Tim jogged to the van and pulled out two industrial size buckets overflowing with different colors of lilies, lisianthus, and roses. When he turned the corner to the back patio, he couldn’t help but smile seeing Mrs. McDonald at the helm of a table, carefully instructing a small group of ladies how to arrange the large centerpieces.
“Tim!” she greeted exuberantly.
“Hey! I’ve got a whole van out front full of flowers. Where do you want them?”
She pointed to an area by a brick wall. “Over there is fine.”
Tim hoisted the heavy buckets full of water and flowers and set them against the wall. “I know some of these have to be roses from your garden. Am I right?”
Mrs. McDonald’s face was flushed from the heat, her gray hair blowing in the breeze from a box fan set up on the end of the table. “Maybe a few here and there.” She winked.
Mesmerized, he watched her gnarled hands lovingly prepare and fill the gaps of an arrangement of larger flowers with sweet peas and a few leaves of greenery. Each finished vase was a beautiful sight to behold. She definitely had a knack for flowers.
“Lookin’ good Mrs. McDonald. I’ll get the rest.”
“Thanks, Tim.”
As he rounded the corner, he nearly collided with Jessica.
“Oh!” she squealed, her eyes wide before crinkling into a smile when she realized who he was. “Hey!”
“Hey yourself.” He pulled her in for a quick hug, glancing quickly around to make sure no one saw them. “Are you working hard, or hardly working?”
Jessica giggled, the sound in her throat sweet and heartwarming. “I’m waiting on Elizabeth to get back. We have a few more things to take care of before it’s time to get ready for the ball.”
“The ball, huh? I thought this was a Gala?” he teased.
Blushing, Jessica looked away. “It is, but I still feel like I’m a princess having you as my date.” When her eyes met his, he could feel his breath catch in his chest.
“I can’t wait to see you in your tux.” She straightened the collar of his landscape uniform before splaying her hand on his broad chest. “You’re going to blow everyone away.”
Tim shook his head. “No.You’regoing to blow everyone away.” He watched her stifle a wide grin and kissed her quickly on the head. “I better get back to work before someone catches us.”
The look on her face softened. “I can’t wait for tonight.”
*
“Yes, that’s right. The silent auction tables will go on the right side of the room. We don’t want to obscure the fantastic view of the golf course by having them against the wall of windows now, do we?”
Elizabeth Rich was in her element, conducting a symphony of people at her beck and call. Overly dressed in white Capri pants, silk shirt, and solid gold bangles, her Louboutin heels clicked on the marble floors of the magnificent foyer as she pointed and instructed the workers where she wanted tables placed for the Gala.
They were in a time crunch, vendors scurrying on the property, putting the finishing touches on the big event. Jessica carried a clipboard, marking off last minute items as she followed her friend from behind like her little puppy dog, Mulligan. Tim inadvertently walked by on several occasions making her gasp each time, Elizabeth elbowing her knowingly. In a few short hours, she’d be on the arm of one of the most handsome, kindest gentlemen she had ever met. She was ready to share her happiness with her family and neighbors, regardless of how they felt about who he was. She knew the truth. And that’s all that mattered. When Tim McGill was ready to become Tim Ryan publicly again, he’d have her full support. Secretly, she hoped it would happen soon.
“God, I need a drink,” Elizabeth lamented, collapsing on the overstuffed couch in a lounge area.
“Don’t start too early or you’ll never make it through the night,” Jessica warned.
Sighing, Elizabeth peered at her red nails. “I think we covered all the bases. Let’s hope the employees of the club aren’t complete morons and can get things done before seven-thirty.”
“They will,” Jessica reassured.
Elizabeth sighed. “Now if the weather will just hold out. They’re forecasting some pretty big storms tonight. Although, they always get it wrong. We could get lucky.”
Jessica peered out the window at the sun shining in all its glory on the manicured golf course. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. “Hmmm. Hey, what did you decide to wear tonight?”
Elizabeth’s eyes shone brightly as she sat up. “I’m wearing the Marchesa.”
“Oh! The floral blush gown?”
