He couldn’t give her an easy way to return everything to its original condition, but he could make sure she was okay. And he planned on doing just that.
* * *
Daniella stoodbeside Harrison at the back of The Welcome Center, her gaze sweeping over the room that’d been transformed into a glamorous wedding venue. Transporting all the decorations and furniture to the center had taken a lot of time, but it was worth it. Thanks to Rachel, Vanessa, Harper, Harrison, and many others, the room shimmered with an elegance that even The Fairy Forest would have been proud of.
The electricians had gone above and beyond what Daniella had expected from them. They’d relocated two of her smaller chandeliers to The Welcome Center, hanging them in place of the black wrought-iron ones already there.
The chandeliers dripped with crystals, casting a warm, inviting glow over the guests. The tables were adorned with sumptuous bouquets of roses and lilies, and the white tablecloths and silver cutlery added a touch of sophistication to the room.
Because there were so many guests, they’d decided to seat everyone around the tables while the bride and groom exchanged their wedding vows. Now, all they had to do was wait for the bridal party to arrive.
Harrison leaned closer to her. “The flower arrangements at the front of the room look fantastic.”
Daniella smiled. “I’m pleased with them, too. I was worried they’d be too big.” She glanced at her cell phone. Rachel had just texted her to say the bride was standing behind the closed door with her father and the bridesmaids.
With a flick of a switch, Daniella changed the background music into the song the bride and groom had chosen as the bridal march.
A hush fell over the wedding guests as they watched Antoinette and her dad walk down the aisle. Her gown sparkled with each step she took, adding more glamour to this wonderful occasion. The three bridesmaids looked just as beautiful in their pretty lilac satin gowns.
A lump formed in Daniella’s throat when Antoinette and Gregory exchanged their wedding vows. Their voices were filled with love, and the promises they made to each other were heartfelt and sweet.
Harrison stood silently beside her, his presence both a comfort and a reminder of how complicated a relationship could be.
As Pastor John pronounced the couple husband and wife, applause filled the room. Daniella found herself clapping with the guests, her smile genuine but wistful. She didn’t know if she’d ever walk down an aisle as a bride but, right now, she had more important things on her mind.
The only person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with was Harrison. But, if he wanted to live in Nashville, it wouldn’t work.
That thought lingered as the wedding ceremony came to an end and the reception began. The family and friends of the newlyweds enjoyed the delicious food the caterers had provided. Thankfully, the wedding cake survived undamaged from the flood.
After Daniella had checked that everything was going to plan in the kitchen, she found Harrison behind the bar, refilling the guests’ wine glasses.
When he saw her, his smile dimmed. Leaving the bar to the other staff, he walked her to one side of the room. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern etched in his features.
Daniella nodded, forcing brightness into her voice. “It’s just... beautiful, isn’t it? Everything came together so perfectly in the end.”
“It did,” Harrison agreed, following her gaze to the happy couple. “Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.”
“They’re a lovely family. I don’t know what I would’ve done if this room wasn’t available. All the other venues I called were fully booked.”
“Can you use The Welcome Center for some of the other events that are supposed to be in The Fairy Forest?”
“We’ve transferred Monday and Tuesday’s events here already. I’m meeting Shelley on Monday morning to see if the church can accommodate any of the other bookings people have made.”
Harrison held her hand. “I’m staying in Sapphire Bay.”
Daniella’s heart pounded. “For how long?”
“As long as you’ll have me.” Harrison’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. They were somber, waiting for what she’d say next.
She took a deep breath, trying to control her breathing. “What about the job at Nashville State? You said it was perfect.”
“It was, but something else will come along. For now, I’m happy being part of the construction crew on Anchor Lane. And I’ll be even happier being your boyfriend—if you’d like that.”
Tears filled Daniella’s eyes. “I’d like that very much. Did you tell your family you’re staying here?”
“I did. Mom said to always follow my heart, as long as I have an extra bedroom for her and Dad when they visit.”
Relief washed through Daniella. “I’m glad they’re happy.”
