59 pages 1 hour read

Alison Espach

The Wedding People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Parts 5-7

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 5: “Saturday: The Rehearsal Dinner” - Part 7: “Monday: The Wedding Brunch”

Part 5, Chapter 18 Summary

Lila assigns Phoebe the task of accompanying Gary to several appointments. Gary hurt his back surfing and needs assistance with last-minute wedding errands. Lila doesn’t trust Jim to complete the tasks correctly. Before she leaves, Phoebe realizes her wedding speech is entirely inappropriate; she decides to improvise her speech at the rehearsal dinner.

Phoebe drives Gary’s sedan to the liquor and menswear stores, assisting him with any heavy lifting. They stop at Gary’s office so he can complete last-minute sign-offs before leaving on his and Lila’s honeymoon. Seeing Gary in his routine, non-wedding life feels intimate to Phoebe; she begins to guard herself against falling in love with Gary. Phoebe receives an email reply from Geoffrey, the owner of the Newcombe Mansion; he’s very interested in Phoebe working as his winter keeper. Gary insists they tour the property together. Geoffrey interviews Phoebe as they walk through the massive estate. He’s pleased with Phoebe’s research of Victorian-era homes. Gary starts to talk about the future with Phoebe living in town, and the wedding people feel less like strangers.

Phoebe drives Gary to the barber, but he and Phoebe face a lengthy wait since Gary didn’t schedule an appointment.