Chapter15
By Friday, every muscle in Becky’s body ached from cleaning and decorating the barn. When Sean wasn’t there, she’d climbed the ladders Todd had brought, hung heavy, green garlands from the rafters, strung fairy lights along the walls, and prayed the pretty chandeliers she’d ordered would arrive in time.
Now here she was with Molly, making the table decorations in Happy Petals for the wedding.
“These will be grand with the white lanterns and candles you’ve chosen,” Molly said.
“I think so, too.” Becky finished another centerpiece and placed it in the refrigerator. “That’s another one finished. I’ll pop out to the shop and see how Laura is coping. Do you need anything while I’m there?”
Molly checked the buckets of flowers on the workbench. “No, we’re okay for now.”
With a smile, Becky pushed open the workroom door and stepped into the store. Laura was helping a customer choose a bouquet, so she tidied a vase of red and orange snapdragons.
“Aren’t they gorgeous,” Ashley said as she walked into the store. “The colors are stunning.”
Becky’s eyes widened. “They are, aren’t they? I didn’t expect to see you today. Is everything all right?”
“It’s wonderful.” The dimpled smile on Ashley’s face was full of joy. “My stepmom has finally decided the wedding gown I want to buy is perfect. You know what that means, don’t you?”
Becky hoped it didn’t mean what she thought it did.
Ashley held her hands. “I’m going wedding dress shopping! I’m so excited. I just hope the dress I saw is still available. Emily is such a wonderful designer that nothing lasts for long.”
This wasn’t good. Somehow, she had to make sure Ashley didn’t visit the boutique until next week. By then, she wouldn’t need a wedding dress. The only thing she’d have to buy was a bikini for her honeymoon.
Becky checked her watch. “Oops. I was supposed to tell Molly something. Can you wait here for a few seconds? I’d love to hear more about the dress.”
Ashley smiled so broadly she could have been standing in a bubble of happiness. “I’ll be right here, admiring the flowers.”
Becky hoped she didn’t admire them too much. She’d already included snapdragons in their flower palette when she designed the centerpieces. If Ashley wanted to take some home, they could be a little short of stems for the reception.
“I’ll be back soon.” After making sure Laura was okay, she hurried into the workroom. It was all well and good being discreet when you were six weeks away from organizing a secret wedding. It was something else when the bride-to-be stood in your flower shop the day before she was getting married.
“I need your help, Molly.”
Her sister looked up from what she was doing. “What do you need?”
“Can you call Emily and tell her Ashley is coming to see her. She’ll be wanting to try on the dress she fell in love with.”
“The one hanging in Sean’s closet?”
Becky nodded. “If it’s not in the boutique, she’ll be devastated. If she buys a different one, we’re in trouble. I’ll stall her here for as long as I can.”
“What do you want Emily to do?”
“She usually closes the boutique for lunch. If she could lock the front door a little earlier, it would stop Ashley from seeing her. Whatever she does, we can’t let Ashley know we’ve already bought the dress.”
Molly picked up her phone and then checked the time. “No one’s answering. Either Emily’s busy or she’s already closed for lunch.”
Becky didn’t have time to find out which option it was. “Keep trying.” Before her sister could reply, she was already heading back in the shop. “Thanks for waiting, Ashley.”
“I could stay here all day. How do you find so many lovely flowers?”
“I buy them from the market in Polson. The suppliers do a fine job of bringing the best blooms to us. What are you working on at the moment?”
“Believe it or not, I’m writing a story about the top ten thingsnotto do when you’re planning a wedding. At the top of the list is listening to other people’s advice on what you should wear.”
“Your stepmom has been difficult.”
