Read Online When Girlfriends Chase Dreams by Savannah Page - Free Book Online Page A

Lutheran church that we should take a look at. Says it’s available for when we want and has some really pretty stained glass.”
    Even though this said Lutheran church isn’t my ideal venue, I should sound thrilled to discuss wedding details. Normally I’m like a kid in a candy shop when I get to talk about my big day. But I think I’ve been hit with a wave of exhaustion and, yes, I’m not too fond of walking down the aisle in a church where they’ll probably play some loud organ music. Or where they won’t allow dogs to be the ring bearers. Or where rose petals can’t be tossed because they could soil the carpet. So many rules I’m forecasting, the mere thought of checking out this, as Melissa puts it, “heavenly designed chapel” is anything but appealing.
    Conner’s face starts to fall as he finishes attaching the leash to the dog’s collar. “Uhh…” he groans, “we should talk about that.”
    “Yeah,” I sigh. “I told Melissa we’re not keen on it, but what can we do?” I shrug my shoulders.
    “Er…uh…about the church thing in general.”
    “Yes?”
    I didn’t think it was possible, but Conner looks even more uncomfortable than he did a second ago.
    “What?” I press, my voice rising slightly.
    “I talked to my parents—been meaning to mention this. Sorry, babe.” He shifts on his feet unsteadily. “My parents aren’t exactly big on the whole church wedding thing.”
    I toss up my hands in the air and say, “So? Neither are we. But our hands are tied.”
    Still shifting, he says, “They’re not happy with it…but not in the way we are.”
    “I’m not following.” What is Conner trying to get at? So his parents don’t want a church wedding. Get in line!
    “You know my parents aren’t really the church-going type, right?” he says. This still doesn’t explain anything, so I motion for him to continue. “I told them that we weren’t sure of the venue yet…since they asked.” Schnickerdoodle is now doing an impatient dance. “They practically blew up, Claire. See, my dad’s Mr. Anti-Religion. All religions. And my mom…well she’s kind of afraid of churches.”
    I scrunch up my brow. It’s the only response I can muster. Afraid of churches? Like I’m afraid of spiders? And anti-religion? Get over yourself and attend your son’s wedding! Period!
    “We’re not asking your dad to convert or go to the confessional!” I nearly shout. I stand with my hands on my hips, now frowning. “And afraid of church? What’s there to be afraid of?”
    Conner heaves a heavy sigh and opens the front door. The pup nearly bolts out the door, yanking Conner’s arm and causing him to jerk forward a good foot. He steadies Schnicker and says, as he’s about to step out the door, “I meant to tell you this when I talked to them last week.”
    “Conner,” I whine. “You’ve got to tell me these things. I’ve got this planner running around trying to find a venue—a church, no, a Lutheran church—for our wedding, and now you tell me churches are complete no-go’s?”
    He doesn’t respond.
    “Whatever,” I say, turning to go into the kitchen. “I’ll call up Melissa and deal with this.” I look back at Conner, who’s on the porch now. “I love you, Conner, but you need to be more on top of this wedding than you are.”
    “Sorry,” he apologizes. “At least there’s hope of getting married at that Chessfold House.” He blows me a kiss goodbye and says we’ll figure this out together when he gets back from walking the dog.
    As the front door closes, I reach into my purse for my cell phone and dial Melissa’s number, mumbling to myself, “It’s Chanfield Manor. Chanfield. What’s so difficult about that?”

    ***

    The morning after next, I’m relieved I only have a three o’clock appointment with an elderly, diabetic woman named Sue. And luck would have it that she’s located in Madison Park, not too far from home, so today can be a wedding planning kind of day.