Chapter 9: The rehearsal dinner for Margaret and Aidan’s wedding had a distinct theme: Lobster Night. The atmosphere was lighthearted with checkered red-and-white napkins, and each guest was given a custom-printed bib with the slogan, “MARGARET AND AIDAN’S WEDDING: A CLAWS FOR CELEBRATION!” This small yet amusing detail added an extra layer of charm to the evening, bringing laughter and fun into the celebration. As I took my place at the table, I found myself sitting alongside Tammy, Maggie, Aidan, Errol, and Abigail. The seat next to me was left vacant, reserved for Catherine Gardner, though her attendance was still uncertain, casting an unspoken tension over the gathering.

Aidan, positioned between Maggie and Abigail, took a moment to express his sorrow for Gwendolyn’s passing. He explained how his office had tried, without success, to reach out to Gwendolyn’s family. Unfortunately, they had struggled to find the right contacts, given that Gwendolyn was raised by her late grandmother. As the conversation veered back to the dinner, Maggie, always the one to deflect from sadness, tried to shift the focus onto the food, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the meal. Meanwhile, Tammy, eager to dive into the lobster, didn’t hesitate, while Abigail seemed hesitant, finding the lobsters a bit intimidating. Aidan, sensing her reluctance, took the time to explain the finer points of eating lobster and shared stories about New England’s famous lobster industry, easing Abigail’s fears. With her curiosity piqued, Abigail warmed up to the idea, and Aidan’s gentle approach helped her settle in.

The energy in the room began to lift as the jug band struck up a cheerful tune, creating a lively ambiance. Guests sipped their drinks with more restraint than usual, no doubt remembering the previous evening’s chaotic events. The customary toasts began, with each guest raising their glass to the couple. As Maggie and Aidan kissed, Abigail’s applause rang through the room, an endearing moment that lightened the mood and added an element of joy to the evening. Despite the festive atmosphere, my mind couldn’t help but drift back to a concern that weighed heavily on me, an unsettling thought I couldn’t shake.

Errol’s speech was brief but impactful. He expressed his sadness at his wife’s absence, citing her health issues, but went on to celebrate Maggie’s qualities and the union she was about to enter with Aidan. His words, though simple, moved the crowd, and my sister responded with a tear-filled standing ovation. It was a touching moment, yet it wasn’t enough to fully quiet the storm of questions brewing in my mind. Not long after, Aidan’s phone buzzed with a text message, momentarily drawing his attention away from the festivities. He quickly brushed it aside, returning to his conversation with Abigail, but the distraction lingered in the back of my mind.

As the evening wore on, I found myself struggling to stay focused on the speeches and toasts. My mind kept returning to a disturbing issue that I couldn’t resolve—what was the truth behind the altered photograph involving Dawn Taggart? Maggie had insisted that the image was manipulated, but I couldn’t shake my confusion about the motivations behind it. Who was involved, and why was it so important? Meanwhile, Gerry and Sierra exchanged tips on maintaining a successful marriage, but Aidan appeared distant, as if his mind was preoccupied with something far more pressing. A key on the table next to him caught my eye, its presence adding to the growing sense of urgency within me. It symbolized something—perhaps the key to unlocking the many unanswered questions I had regarding the Gardners and their hidden secrets. This mysterious object seemed to hold the answers, but it was unclear whether I would ever be able to piece the puzzle together.