Questions swirled like the whirlpools near the waterfall, but he would ask those later. If there was a later. He hoped so.
Charlene led them to her business, housed in a fairy-tale-worthy cottage with lights strung along the eaves. A woodenEvents by Charlenesign stood in the yard. She opened the front door where a wreath hung and motioned for Tasha to go first. “Please excuse the mess. We’re preparing for a wedding.”
“Sheridan DeMarco’s.” Elias stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
Vanilla and cinnamon mixed with a floral fragrance, reminding him of Grammy’s perfume. The overstuffed furniture, frilly decorations, and more throw pillows than anyone needed was like the things in Grammy’s parlor where she knitted and drank tea. He called her every day, if only for a few minutes, but he needed to visit and introduce her to Higgins.
“Yes,” Charlene said. “It’s a small wedding with a limited guest list, but a large budget.”
“Sheridan told me they were inviting family and a few close friends.” Elias hadn’t been upset about not getting an invitation. If anything, he’d felt a sense of relief—one less obligation in a life full of them. “Smaller is better for her under the circumstances.”
Those being Sheridan’s horrible father, Sal, and stepmother, Deena.
Nodding, Charlene pointed to Tasha. “I’m sure you can find someone to keep you company that day. Or sooner.”
Elias shook his head. It looked like playing matchmaker to her three daughters wasn’t enough for Charlene.
“Careful,” he whispered.
“I’m not doing anything.” Charlene kept her voice low. “But you should ask if she has any ideas for the show. Maybe she’d help.”
“Shhh.” However, Charlene’s suggestion had merit.
The committee had been at a standstill over the Extravaganza having a show of some sort. Penelope Jones, who owned Huckleberry Inn across the street, wanted them to put on a nativity pageant. Charlene thought a holiday talent show would be fun. Sabine supported a community concert with caroling from the audience. Elias hadn’t cared so long as he didn’t have to do any work.
“These are lovely.” Tasha stared at a table full of ornaments. She glanced over her shoulder. “Are they wedding favors?”
“Guests will receive filled stockings as favors.” Charlene went over to her. “These ornaments are decorations for the flocked trees at the reception, but guests can take one home if they like.”
“Handmade?”
Charlene nodded. “Hope Ryan Cooper painted them. She’s a local artist, and a few of her works are at the gallery if you enjoy art.”
“I do.” Tasha raised her hand as if to touch an ornament and then lowered it. “Cooper? Is the artist related to the sheriff’s deputy?”
“His sister-in-law,” Charlene answered before Elias could. “Take a seat, and I’m going to run to the kitchen to grab the refreshments.”
Tasha sat on the love seat. “I’m from a small town, and I just realized they really are all the same.”
Elias took the spot next to her. “Everyone is related, dated, or is in a longtime feud.”
“Yes, but I like that, though it can feel suffocating after a while.”
“Nothing wrong with making a change.”
She nodded. “You can always go back.”
It was his turn to nod.
She rubbed her palms against her pants. “You and Charlene were whispering.”
“Guilty.” Might as well ask. He angled his shoulders toward Tasha. “Charlene and I are on the Winter Extravaganza committee.”
Tasha’s lips parted. “That’s why you’re overseeing the rink.”
He nodded, happy Tasha remembered. “We can’t decide on one event.”
“What’s that?”
