Sunday Snippet: The Honeymoon Plot

Well, the first week of 2023 is in the books and we're off to a wild start. Here's hoping the weird and bizarre world stage eventually settles in to what's supposed to be the Age of Aquarius. I have my fingers crossed.

Had a busy work week with multiple projects being added to my schedule. I'm excited to get started on them! The weather did it's usually mild temperatures dropping down to cold ones. I'm okay with the cold … if it stays cold.

Had an okay viewing week. I'm still continuing my rewatch of Batman: The Animated Series. I think I'll have it completed before HBOMax removes it from screening. Then I'll probably start back on my usual schedule.

I finished up the second season, which had a strong finish with "The Terrible Trio," "Showdown," "Catwalk," "A Bullet for Bullock," and "The Lion and the Unicorn," which is one of my favorites because it dives into Alfred's backstory.

Season three begins with "Holiday Knights," which is a favorite holiday-themed episode. I do wonder and can't remember if it ended up being shown out of order in the original run. I'm too lazy to check Imdb to find out.

I have some feelings about the drastic change in animation style for season three. There are a few things I really enjoy, but I'm not a fan of the reimagined villains or the complete total makeover they gave Bruce. I am fond of the updated storylines, moving Dick Grayson to Nightwing and adding Tim Drake. I left off on "Joker's Millions" and should finish that episode this week.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Honeymoon Plot, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wynonna Davis and Gaffney Wesson, the maid of honor and best man for their best friends, hatch a plot to send the couple on a surprise honeymoon for their first anniversary. In the process of planning the fabulous getaway, Wy and Gaff find themselves falling for each other, which may lead to another wedding.

And a snippety peek…

Wynonna Davis pulled her newly married best friend Rose into a big hug. "Congratulations, Rosie. I wish this could've been the wedding you hoped for." She eased away to find tears shimmering in Rose's eyes.

Rose dashed them away. "How is it possible to be so happy yet incredible sad at the same time?" She shook her head.

Her husband put an arm around her shoulders. "Because no one expected to lose your gram three days before the ceremony." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "It's only natural to mourn the loss, especially since she raised you."

The best man, Gaffney Wesson, poked his head into the small chapel. "Byrne? I've got the car waiting for the new Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair." He swept an arm toward the steps. "And everyone wants to give you their best wishes."

Wynonna glanced outside. Sure enough, the group of thirty guests, scaled way down from the original one hundred, lined the walkway waiting for Rose and Byrne to exit the church.

Wynonna gathered the bouquets and led the couple to the door. Gaffney fell into step beside her and they made their way to the vehicle while Rose and Byrne accepted well wishes and congratulations. By the time they made it through the small crowd, Gaffney sat behind the wheel and Wynonna had the back doors open for the couple.

Rose slid inside and let out a watery sigh. "It's so weird that I'll be accepting condolences from the same group in two days." She placed her head on Byrne's shoulder when he got seated.

Wynonna took her spot in the front passenger seat and slid her gaze toward Gaffney. He glanced in the rearview mirror. "Sure I can't take you guys to the Waterton? Might be good have a night to yourselves." He put the car in gear and started down the gravel drive.

Wynonna silently thanked him for broaching the topic. She'd suggested something similar. People had been dropping by the Barrett house, offering sympathy and food, along with leaving wedding presents. All in all, it had been a surreal few days.

Byrne met Rosie's gaze before answering. "Appreciate the offer, but we're still finalizing the arrangements and Rose has some pictures she wants to sort through."

Gaffney lifted his chin. "I understand. We'll head to the house then." He glanced toward Wynonna with an apology in his eyes.

Her lips curved slightly. He'd given it his best shot. She didn't blame him for not making headway.

Rose sniffled a little. "Wy, I know you'd do the pictures, but I think it'll help me say good-bye, you know? And Byrne's already losing the deposit on the honeymoon package and his two-weeks off will be helping me figure out how to navigate settling Gram's estate." She sucked in a deep breath. "Thank you both so much. I'm not sure I'd have made it through the past few days without you stepping in so Byrne could hold my hand through everything."

Wynonna met Gaffney's gaze. He caught the fact Rose seemed to be rambling about random topics and mixing them all together. He sent a silent message suggesting she change the subject.

Wynonna turned in the seat a little. "Gaff and I worked well together. You and Byrne have great taste in best friends." The answering chuckles meant she accomplished her goal of lightening the mood.

She'd met Gaffney all of twice before Mona Barrett's death. But they had worked well together, splitting the list of people to call and text, arranging to postpose the reception, cancelling the DJ, and putting the caterer and bartender on hold. Gaffney didn't shy away from doing his fair share and didn't grump or growl when he'd had to return several cases of alcohol to the distributor.

Wynonna couldn't imagine a better person to go through the trial by fire they'd gone through to get their friends married.

And he's easy on the eyes, which helps.

Rose laced her fingers with Byrne's. "We do know all the best people."

He squeezed her hand. "And they take very good care of us." He nodded toward the window. "We're here."

After a brief flurry of activity to get the couple into the house and a quick round of good-byes, Wynonna stood on the porch with Gaffney. Her heart ached for Rose, but Byrne would make sure she got through the night. Wynonna wished she had that kind of support … an empty apartment would be the only thing welcoming her home tonight.

Crap!

Her head dropped back. "Damn. I'm such an idiot." She'd taken an uber with Rose to the church and left her car at home.

Gaffney's lips quirked. "No, you aren't." He nudged her shoulder. "I planned to give you a lift." He crooked his elbow, ready to escort her home.

She sent a smile his way and wrapped her fingers around his arm. "You really are the best." At least one of them thought ahead.

This is a newly started work and it's taking shape in a way I didn't expect. Looking forward to seeing what Wy and Gaff come up with.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin