Hope moistened her suddenly dry lips with the tip of her tongue. “That’s correct.”
“You secured the services of a minister, and I use that term very loosely in this case, and drove to Boise where you said your vows.” Verna’s gaze narrowed on John as if letting him know Hope wasn’t alone on the hot seat. “Is that correct?”
John nodded.
“Tell me, how is that not planning to get married?”
Hope chewed on her lower lip.
“And you consummated the marriage even though you believed it wasn’t legal.”
“No. No,” Hope said quickly. “It was only after we knew we were married that we—”
She stopped, but it was already too late.
“You confirmed this morning the marriage was legal.” Verna nodded her head sagely. “Which means it was just today that you—”
“I believe you’ve got a good grasp of the timeline,” John interrupted, and Hope shot him a grateful look. “This has been a stressful day for Hope. I see no purpose in more questions.”
Verna’s gaze settled on John and something that almost looked like approval lit her eyes. “I see no need to hurry into a decision. You’ve both seen what can happen when you rush. Though I must admit, I always thought you’d be good together.”
“You did?” John’s voice held a note of shock.
Confusion made Hope’s voice soft. “You never told me.”
Aunt Verna waved a dismissive hand. “I encourage you both to speak with Pastor Dan and to give this decision time and a lot of prayer. Divorce doesn’t need to be your first choice. Take time to get to know each other. Give your marriage a chance. You spoke vows. Consummated the union. Shouldn’t you at least see if you can make the marriage work?”
“I don’t think—” Hope began.
“John is right. We’ve talked enough about this issue for today.” Verna gazed thoughtfully at the two of them. Her lips curved. “Besides, I have some exciting news of my own. I have the perfect couple for Pastor Dan to marry at Mistletoe Inn this Christmas.”
“Wow, that didn’t take you long.” John pounced on the change in topic with the enthusiasm of a man about to go under for the third time.
“They’re lucky to have Pastor Dan officiate.” Hope’s expression turned dreamy. “His sermon on love always brings tears to my eyes.”
“This will be a small wedding but a lovely one officiated by a true man of God.” Her gaze lingered on Hope. “Every woman deserves to have that special day.”
“Who’s the couple?” John asked. “Anyone I know?”
Hope knew he didn’t give a fig; he was probably just as glad as she was that Verna’s attention was now focused on a different couple.
“Names?” Aunt Verna asked, seeming oddly perplexed at the simple question.
“The names of the couple who’ll be married at Mistletoe Inn?” Hope prompted.
“Oh.” Her aunt’s lips lifted in a slight smile. “Luke and Laura,” she said, then repeated the names with more surety. “Luke and Laura.”
“That’s funny.”
Verna lifted a brow.
Hope grinned. “Don’t you remember? That’s the couple from General Hospital, the soap you used to watch every afternoon.”
“What a coincidence.” Verna gave a little trill of a laugh. “They, ah, won’t be around much so I’m going to require both of you to be involved in the preparations.”
Hope narrowed her eyes. “Why won’t they be around?”
“They’re . . . deployed,” Verna announced. “But they’ll be back at Christmas.”
“I should hope so,” John said with a wry chuckle. “If they’re getting married it would probably be a good idea for them to show up.”
Aunt Verna nodded, her smile appearing overly bright. “Exactly so.”
“What kind of help will you need with the preparations?” Hope asked.
“Oh, little things like picking out the wedding dress and the tuxedo. We can go tomorrow if you’re both free.”
“You want us to choose what they’re going to wear to their wedding?” John asked. “Don’t they have family for that?”
“I’m afraid there’s no one except us.” Verna’s gaze shifted between John and Hope. “I’m counting on both of you to help me. I want this to be as special as if we were doing it for ourselves.”
Boise Bride and Groom was a full-service shop on West Emerald Street that catered to both sides of the wedding party. When they reached the front door of the shop, John stopped and held up a hand, his gaze focused on Verna.
This was his last chance to get out of this ridiculous errand. “Since you have Luke’s clothing and shoe size, you don’t really need me. I’ll pick you up when you’re finished. Just call—”