ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 57

" So, Devin thinks we should have a chocolate fountain at the wedding," Joy said as she and Faith curled up on the sofa in the living room watching their favorite movie The Bodyguard and sharing a big bowl of extra buttered up popcorn.

Faith tossed a couple pieces of popcorn in her mouth. " Sounds good to me. So does the make your own sundae bar. And the customized photo booth. I hope Nicholas realizes how much money he's paying for our wedding. "

Joy leaned over to kiss her lips which tasted of butter, salt and grease. " Oh , I think he's enjoying the prospect of it all. Have you decided who you want to walk you? I'm of course choosing Daddy. He would disown me if I didn't. "

Faith made a face at the tv. " I hate the end. It's supposed to be end game for heaven's sake. I don't know. I think Nicholas expects to do it as my stepfather. I appreciate him paying for everything and my tuition. Although I know it's for Mama really. But. That is my brother's job. " She hesitated. " He always tried to be daddy to me and ole heifer face when we were all kids after Daddy died. I resented it back then. Maybe even now a little. But I love DuBuis and he has to walk me down the aisle for my wedding. The one wedding I can actually remember. " She laughed and Joy laughed with her. " The wedding that is going to be my very last but the best ever. "

Joy wiggled her nose at her fiancee as her big orange cat Mary Magdalene jumped from the back window ledge behind them onto their heads to get down to the floor. She laughed even more as Faith cussed at the feline who just put up her head and ignored her ranting. " It better be your last wedding. By the way I know I'm only in my forties but I think I'm having a senior moment. What day did we pick again? Or I should say Devin Lucas picked? "

Faith was giving the cat a stink eye. " December 25th. Christmas day. You really are getting old. That should be an easy date to remember. "

Joy paid Faith back for that by leaping onto her and tickling her stomach until she was pleading for mercy.

Then Faith's phone rang. Faith sighed. At least it wasn't  police related business that required her to actually get up and out of the house. Being a civilian had its perks , she thought as she answered it.

" Hello. You've reached the house of Faith and the tickle monster. Please leave a message at the beep. Beeep. "

Richard said," Sorry to interrupt your Saturday fun , Faith, but I'm at the hospital....."

Faith sat up straighter. " Nigel okay? Lewis? Alfred? What's going on ?"

Richard sighed. " They're fine. Nigel is napping. Alfred is doing fine. Lewis is getting discharged. It's.... Winston Arnett. He doesn't want to call the police. He wants you. He wants to see you. Today. "

" Why ? "

Richard hesitated. " There is an issue here right now. A nurse says Joe's husband checked him out of the hospital. But Winston didn't do it. And there are no discharge papers for Joe. Yet Joe Jacobs is technically missing. "

Faith pursed her lips. " Call the police. If he's missing they need to make a report. Surprise Winston doesn't realize this. The man was a prosecutor. Not a good one but still. And tell him that I'm on my way. "

Joy looked at her with unspoken curiosity.

Richard said," Good. I'm having the hospital security pull the camera footage too. Oh and bring Joy too. I think Winston will need her. I don't remember him much but is he usually this emotional ? Although I would be too if my husband disappeared. "

Faith reminded him that when Nigel had been kidnapped before their wedding he had been just as emotional.