Peter had never gonebehind anyone’s back before. Even though it was for a good reason, he felt slightly uneasy about not telling Katie what he was doing.
For the last few evenings, he’d worked alongside her, getting her website and retail accounts ready for her children’s books.
When he wasn’t working on his own projects, he’d checked with the local printer, coordinating everything that needed to happen to create print versions of her books. As far as Katie knew, there was a holdup with the printing and her paperbacks wouldn’t be ready until the middle of January.
It was, of course, a litany of white lies and half-truths. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too upset when she saw how proud everyone was of her.
He looked around The Welcome Center and frowned. After he’d told Katie’s family what he was doing, Mabel had coerced her family and friends into helping to decorate the meeting room for the surprise book launch.
Everyone was here. One team was hanging streamers from one side of the room to the other. Another group were in charge of the food and drink, and others had set up the tables and chairs.
Barbara and Penny were climbing two ladders, holding a banner between them.
“Lift your end higher, Barbara,” Mabel said from the middle of the room. “That’s it. Another inch should do it.”
Megan, the part-owner of Sweet Treats, carefully walked into the room holding a large box. “Where would you like the cake?” she asked Peter.
He took her across to a table they’d decorated specifically for it. Once Megan slid the box into place and removed the cardboard, he looked closely at the design. It was much better than he’d imagined. “I can’t believe you were able to replicate the cover of Katie’s first book on the cake.”
“I have a fancy machine that’s like a color photocopier. It scans the image and prints it onto a special sheet of frosting. It was a little trickier creating the 3D effect, but it looks amazing.”
Mabel stood beside the table and gasped. “Katie will be blown away by what you’ve done. Thank you so much, Megan.”
“It was my pleasure, but Katie’s graphic designer did all the hard work. All I had to do was make the cake look as good as her book. When will Katie be here?”
Peter glanced at his watch. “Her writing group will finish in about fifteen minutes. Are you staying for the book launch?”
“Unfortunately, I can’t. I still have to finish a wedding cake. Give Katie a hug from me. I think it’s amazing what she’s achieved.”
“So do I. Thanks for making the cake at such short notice.”
“You’re welcome.”
After Megan left, Mabel hurried across the room to speak to Pastor John. While he had a few minutes on his own, Peter studied the rest of the food and drink. With at least fifteen children, their parents, and Katie’s family and friends, it was a much bigger event than he’d thought it would be. But, as Mabel had reassured him, it wasn’t every day an author publishes six children’s books.
“Someone’s been busy,” Zac said.
He turned to his friend. “I’m glad you could make it. I think I’ve forgotten something, but I don’t know what it is.”
Zac looked around the room. “You have a table of Katie’s paperbacks, lots of food and drink, a cake, banners, and balloons. I don’t think there’s anything else you could add except the author.”
“She’ll be here soon.”
Diana walked into the room with Charlie. Even from where Peter stood, he could see the Golden Lab’s twitching nose. It was just as well he was on his leash. Otherwise, the food table would have been ambushed.
Zac patted his shoulder. “I feel like I’m your best man, waiting for your bride to walk down the aisle.”
“I’m nervous,” Peter admitted quietly. “What if this isn’t what Katie wants?”
“Who wouldn’t want to celebrate their books being published?”
“You’re probably right.” He wanted Katie to see just how proud her mom and dad were of her. They didn’t see her writing career as a failure or a complete waste of time. Whenever he saw Mabel, she was telling someone about Katie’s stories. She was her biggest advocate and a proud mom.
Allan joined them. “My baby girl will be stunned when she sees what you’ve done, Peter. It was a great idea.”
“I hope she likes it.”
Allan sighed. “Katie didn’t want us to make a fuss when her books were published. It’s been so long since she finished the first story that I think the excitement has worn off. But, knowing my daughter, she’ll be excited when she sees what you’ve done.”
