Chapter 1

Aboard the Coast Guard cutter headed for Honolulu, the castaways were all excitedly talking as they surrounded the professor and Mary Ann.

"Congratulations, Mary Ann," Mrs. Howell hugged Mary Ann. "You two are just perfect for one another."

"Way to go, Mary Ann," Ginger whispered as she hugged Mary Ann next.

Skipper slapped the professor on his back. "Congratulations Professor. You couldn't have picked a sweeter girl."

"Yeah, and she cooks real good too." Gilligan added.

"Ahh yes, Professor, there is nothing more satisfying than holy matrimony. I should know, I come home to this gorgeous creature each night." Mr. Howell lightly pinched Mrs. Howell's cheek making Mrs. Howell giggle.

"When's the wedding?" Ginger asked.

"Well we haven't had time to make any plans. We just now became engaged," Mary Ann replied.

"As for me, the sooner the better." the professor said. "I would have it as soon as we land in Honolulu, if Mary Ann would agree."

Skipper gave the professor a nudge on the arm. "I'll bet," he said, giving the professor a knowing look.

"Umm, yes." Professor blushed and turned back to Mary Ann. "If you wouldn't mind having a more intimate wedding, we could have it in Hawaii so all our friends could attend."

"It wouldn't feel right if all our friends were not there. I don't want a big wedding, but I would like to be married in a church."

"Of course," the professor agreed. "I will contact my bank first thing tomorrow morning. As soon as they've wired the funds, we can make plans."

"No need, Professor." Mr. Howell said. "Lovey and I would be honored to finance the nuptials,"

"Quite right, Thurston," Mrs. Howell declared. "And of course the honeymoon. You can't have a wedding without a proper honeymoon. Now, we must start planning immediately."

"Mr. and Mrs. Howell, we appreciate the offer but I can't allow you to do that," the professor said.

"Are you saying no to a Howell?" Mr. Howell demanded, under raised eyebrows.

Mrs. Howell stepped forward. "Professor. Thurston and I were not blessed with children of our own, so I will never have the joy of being the mother of the bride or groom. We have come to care for you both as if you were our own." Tears formed in her eyes as she pleaded. "Please indulge me and allow us both the pleasure."

"Oh, Mrs. Howell, that means so much to me." Mary Ann wrapped Mrs. Howell in a big hug, trying her best to hold back her own tears. "My mother has been gone for such a long time. It would mean so much to me if you would stand in for her. And if you wouldn't mind Mr. Howell, would you please walk me down the isle?"

Mr. Howell wrapped an arm around his wife. "Nothing would make us happier."

The professor shook Mr. Howell's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Howell, that is most generous of you. I can honestly say that you and Mrs. Howell have become a very important part of our family."

Mrs. Howell dabbed her eyes with a silk kerchief then cleared her throat. "Now, if you are going to get married before we all leave Hawaii, we haven't a minute to spare."

"Right now my head is in the clouds. I wouldn't know where to begin." Mary Ann confessed.

"Don't you worry, Mary Ann, leave everything to me," Mrs. Howell declared.

"I'll help too, Mary Ann." Ginger said.

"Thank you both, I am so grateful for your help."

"You two will be saying your vows within the week," Mrs. Howell promised. She turned to the rest of the group and began giving orders. "Now, tomorrow morning, we girls will shop for the wedding dress and trousseau. You men, it will be your job to outfit the professor."

Plans were discussed for the upcoming wedding until Honolulu harbor came in sight. To the castaways it looked like everyone on the island had turned out to welcome them home. After the Mayor gave a welcome home speech, the castaways were whisked away to the Howell Paradise Hotel.