He took the folder she handed to him and looked at the images. “They’re getting married outside?”
“That’s changed, too. It will be too cold to get married in Nadine’s parents’ garden, so they’re using a friend’s barn. The five rectangular frames will be covered in flowers and placed along a path leading to the barn. They have to be high enough for everyone to walk under.” She pointed to the photos. “Nadine wants them to look like this.”
Richard studied the wooden frames supporting the large floral arrangements. “The flowers will have to be carefully balanced. Otherwise, the frame could tip over.”
“I thought I could add some posts to the left-hand side to provide more stability.”
“It would spoil the floating effect they probably want.”
“I was worried about that, too. But, as long as the posts match the material we’re using for the rest of the frames, Nadine said it was okay.”
“That’s good.” After looking at each picture, he knew why Paris was worried. Preparing for the opening of her business was bad enough. Creating over-the-top flower arrangements at the same time was asking for trouble. “I’ll text the apprentices in our programs and let you know if anyone can help.”
“Thanks. I know I’ll be running against time to finish everything before the wedding, but it’s important. Nadine’s mom knows a lot of influential people. If she posts great reviews about the flowers on her social media accounts, I’ll have more work than I’ll know what to do with. But, if something goes wrong, I could be out of business.”
She must be exaggerating. “Are you sure?”
Paris slipped the folder into her bag. “Nadine’s surname is Kingston. Her dad owns half of Montana.”
“As in the property tycoon, Tom Kingston?”
“That’s him. The wedding guest list is a who’s who of Fortune 500 executives and television personalities.”
Richard didn’t keep up to date on a lot of things that happened around Sapphire Bay, but even he’d heard of the Kingston family. “This is too important to leave to the apprentices. I’ll start building the frames tomorrow night. We can store them in my workshop until you need them.”
Paris smiled and then threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Before he’d figured out what to do with his hands, she’d already stepped away. “I’ll make you and Jack dinner on the days you’re helping me. And, whether you want my money or not, I’m paying you.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m happy to—”
Paris put her hands over her ears. “I’m not listening. I’m getting paid to provide the flowers for the wedding. I couldn’t make the bride and groom’s dreams come true on my own, so you deserve to be paid for what you’re doing.”
Richard sighed. The stubborn tilt to her chin told him she wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Fine. I’ll send you a bill for the cost of the materials.”
“And I’ll add on some money for your labor. If there’s anything else you need, just ask.” Like a whirlwind gathering speed, she collected her bag and waved goodbye to Tommy. “I have to get back to Blooming Lovely. We’re working late tonight.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks. I forgot to ask about your house. Were you able to buy it?”
“I was. You’re looking at the proud owner of a new mortgage.”
Paris’ wide smile made his heart pound. “That’s fantastic. I can help you move on any day except the Saturday I’m opening The Flower Cottage.”
“Jack and I can manage.”
“I’m sure you can, but it’s my turn to help you.”
With those words ringing in his ears, Paris sent him another smile and hurried out of the room.
Tommy collected a box of tile offcuts. “Is she always like that?”
Richard picked up his clipboard. “It looks like it.” Too late, he remembered Paris still had the drawings of the frames in her bag. Not that it mattered. After Jack finished at The Welcome Center’s writing club, he’d drop into Blooming Lovely and borrow the folder.
As long as he placed the timber order by eight o’clock tomorrow, he’d have the supplies by the afternoon. And, if luck were on his side, the frames would go together faster than he thought.
Paris clicked another screw onto the electric drill and followed what Richard had done. So far, they’d finished three of the frames for Nadine’s wedding. “It’s just as well you changed the design. I wouldn’t have made the frames this big.”
