Well, Ginger's mother didn't die, which meant that Ginger and anyone else who would listen to her were in for an earful, including Anne Kahn, who received several phone calls on the subject. Jeff's mother, while disappointed that after everything they had been through, Jeff and Ginger had been cheated of a proper wedding, was still grateful that her youngest son and the girl she looked on as another daughter, had finally made it down the aisle.
And for the most part, so were the rest of their friends. When Ginger told her one time rival, Judy Owen, the great news, she'd given her a big hug and said, "Well, I'd tell you it's about damn time, but you know that already, don't you?"
Ginger smiled at her friend. "Is that some sort of congratulations?"
"You know it is honey. Oh and before I forget, did you remember that advice I gave you about the wedding night?"
Ginger's face turned beet red as she remembered Judy's advice from all those months ago. Not that it had been necessary by any means. Judy laughed as Ginger waved and walked out of the bar.
A couple of nights later Ginger and Linda were finishing their dinner at the Roadhouse when Charlie and Ginger came up to their table.
"Well I know that I am not the first, but I wanted to come over and offer you my congratulations, Mrs. Metcalf," Charlie said smiling. " And you be sure to tell Mutt that I said he's one lucky guy."
"Thank you, Charlie," a radiant Ginger said. "Honestly, I don't know how we keep missing each other as much as I've been at the Metcalf home the past few days."
Gina leaned in and gave Ginger a hug. "Me too. I so happy for you when Charlie tell me the news. I think to myself 'sooner than eventually'. Congratulations. I wish you a long happy life together."
"Oh, Gina, I think I'm going to cry. I can't believe you remembered," Ginger said, her eyes filling with joyful tears. "Won't you two join us, please?"
"Well, we don't want to intrude…" Charlie began.
"Oh it's no intrusion at all, Charlie," Linda said.
"We would love to join you." Gina sat down in the chair nearest to Ginger and said, "I want to hear all about the wedding. We're you two really married as the train was leaving?"
Charlie excused himself from the table to go talk to some union members. He may be happy for Jeff and Ginger, but that didn't mean he had any interest in hearing all of the details.
Judy, who was on her break, joined the three young women. In no time at all they were laughing and enjoying themselves.
"I…I am disappointed that I still didn't get to have the big wedding I've always planned," Ginger began, "but at least I did get to wear my mother's dress thanks to Gina and I finally married Jeff, which is all I ever wanted."
"So does that mean that we're all gonna be treated to a great big ceremony once Jeff gets back to River Run?" Judy asked, sipping her beer.
"I honestly haven't thought about it. And I certainly haven't talked to Jeff. I'm not to sure he'd go along with it."
Linda smiled. "Jeff will do whatever you want him to do."
"That is true, Ginger," Gina said softly. "Jeff…he is so crazy about you. He would do anything you ask."
"Speaking of people who are crazy about each other…I've noticed that Charlie hasn't taken his eyes off of you since he left the table," Ginger said. "Does this mean the engagement is back on?"
"Yes." Gina's mouth spread into a smile that rivaled the one that Ginger had been wearing ever since her wedding day. "Charlie…he convince me that he is serious about it and that all that really matter is that we love each other. And he study so hard so that he will be able to understand the traditions of my people."
"I still can't believe that Charlie is converting. I think mom has said a rosary for him every day since she found out," Linda said, laughing.
"Well, I'm not surprised. I have yet to meet a man who wouldn't give up family, freedom, money and even religion for the love of a good woman. And I've met even more willing to give it all up for some not so good women…"
"Judy, I think we get the point." Linda and Ginger were giving her the oddest look and gesturing in a confused Gina's direction.
"Uh…yeah…I think my break is about over girls. There's plenty of fellas at that bar who are in need of a pretty ear to bend. I'll see you later."
"Say, Judy, are you working on Thursday night?" Ginger asked her.
"Honey, in the entire time we've known each other, have you ever known me not to be working?"
"Well…if you're free, come over to the house for dinner. Gina you should come too. It would give us all the opportunity to get better acquainted and Gina we could help you with your wedding plans."
"That is very kind," Gina said. " I ask Mrs. Davis to watch Emma for me--"
"Oh no, you've got to bring Emma. I need the practice," Ginger said, without thinking.
"You tryin' to tell us somethin', honey?"
Ginger began to laugh uncontrollably as she saw Judy, Linda and Gina all looking at her expectantly.
"Oh…oh my word, no. I just meant for the future. I need to take advantage of every opportunity I have."
"Well, that's a relief," Judy said smiling.
"For me too. Knowing my luck children needing to hear the Lemo jingle to fall asleep is genetic and Jeff and Ginger's children would drive their Aunt Linda nuts."
The women laughed. "Plus Jeff and Ginger should get a few months to enjoy themselves before they have a house full of little sluggers running around. Now I really do need to get back to work. See you all on Thursday. G'night."
"Night, Judy. We should be going too. Jeff is supposed to be calling me tonight after his game. So we'll see you and Emma on Thursday, Gina?" Ginger and Linda stood up and began gathering their things to go.
"Yes. Good night Ginger and Linda. And send Jeff my congratulations and best wishes for him to return soon."
"From your lips to God's ears, Gina. Thanks again for everything. Good night."
Ginger and Linda told Charlie they would see him back at home later that evening and he rejoined Gina at the table.
"Well, you all seemed to be enjoying yourselves," he said, kissing Gina's cheek and sitting down next to her.
"Yes, they are all so very sweet. They will help me with the wedding plans."
"Well, Ginger is an expert. Just be sure not to let any of her bad luck rub off on you. I want to make sure we have a smooth trip down the aisle," he said, laughing.
"Charlie! That is not nice."
"Oh, I was just teasing. Part of Ginger's bad luck getting hitched was my fault so I figure I can joke about it. It all worked out better for her and I in the end anyway." He smiled widely at her and then grabbing her hand pulled her from her seat. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's dance."
"Okay, fine," she said laughing as he spun her around and lead them toward the dance floor.
To be continued...

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