Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson Read Free Book Online

best man handed the minister an elegant oak branch, the twig end of which was tied with colored satin ribbons. The maid of honor and the best man each held an end down low to the floor. “If you please,” the minister said, and Angus and Karen counted to three and timed the leap over the broom perfectly. The moment they landed on the other side, the Topgallant Troubadours switched on the amps and Glory’s headache pounded.
    At the reception tables, Gary ladled out the grog, and Glory searched the crowd for Juniper. “Why’s the drink line so crazy-long, Gary? The pirates are getting agitated.”
    “Mrs. Solomon, I’m the only server over twenty-one.”
    How could she have forgotten that? “Hang in there. Let me take a few pictures, and then I’ll help you.”
    She lifted her camera and shot the roasted turkey legs held aloft by the bride and groom before she picked up a second ladle. If she could reduce the line to half, then she could step away from the table to take more pictures. Apparently the ex-cop saw her dilemma because he came up to Glory and uttered the loveliest words she’d ever heard: “If you send me home with a plate of leftovers, I’ll take the reception pictures.”
    “Bless you,” she said, filling flagons. “I’ll send you home with a week’s worth of food.”
    “Deal.”
    Before he walked away, Glory called out, “Wait. I don’t even know your name.”
    “It’s Joseph.”
    “Thank you, Joseph.” He nodded. She resumed ladling out the mead. As soon as everyone had a glass, she signaled the best man that it was time for the toast.
    “Arrgh-hem,” the best man said three times before people quieted down. “Marriage between pirates can be a tricky thing. Some days you’ll feel like lootin’, some days you’ll feel like plunderin’, but never let a day go by ya don’t go to sea and polish your sword!”
    A groan traveled through the guests.
    “All right, all right,” the best man said. “Married pirates, be happy and rob only the rich! May yer sails never falter and may the seas be rocky enough t’keep things interestin’. Now who’s up fer gettin’ blisterin’ drunk and playing full-contact Scrabble?”
    Apparently everyone was, considering the response was much hollering and even louder music. Glory wondered if she could sneak a slice of turkey to convince her headache to retreat into its corner.
    Juniper walked by, carrying a buffet tray of potatoes to replace the empty one. Under the pins and barbells, she had a pretty face. Someday she’d take the metal out and wonder what she’d been thinking. Glory watched her serve, taking care not to spill anything even though the pirates weren’t exactly the neatest diners. Soon everyone had a full plate and a flagon. The Sterno cans stayed lit and the hurricane lamps flickered. Joseph moved through the crowd taking pictures as if he did it every day. There was plenty of turkey and gravy. All during the meal the musicians continued playing, and Glory was on her way to fetch the cake when Gary called her back, panic in his voice. “Mrs. Solomon!”
    “What?” she said. “They’re married, they’ve got food and drink, and pictures have been taken. We’re in the home stretch.”
    “Except that we’re out of the tankards.”
    “We can’t be. We had three full cases.”
    “I think the pirates are stealing them. Seriously, they’re disappearing and people are asking for more.”
    Glory sighed. What was she supposed to do? Frisk the guests? “I’ve got a few more in the house.” She nabbed Robynn as she walked by. “How’s the cake?”
    “I’m on my way to get it.” She grinned. “The duel was crazy, wasn’t it?”
    “It was.”
    “How come you didn’t tell us about the gunman? That was kind of scary.”
    Glory smiled, pretending it was part of the script. “Oh, just some last-minute silliness. How’s Juniper doing?”
    Robynn looked back through the crowd. “All right. Kind of keeps to herself, doesn’t