What the hell had been going on around here since I’d been gone?
My sister filled me in on how Lacey’s dad had to step down amid a cloud of controversy and Lacey had taken it upon herself to step up. The gal had gumption, that was for sure. But would she be willing to take a risk on my wild plan? I stepped into the mayor’s office, figuring there was only one way to find out.
“Alex Sanders here to see Mayor Cherish.” I stopped in front of the receptionist’s desk.
“Take a seat, I’ll let her know you’re here.” The woman gestured toward a set of worn leather couches.
I sat down and leaned back against a cushion. I glanced at the magazines spread out in front of me. An issue ofTexas Timesstood out. I recognized the image on the cover—the Phillips House. As I scanned the article, it gave me some hope.Seemed Char’s version of events was right on the button. Lacey had rebranded the entire town to become a mecca for high-profile brides. The demands the oil baron had for his daughter’s wedding ought to fit right in. Before I had a chance to finish the article, Lacey appeared in the doorway to her office.
“Alex?”
I stood, holding on to the magazine. If she showed any resistance to my idea, I might need it to remind her how big a risk she’d taken before.
“Mayor Cherish, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Don’t you dare pretend you don’t remember me.” She brushed my hand away and gave me a hug. “You used to TP my house when we were younger.”
I returned the embrace as I let out a laugh. “I wasn’t sure you’d remember.”
“Remember?” She pulled back and met my gaze. “I ought to have my husband take you into custody. I think there are still some pieces of toilet paper stuck in the branches of the old pecan tree my dad’s got out front.”
For half a heartbeat I didn’t know if she was kidding. But then she shot me a dazzling smile and stepped aside. “It’s good to see you again.”
I let out a breath. Wouldn’t do me any good to get arrested for pranks I pulled over a decade ago before I had a chance to make my pitch. “I hear congratulations are in order. You and Bodie got married last year?”
“That’s right. Come on in.”
I stepped past her and entered the mayor’s office. Pictures of bridal bouquets, decorations, and wedding dresses covered the walls. I’d expected some sense of grandeur. Instead, I walked into wedding central.
“Sorry, I’m kind of in the middle of a big project. Grab a chair. Tell me, what brought you in today? My assistant said youwere pretty cryptic on the phone and wouldn’t tell her exactly what this visit is about.”
I took a seat and set the magazine down on the desk in front of me. If I’d been unsure of Lacey’s commitment to positioning Ido as the wedding capital of Texas, my worries were dashed by the sheer quantity of wedding pictures she’d posted on the walls.
“I have a proposition for you, Mayor Cherish.”
She plopped down into the chair behind the desk. “Oh, call me Lacey. And fill me in. What do you have going on?”
I cleared my throat, wishing I’d opted for a damn T-shirt and not this noose Char had knotted around my neck. “I’m looking for a place to hold a wedding.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re getting married?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Tying the knot was the farthest thing from my mind. “No. But I’ve been put in touch with a man whose daughter is. They’re looking for a place to hold her wedding and have a few particular requests.”
Lacey squinted as she leaned back in her chair. “So you’re a wedding planner now?”
“Not exactly.” I swallowed, forcing the lump in my throat past the tight collar.
“I’m not sure I understand what you need.”
I leaned forward, putting my palms on the desk. “I’ve been working at a research station in Antarctica studying penguins for the past several months.”
“Penguins?” Lacey crossed her arms over her chest, and a deep furrow bisected her forehead. “What’s this got to do with weddings?”
“I spoke with an attorney last week who wants to hire me. He needs someone to care for some penguins that need to be rehomed while the aquarium renovates their habitat.” I was royally botching this. The look on Lacey’s face proved it. Ifher eyebrows dropped any lower over her eyes, she probably wouldn’t be able to see out of them.
“I still don’t get what this has to do with the warehouse.”
“That’s where the wedding bit comes in. You know who Tad Munyon is?”
