“I was going to get your signed football while I was there,” Lacey said, knowing it sounded lame, but longing for Tessa to change her mind.
“I know, but Seamus would be happy with a football at Walmart that Roman autographed. This wedding walk-through is important, too, and a great opportunity for you.”
Lacey squeezed her eyes as worlds collided, sensing this wouldn’t be the first or last time if she tried to “do both” the way she’d hoped to. She knew it would be difficult to navigate working for Tessa from Jacksonville, even if it meant a lot of travel, but she didn’t want to give up either dream.
Okay, Lace, think.
“What time is the walkthrough?” she asked.
“At nine, so just over two hours.”
Oof. She’d need to get there, be back, and at Roman’s house by eleven. Maybe eleven-thirty.
“Lacey, I wouldn’t ask if this weren’t important,” she said in a hushed whisper. “I was up all night with her and she…” After a long pause, she whispered, “I can’t explain it all, but believe me, if I could go, I would.”
Lacey believed her. Tessa had been acting very differently—when Lacey even saw her—since the child came to stay with her. Out of love and respect, Lacey hadn’t asked any questions or breathed a word to anyone else to maintain Dusty’s patient’s privacy.
Thinking, she glanced back through the glass at the bedroom she shared with her mother, then out again at the water.
“I can do it, Tess,” she said quietly. “I’ll…juggle my schedule.”
“You are a dream employee,” Tessa said on a relieved laugh. “Remember, Rachel Fairchild comes from old money—with the emphasis onmoney. They will spend a fortune on this wedding, and our commission and fee will be the biggest Tessa Wylie Events has had to date. Trust me, I’d love to handle this, but you’re totally up for the task.”
Lacey nodded to herself, still trying to wrestle the timing. “No chance we can get them there earlier?”
“Tidewater won’t open the door before nine,” she said.
“That’s fine,” Lacey assured her. “I’ll do it. I don’t want to let you down.”
“You’ll slay this,” Tessa promised. “You just go out there and be the face of Tessa Wylie Events. You’re ready for this, Lacey. I know you are.”
She wanted this challenge—had longed for the chance to really take ownership of one major event without Tessa making the final call on every decision. And she had a raise, a promotion, and endless possibilities.
She also had love, an NFL-playing boyfriend, and the opportunity for a life with him in Jacksonville.
“I can do it,” she said, the words tumbling out with force and certainty. “I’ll see if I can push the trip with Roman back a few hours.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line.
“You’re sure?” Tessa asked.
“Yes,” Lacey said, forcing confidence into her voice. “I won’t let you down. You can count on me.”
“Oh, thank you,” Tessa breathed. “You’re a lifesaver. Just—wow them. Please. The bride knows every rich girl in the South, and this could lead to a ton of business.”
The call ended, and Lacey stayed there for a moment longer, phone pressed to her palm, the morning air cool against her skin.
She could do this. She’d call Roman and explain it to him, certain they could adjust the schedule a bit.
Her mother stirred when Lacey slipped back into the bedroom.
“Everything okay?” her mother murmured sleepily.
“I’ve got a venue walkthrough this morning,” Lacey said quietly as she dressed. “Tessa needs me to handle it.Alone.”
“Is this the big wedding at Tidewater? Tessa is so excited about that.”
At the ensuite door, Lacey nodded. “Huge wedding, huge budget, huge opportunity—for me, now.”
