“What makes you think that? The gold buckle on the toe or the fact that I look like I’m a newbie trying to walk on circus stilts?”
“Maybe a touch of both.” He chuckles.
“Well, at least The Beave didn’t say anything disapproving.”
We head up the stairs, Breaker helping me the whole time. “Way to find the positive. Now, let’s just focus on whether we like this church.”
“I’m going to say no.”
“Do you have a second venue where you want to get married? A counter offer?” Breaker asks as we make our way up the stairs.
“I do, actually, but I know The Beave is going to hate it.”
“Then that means it’s perfect,” Breaker says as we reach the door and step into the opulent church.
The entrance opens into a large cathedral space with natural wood beams crisscrossing against the vaulted ceiling. Rows and rows of pews face the altar while a red velvet carpet stretches along the candlelit aisle. The altar is intricately carved with the same natural wood as the beams while also draped in linens and an arrangement of flowers that seems rather extravagant for a mid-summer mass.
Leaning toward Breaker, I whisper, “I’m surprised the lit candles aren’t a fire hazard.”
“And those candleholders don’t look too sturdy.”
“Isn’t it just divine?” The Beave asks in awe. “We won’t be able to fit everyone into the pews, but we will live-stream the wedding to those waiting at the club for you to arrive.”
I blink a few times while I glance at themanypews. “How many people do you plan on inviting?” I ask.
“Ophelia, I emailed you the guest list.” She snaps her fingers, and her assistant appears at her side with a box. The Beave opens the box and pulls out the crown of a veil. “Now, let’s see this on.”
“Hold on, what guest list?” The Beave ignores me and slips the veil on top of my head, digging the clip deep into my scalp until I’m almost positive she drew blood.
“I sent it to you, Ophelia. Honestly, do we need to talk about organization?” She removes the rest of the veil from the garment box, dragging the tulle fabric out in piles. Jesus, how long is this thing? And why did she put it on my head?
“I guess I didn’t see it. I was sort of busy this weekend.”
Busy with Brian, her son.
“Well, if you took the time to worry about the upcoming nuptials, you would have seen I have a little over two thousand invites going out.” She gestures toward the aisle. “Now, please, walk down the aisle so I can see how this veil looks.”
I blink, completely oblivious to what’s happening to me. “Two . . . two thousand?” I ask, my mouth going dry. “Like two thousand people?”
“More like four to five. There are couples and families.” She gestures for me to walk again, but I stand still.
“Oh my God,” I say, my armpits starting to sweat. “That’s . . . that’s too many people. Can the club even hold that many people?”
“Of course not,” she says, waving her hand at me. “That’s why we have secured the private beach as well. It’s all about appearances, even if people won’t be able to see everything. Now, if you’ll please . . .” She motions down the aisle.
I turn to Breaker, my heart racing, my eyes pleading for help. “Did you hear that?” I say through clenched teeth, the veil tangling up in my legs. “Twothousandpeople, Breaker.”
Luckily, Breaker senses my panic. “That seems like a lot,” Breaker says. “Has Brian gone over the list?”
The Beave dismisses him with her hand. “Brian has better things to do than bother with wedding details.”
“But . . . it’s the start of his marriage. Don’t you think he should be a little interested?” Breaker asks.
Her head snaps toward Breaker. “He’s interested enough, but a guest list is menial. You should know the importance of his high-level job. I can’t be bothering him with these questions. That’s why I’m in charge. Now, Ophelia, walk down the aisle so I can see if the veil is right for you.”
“Yeah, but that’s a lot of people, Mrs. Beaver,” Breaker continues as I try to straighten the veil out. I kick at it with my feet while the assistant—not sure of her name—attempts to help as well. “Lia doesn’t do well in big crowds. Unless you want a bride passing out at the altar, I think you need to pare down.”
The Beave turns toward me and says, “That’s not true, is it?”
