Taryn climbed the short staircase to the backyard that Pippa transformed into a romantic hideaway with white tulle and fairy lights. Globe bulbs hung along the edge of the cover and crisscrossed the width. With the large tent and two smaller ones—for the bar and dessert buffet—blocking the direct sunlight, the temperature was cooler. She noticed an outdoor air conditioner. Margot had gone all out for her nephew.
“This is lovely.” A wooden table with serving stands of various heights. “Has Callie seen this yet?”
“No, and neither has Brandt.”
“They’ll love it.” The decked-out backyard was as elegant as any wedding venue. “I’ll get set up.”
With gloves on, Taryn arranged each of the desserts. She’d known Margot wanted a cake even though the bride and groom hadn’t, so she’d made a strawberry shortcake as a surprise for the quilt shop owner. And the angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream was the perfect centerpiece for the buffet. As she stored the cooler, the scent of the delicious dinner tickled her nose.
She removed her gloves and looked around. Beautiful. And not only the desserts.
Taryn headed into the house where Margot was feeding her two dogs. “Everything’s ready. If you run low on anything, there are extras in the coolers beneath the dinner buffet.”
“Perfect.”
The doorbell rang, and people quickly spilled into the backyard. Within minutes, music played, and the bartender poured drinks.
That was Taryn’s cue to leave. “I’ll pick up my things when it’s convenient for you.”
“Stay and eat before you leave.”
Taryn hesitated. “I need to frost the wedding cakes.”
Margot waved her off. “Fifteen minutes is nothing. Besides, it’s dinnertime. You must be hungry.”
When she put it that way… “Okay, but I can’t stay long.”
Taryn followed Margot outside, where people were eating dinner. That was quick. There had to be at least thirty guests. She knew some, like Anna and Raine, but not the others.
“Get a plate and make yourself at home.” With that, Margot headed toward Brandt’s mother.
As Taryn stood in the buffet line, she glimpsed Garrett talking to someone she didn’t recognize.
A few minutes later, she sat at one of the round tables, listening to Margot tell the story of when Callie came over to make Christmas cookies. “I knew she belonged with Brandt, which proves once again that my matchmaking skills are second to none.”
People laughed.
Funnily enough, or maybe not, neither Callie nor Brant denied it.
As the dinner progressed, Taryn felt like an interloper. She stayed off to the side, as far away from the center as she could. She noticed how Garrett and his brothers knew how to entertain a crowd. Then again, all three lived in Los Angeles. They must be used to parties and entertaining, given their professions.
After eating, she replenished the dessert bar before saying her goodbyes to Margot, Mr. and Mrs. Winslow, Brandt, and Callie.
As Taryn headed to the door, Garrett jogged up to her. “Where are you going?”
“To the bakery.” She had brought only her keys, cell, and the desserts, so she could make a quick exit. “Your sister’s wedding cakes won’t frost themselves.”
“I’ll go with you,” he said, as if he were discussing whether or not to press the crosswalk button.
“That’s unnecessary. I drove.”
“It’s getting late.”
“Nothing bad happens in Silver Falls. And the bakery is still open.”
“Let’s just say my escorting you there is insurance against anything happening to you before my little sister’s big day.”
“Fine,” Taryn relented because she needed to get going. “But you’re wasting precious time you could spend partying.”
