What Happens on the Cruise

77. Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Author's note: As I'm writing this, I've hit 2K views. Thank you to those who are continuing to read.

***

"I think we're going to have to open up the side seam at the bottom of the right leg of these pants," Betsy opined, examining Austin's grey pants, while Austin sat with a sheet across his lap.

"I should have brought my little emergency sewing kit from the hotel. It has a seam ripper," Dena said. "I can't believe I forgot it."

"Oh! I think I saw some in the gift shop the other day when I was getting hair things for Austin."

"I'll be back." Dena got up and went across the hall to where Tim was using the public restroom to get changed. She knocked and the door opened a crack, Adam Chance peeking out. "Adam, can you be a dear and go down to the gift shop and buy one of those emergency sewing kits?"

"Sure. Did Austin lose a button or something?"

"The bottom hem of his pants is too tight around the temporary cast," she explained. "I can come help Tim."

"He's not completely dressed."

"I'm his mother, honey. I've seen him," Dena replied.

***

"What do you think, honey?" Betsy asked, holding up a mirror.

"I think the lipstick's too pink," Austin concluded. "Other than that, it looks good."

"I know I have a better color in here..." She dug through her bag, pulling out a half dozen tubes. She opened one. "Too red... Nope, this is too purple... Too orange... Is this the same as that?"

"They're really similar," Austin commented.

"Oh, here it is. Wipe that off. Let's try this one."

***

"Thanks, Kels," Tim said, handing her the makeup bag. "Does it look good?"

"I like it. It's very subtle. Oh, wait. Here, let me see. You've got a little foundation in your beard..."

***

"All right, lean on me... We've got this... Okay, suck in your gut, as if you need to."

"Yeah, haha, make fun of the skinny dude," Austin complained.

"It's better than what I get," Rob answered back. "Oh, my God, have you lost weight?"

"They yanked several feet of my guts out. Of course I've lost weight."

"Damn, man, even with the dressing we may need to take your belt in a notch."

"Just don't make it too tight."

"I won't. Okay, just lean on me while I make sure everything's tucked in, then we'll get that vest on."

"Woo. Getting kinda handsy there, buddy."

"Yeah, I thought maybe one last fling before I lost my chance forever."

Austin barked out a laugh. "Ow ow ow! Don't make me laugh."

"Sorry."

***

Tim paced back and forth in front of the chapel doors. He'd gotten ready early and was now a bundle of nerves. Less than a month ago what he and Austin were setting out to do was unthinkable. A week ago if someone had asked if he was ready to marry Austin immediately, he'd have said no. He had thought he needed those months till December to wrap his head around this whole lifelong commitment thing.