Jax wondered if Harris knew his future mother-in-law didn’t approve of his past. Not that her opinion would matter much to him.
“We don’t want to duplicate the event,” Lindsey said. “So if you could share the details, it would be helpful.”
“Isn’t this a conversation you should have with Harris? He’s the groom.”
The other woman brushed away the question. “He’s a man. I doubt he remembers your anniversary date, let alone what the bridesmaids wore. You’re the one who knows.” Her tone softened. “I want everything to be perfect for my baby girl. As a mother, you have to understand how important that is.”
Jax did and hated how she felt a little sympathy, even as she resented being put in this position.
“Not a church wedding,” she said, hoping her tone wasn’t too grudging. “We were married in the Calistoga Hotel and had the reception there as well. The main ballroom opens onto the beach which can be lovely, but as our wedding was in January, we didn’t use the outdoor space.”
Lindsey made notes. “How many people?”
Jax found herself struggling to remember. “Maybe two hundred. Our colors were ice pink and silver. The men wore gray tuxes. It was a while ago. I really don’t remember all that much. It was a regular wedding with the usual stuff.” Flowers, a cake.
“And the menu?”
Jax held in a sigh. “I have no idea. It was a long time ago.” And an unimportant detail. “Is Shawna really that concerned? Except for Harris’s family, no one who was at our wedding will be at yours.”
“Harris will.”
“As you pointed out, he’s not going to be concerned about the details.”
Lindsey’s mouth formed a thin line. “Very well. Thank you for the information. I was wondering about looking at afew pictures. I could come by and borrow your wedding album and—”
“No,” Jax said flatly. “I appreciate you want Shawna to have the wedding of her dreams and she should, but I’ve given you enough information. You’re not going to look at the photos.” Not that she had many left from her post-divorce memory purge.
“Why not? It doesn’t seem like a very big ask. I assure you I’d be careful with them.”
Jax’s mild annoyance grew. “No,” she repeated more loudly. “Stop pushing.”
“What did I say?”
“You’re being intrusive. Shawna’s wedding isn’t my responsibility. If you want more details, ask Harris. If you want to see pictures, ask Harris. Otherwise, I would appreciate you leaving me out of this.”
Her voice rose a little with her words.
“I see.” Lindsey closed the notebook. “Harris won’t say much about why the two of you split up, but I’m starting to understand the reason.”
Jax stood. “That’s enough,” she said sharply.
From across the store she heard a squawk. Ramon flew toward her, howling like a wild dog as he came. He landed on the railing separating the coffee bar from the store and glared at Lindsey.
“Big bad wolf! Be gone!”
The other woman stared at him warily. “That is a very large bird. I can see why Shawna’s concerned. I don’t understand why you let him fly around the store like he does. He could frighten off customers.”
“Some people don’t need to be here, so I’m fine with that.”
They glared at each other, then Lindsey slung her bag over her shoulder and stalked away. Ramon hopped on Jax’s shoulder.
“Thank you for protecting me,” she murmured. “You’re a good man.”
“Charlie Brown.”
Jax laughed. “Yes. You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.”
Sunday afternoon, while she prepared for the weekly handoff, Jax made a mental list of things she would be discussing with Harris after he arrived. When it reached three items and continued to grow, she pulled out her phone.
