“It is against Florida falconry law, which says…” She tapped the screen and read her notes. “That a captive-bred raptor may only be released with permission from the wildlife commission’s executive director, whose office says it is not happening. We’re looking into doves and a handler, and I’ve scheduled that call for this afternoon.”
“Perfect.” Tessa’s shoulders dropped. “Does she still want gardenias?”
“I told her they bruise just looking at them.” Lacey smiled. “White roses it is.”
“Excellent.” Sipping her coffee, Tessa leaned back, stress clearly lifting. “Now, the anniversary party?”
“Under control,” Lacey assured her. “I talked to the caterer and approved the menu—God bless that new chef at Blue Heron Banquets.”
“They got a new chef?” Tessa asked.
“A woman named Amalie, from France. Amazing. Anyway, we also have a meeting with the florist, and I found two quartets for the Gilsons to hear locally and choose for music. Invitations are printed—thank goodness for Elsie at Printers Plus, who did a rush for me and…”
Lacey looked up when Tessa let out a half-sigh, half-groan.
“Oh, you’re worried about those two things being the same weekend.” Lacey snapped her fingers, in the zone now. “I’ve got that figured out, especially since the party is at the Crystal Castle. The staff there is superb.”
“Perfect,” Tessa cooed. “Oh, and add this to the list. Seamus Donahue called me last night.”
“From the marina? The guy who loved to fish with your dad?”
“The very same,” she said. “You know he runs that ministry for underprivileged kids, helping them get refurbished fishing gear and a chance to go out on the water? The Abundant Catch?”
Lacey nodded. “I remember. I also remember he’s the one who saw Roman and knew he was Artie’s grandson.” She winced at the memory of how Tessa had found out she and Roman had gone behind her back.
“All is forgiven a hundred times over,” Tessa said, no doubt remembering the same thing. “But he’s having a little fundraiser at the marina.”
“And we’re going to organize it?” Lacey guessed, dreading yet another event to add to her seventeen-day—now sixteen-day—deadline.
“No, no, it’s a very casual thing. But he needs donations for a silent auction, and I was thinking…a signed football.”
Lacey grinned and pointed at her. “As a matter of fact, I know a guy…”
Tessa laughed but suddenly, her face crumpled and she looked upset.
“What’s wrong, Tess?”
“Nothing is wrong,” she answered with conviction. “Absolutely nothing is wrong because you, Lacey Knight, are a superstar event planner who deserves a raise, better hours, and my undying love for the way you pick up my slack.”
But did she deserve to…quit and go to Jacksonville? Lacey just smiled. “You’ve been…” She wanted to say distracted, but that didn’t sound respectful. “Busy.”
“While you became…indispensable.”
Oh, dear. That wasn’t good. She wanted to…dispense. “I don’t know about that, Tess?—”
“I do. You know the vendors by first name. You’ve been to the venues. You anticipate the problems. You calm the clients, you call in favors, and you make everyone—including me—happy. I would roll up and cry without you.”
Lacey took a shuddering breath, not sure how to react to the praise. Grateful, of course. But she didn’t want to be someoneTessa couldn’t live without because she was someone Roman couldn’t live without.
“You’re doing an amazing job,” Tessa continued, making everything worse.
“Tessa—”
“I’m serious,” she said. “This?” She gestured at the calendar, the files, the tablet with five tabs open. “This is running because of you.”
“That’s not true,” she said automatically. “This is—this is you. You’re the one who?—”
Tessa cut her off with a shake of her head. “No. I started it. You made it smooth. You keep the trains from crashing into each other.” Tessa looked hard at Lacey. “And, girl, I need you to do that on steroids for one more month.”
