Mick with Collie, after walking down the aisle as the flower girl, were to the left of the makeshift altar. Elliott, Thor and Josef were on the right side.
Ten beautiful brides were lined up but unfortunately, several of the grooms were missing.
"Oh, Lord, Mick, now what?" Beth frets but then the errant Vikings find their way down the aisle, smiling big smiles and dripping meat juices and shrimp tails onto the guests. Ugg even swiped a fur piece off to wipe his face. Since many were in their chi-chi best, a collective hiss went up but everyone settled down again when the Lutheran minister began talking. "Dearly Beloved …"
After the ceremony, everyone headed into the Reception area. Corks were popping, backs were being patted and all were ready to have a great time.
And into this wondrous scene, Alfred escorts a tardy guest. "A Doctor Penelope Lundgren of the Denver Natural Sciences Museum to see you, Mr. Kostan."
All eyes in the room go towards the honey blonde woman in the serviceable linen jacket, jackalope sweater and skirt. Many immediately turn away, somehow innately knowing by the clothing that she's not anybody. But to the hosts and one particularly debonair-looking bachelor Viking, she's about to become the guest of honor.