“Do you have to do any of the cleanup?” Garrett asked.
“No.” And she was thankful for that. “Once we set up the cake, we’re done. The caterer took care of slicing and serving the pieces. That’s why I could enjoy the reception.”
With you.
“Come with me.” He entwined his fingers with hers and led her to the courtyard where a three-tiered fountain spewed water thirty feet in the air while multicolored lights flashed on and off in a choreographed dance. It had proved a perfect photo op for the newlyweds and guests. The spot was as lovely now.
He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed the top of it. “Tonight was fun.”
“It was.” The best part was being with him. Garrett looked like a model in his tuxedo, but his appearance was only a tiny part of his appeal. Not just anyone would work nonstop in ninety-degree heat to help her redo the booth at the eleventh hour. “Your sister is a beautiful bride.”
“The cake was delicious.”
“Which one?”
His grin spread. “All of them. Obviously the guests agreed because not much is left.”
“I hope the bride and groom enjoyed them.” That was what made an event successful. Sure, Taryn wanted all the guests to enjoy them, but she wanted the bride and groom, Callie and Brandt, to be happy with their choice of hiring Lawson’s Bakery.
“Callie and Brandt loved them.” Garrett tucked strands of Taryn’s hair behind her ear. “You’re an incredible baker.”
“I am, aren’t I?” she teased before curtseying. “Thanks.”
“I’ve enjoyed these two weeks with you.”
Uh-oh.That sounded like goodbye. Her pulse kicked up.
“Me, too.” She wasn’t sure what was coming, but she wanted to prepare herself mentally. “Even more so than December.”
“This has been different.” He stared into her eyes. “I go home tomorrow.”
“I know.” This must be goodbye. She kept a smile on her face, even though she’d wanted to spend more time with him. But his family was still here, and Callie and Brandt were having brunch with their immediate families tomorrow. Garrett needed to be with them. “I can’t thank you enough for all you did for me.”
“I enjoyed myself.”
“Same.”
“Which is why I won’t ghost you again.”
Hope blossomed inside her. Maybe this wasn’t goodbye after all. “I’m so happy to hear that because I don’t want to be ghosted again.”
“I’ve been thinking about us.”
She wiggled her toes. “I like the sound of us.”
“Me, too.”
The lights from the fountain made her think of them standing under the northern lights. If only they could do that someday.
“That’s why I want you to come to L.A.,” he said.
Yes. She forced herself not to bounce on her tiptoes. “I’ll plan a visit.”
“No.”
Taryn flinched. “You don’t want me to visit?”
“I want you in L.A.” He tugged at his bow tie. “I’m doing this all wrong. What I mean is, I want you to move to L.A.”
