“We could always add another anchor point.” He pointed to one of the rafters not far from the edge of the loft. “That way, if one bolt fails, we’ll have a backup.”
Becky looked at the three chandeliers she’d rented for the wedding reception. They were such a darling set that it would be a shame not to hang them. But if they couldn’t make them safe, she wouldn’t use them.
“What are your thoughts, Laura?”
“My dad worked in construction for years. Why don’t I give him a call and see if he’ll give us some advice?”
Becky checked her watch. “We won’t have time to wait for him to drive here.”
“We don’t need to wait.” Laura pulled out her cell phone and tapped on the screen. “We can talk to him on a video call. If it looks too dangerous, he’ll know how we can fix it or if it isn’t worth it.”
With the help of modern technology, they had their answer a few minutes later.
“You were right,” she told Pastor Steven with a relieved smile. “An anchor point for each chandelier will give us the extra assurance we need. Do you have time to fix the hooks to the beam?”
“I’ll make the time. If I don’t, you’ll be up the ladder before I’ve finished speaking.”
“Being high in the air has never worried me. And I’m handy with most electric tools when the need arises.”
Pastor Steven picked up a drill and some heavy metal bolts. “I’ve noticed.”
Becky held the bottom of the ladder, while Laura unpacked the other chandeliers.
After an early breakfast, they’d traveled to Sally and Todd’s ranch with Molly to place all the flowers in the barn. With delicate posies on each table, large centerpieces on the cake table and at the entranceway, and a jaw-dropping arch of white roses, they’d completed a French country theme worthy of any bride and groom. But it was the chandeliers that would sparkle and shine, adding a touch of glamor to the day’s celebrations.
“One down, two to go,” Pastor Steven said as he stepped off the ladder.
Becky checked her watch. “You’ll be needing to leave soon.”
“There’s plenty of time. I don’t have to be back in Bozeman until midday.”
“I’m very grateful for the time you are giving me. I know you’re a busy man.”
“I’m enjoying helping you. It reminds me of when I was in the army.”
Becky frowned. “Would you be saying I’m bossy?”
Pastor Steven picked up the next bolt. “I’d call it being confident and assertive.”
Laura broke into a fit of giggles.
“Do you think I’m bossy, too?”
“You have a lovely way about you,” Laura said with a grin. “Your accent softens your words, but the intent is still there.”
Pastor Steven coughed and disappeared up the ladder.
“I’m a stickler for my schedule, to be sure. And I like things done right the first time, but doesn’t everyone? And I’m not terribly good at taking people’s criticisms. It does my head in to know I haven’t met their expectations. But that doesn’t make me bossy, does it?”
“It makes you Becky O’Donaghue,” Laura said as she placed another set of bolts beside the ladder. “And the best florist in the world.”
Becky had a feeling her part-time assistant was trying to make her feel better, but she’d take the compliment as it was intended.
By the time they’d gathered three ranch hands to help them hoist the chandeliers into place, Becky was glad they’d added another special element to the barn.
“I’m turning on all the light switches,” Laura yelled from the main doors.
Becky looked up at the rafters. “Let’s see the magic,” she whispered.
