Looking at the people here today, he had to agree with Jackie. In one corner of the room, the host of the local radio station was broadcasting live from The Flower Cottage. Mabel Allen, in her role as administrator of the community Facebook page, was taking photos of what was happening. And, if he wasn’t mistaken, at least one reporter was preparing a story for the newspapers.
Paris stood behind the sales counter. Her dress was bright pink and covered in pictures of lollipops. As she listened intently to the customer, she nodded and made notes on her laptop. Hopefully, they were discussing an event she could decorate.
Jackie stopped in front of an empty set of shelves. “I’ll let Paris know you’re here.”
“It’s okay. I’ll say hello once she’s finished helping her customer.”
“You’ll have to interrupt. Otherwise, you could be waiting for a long time.”
“I don’t mind.” Richard could watch Paris for hours. She had the type of personality that drew him to her, even from a distance. “Jack’s playing at a friend’s house. Do you want me to follow you to the Kingston’s? I could help set up the big floral arrangements.”
Jackie looked relieved. “That would be incredible. The large arrangements need to be hooked over the frames. Kylie keeps telling me she can attach them, but I don’t want her anywhere near a ladder. Even if you can only spare an hour, it would be great.”
“I’ll stay as long as you need me.”
“In that case, I’ll see you at the Kingston’s.”
Richard nodded. “I won’t be long.” Paris looked as though she had everything under control. Everyone was enjoying themselves and spending lots of money. If he could make her day a little easier by helping at her first major event, he’d do it.
Chapter 14
Paris checked her watch. She’d started work at five o’clock this morning, and it didn’t look like she’d be going home anytime soon. Nadine and Carl were dancing the night away, surrounded by their family and friends. Everyone was having a wonderful time.
Holding her hand over her mouth, she stifled a yawn.
“Long day?”
She sent Shelley a tired smile. “I had an early morning. John did a lovely service.”
“He was a little nervous. It’s not often you have a video production company from Los Angeles filming you.”
“Or a world-famous photographer capturing the day.”
Shelley laughed. “He’s worried he’ll be on the cover of tomorrow’s newspaper.”
“If he is, he’ll look the part. His white robe looked stunning against the floral background.”
“That’s because Nadine and Carl had the best florist in Montana decorating their wedding. You must have bought a lot of flowers to do all the arrangements.”
“Enough to fill a shipping container.” Paris still couldn’t believe she’d managed to source and store so many flowers in such a short time. “I’m still in awe of what we’ve done. From the moment the guests stepped onto the Kingston’s property, they’ve been surrounded by flowers.”
“I’m glad it worked out.” Shelley tilted her head to the side. “I saw Jackie and Kylie before the wedding. They said Richard was a great help.”
Paris kept her gaze locked on the wedding guests. If Shelley thought she was interested in Richard, she’d do everything she could to get them together. “It was good of him to help. His extra height came in handy on the ladder.”
“Why do you think he spent his Saturday helping Jackie and Kylie?”
“Because he saw how busy they were and wanted to help.”
“He likes you, that’s why.”
“Richard likes a lot of people.”
Shelley sighed. “Sometimes, you can be so stubborn.”
“I’m not the only one. I thought you’d be too busy with what’s happening in the church to worry about Richard and me.”
“I’m never too busy to ignore my two favorite people. You’re perfect together.”
