I smiled. “That could work.”
“With big double doors that open out onto a beautiful garden.”
I let out a dreamy sigh, envisaging a space bathed in light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. “Very romantic.”
“And if we fill it with flowers, it’ll be like bringing the outdoors in.”
“Sounds wonderful.” I shook myself out of my reverie. “Once the ceremony’s over, we could all celebrate with a glass of fizz out on the patio. Then staff can reorganise the room for the reception without any of us lot getting in the way.” I indicated our guest list.
“Or at the bar if it’s raining.”
“I’d like our dining tables to be positioned like this…” I used my fingers to outline a square. “So everyone can see everyone. I don’t want any of that top table stuff.”
Leo began to write. “Duly noted.” He paused to look at me. “Speaking of flowers… That’s a job I want to do.”
“Really?” Taking in his eagerness, I didn’t know why I was so surprised. Leo was an expert when it came to everything flora and fauna, which was why he was always busy on the work front.
“If you’re okay with that?”
“Will you have time?” I asked, scrunching my nose up in anticipation. “It’s a lot of work.”
“I’ll make time.”
I leaned over and kissed him. “I’d like nothing more.”
“Great. I’ll put together some designs and you can let me know what you think.” He made another note on his pad. “I take it we’ll be asking Sal to make the cake?”
“She’ll be offended if we don’t.”
“And what about your mum?”
I cocked my head. “What about her?”
Leo took my hand. “It doesn’t seem right to shut her out completely. Don’t you think as mother-of-the-bride she should be involved?”
Having only just got the woman in check, the last thing I wanted was her running amok again.
“At least in some small way?” Leo said.
One of the things I loved about Leo was his ability to see the good in everyone. It was also frustrating. Especially when it meant risking our wedding day. After all, Mum had already admitted to getting carried away with things and I wasn’t sure if opening that door again was wise. With Leo’s determination continuing, I supposed there had to be something Mum could do to help. “How small?” I asked.
Leo’s expression softened. “We’ll think of something.” He let go of my hand, ready to get back to business. “And we’re still agreed on the second Saturday in September?”
I nodded. “We are.”
Leo reached over. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.”
“Neither can I.” With butterflies dancing in my tummy at the mere thought of us getting married, goodness knew how I was going to feel when the big day came around. I watched Leo return his attention to his notes. “Leo…” I said, suddenly pensive.
“Yes.” He continued to jot things down.
I shifted in my seat. “You’re not agreeing to a small wedding for my benefit, are you?”
Leo stopped what he was doing to look at me, but I couldn’t bring myself to return his stare. “What makes you ask that?”
I picked up a spoon and stirred my tea. Sal’s question about Leo wanting a quiet celebration had kept popping into my head. “Because you’re the life and soul,” I said. “You enjoy a big party.” I pictured how enthralled he was with Mum’s big idea mood boards. “I’m the one who prefers everything low-key.”
Again, he reached out, this time to turn my face towards him. “Hey, where’s all this coming from?”
