Barely a Bride Read online

This book is dedicated to the memory of

  Murphy’s Sweet Jaime Lee

  23 July 1989-06 October 2002

  My devoted little miniature schnauzer who kept the same office hours I kept and who listened to the plots of twelve books and helped me write eleven and three-quarters of them.

  She was the essence of unconditional love and boundless courage wrapped in a tiny salt-and-pepper package, crowned with bright black button eyes shining with mischief.

  I miss you, Monkey.

  Official Charter of the Free Fellows League