“It makes me exhausted just listening to the schedule,” Diana said.“And the worst part is that we’ll be doing it all over again in four weeks.”
Katie’s frown turned to delight.“You’ve set a date for your wedding?”
Diana grinned.“December 24 at eleven o’clock.Daniella had a late cancellation at The Fairy Forest, so we snapped it up.”
“That’s so exciting,” Barbara said.“It will be a wonderful place to get married.”She’d visited The Fairy Forest a couple of times.Created from an old brick warehouse, it was one of the most enchanting event venues around Flathead Lake.People came from far and wide to enjoy the magical grotto, the towering forest, and the hidden fairies dancing in the flower-filled meadows.In the evening, multi-colored lights lit hidden paths and sparkled against a glittering forest floor.
“I hope you’re more organized than I was,” Penny said as she hugged Diana.“You have less than half the time I did to plan your wedding.”
“We started a few weeks ago.The only thing left to do is send out the invitations.I hope everyone’s prepared to be my bridesmaids.”
Katie held her hand against her chest.“Can I wear fairy wings and glittery makeup?”
Diana looked shyly at Barbara and Penny.“I was hoping everyone would dress up.Because we’re getting married in The Fairy Forest, we’re having a fairy themed wedding.I’ve already bought Charlie’s wings.”
At the mention of his name, the Golden Lab lifted his head from between his paws and sighed.
Penny laughed.“He doesn’t seem to mind.”
Diana patted his head.“It will be fun.”
“You don’t need to convince me,” Barbara assured her.“But I’m useless at applying anything other than normal makeup.”
“I’ll do everyone’s makeup,” Katie offered.“We can look at designs and colors next week.”
Diana sent Katie a grateful smile.“We don’t need to worry about what we’ll wear.I have a contact in a theatrical company who will lend us everything we need.There are even extra costumes available for our guests.”
Barbara sighed.“Two weddings before Christmas.Mom and Dad will be beside themselves.”
Katie’s eyes widened.“Have you told them?”
Diana shook her head.“Not yet.I thought I’d leave it until after Penny and Wyatt’s wedding.”
“Mom will be thrilled.She was positive you’d get married at Christmas.”
“And this time, she’s right.”
Barbara smiled.By Sunday, the community Facebook page would be buzzing with photos of Penny and Wyatt’s wedding and the news of another wedding before Christmas.If Diana and Ethan weren’t careful, half of Sapphire Bay would stand outside The Fairy Forest to catch a glimpse of the bride and her bridegroom.Especially if everyone dressed as their favorite fairy.
CHAPTER 16
By Monday night, Theo knew he had to speak to Barbara about the job offer.He’d spent the last two days worrying about how he’d tell her, what he’d say to break the news gently instead of blurting everything out.
Even now, he didn’t know what he’d do about the contract he was holding.He’d tried to think logically.He’d even made a list of the pros and cons of moving.But, after carefully considering all options, he’d realized that Barbara was the only person who could help him make a decision.
Taking a deep breath, he rang the inn’s doorbell and waited for someone to answer.
When the door opened, he smiled at Diana.“Hi.Is Barbara home?”
“Hi, Theo.Come in.She’s in the kitchen with Katie.They’re making the table favors for Penny’s wedding.”
He looked around the entryway.A string of orange pumpkins hung from the mirror above the hall table.The top of the coat stand was decorated with a bouquet of wheat, and an enormous paper-mâché turkey stood proudly against the opposite wall.
“It looks as though you’re ready for Thanksgiving.”
Diana grinned.“Katie’s been busy decorating the house.She even baked a batch of pumpkin shortbread for our guests.”
The decorations didn’t stop in the entryway.As they walked through the house, he smiled at the porcelain turkeys dotted around the living room, the colorful cushions, and the bright orange and red rugs covering the wooden floors.
