"It's not actually traditional," Zach clarified. "Babushka just loves anything that sparkles."
"Is beautiful, like stars in night sky," Babushka insisted. "Marriage needs little sparkle, yes? Do not vorry. I know who to call. Ve vill go tomorrow to see him."
"I can't. I'm accompanying Anna and Drake to see the potential venue tomorrow." She looked pointedly at Babushka. "Only the three of us, as planned."
"Vhat venue?" Babushka asked.
"The Falcon Hotel downtown," Piper answered before she could stop herself. "They have a rooftop terrace with mountain views."
Babushka's eyes lit up. "Perfect. I'll be there."
"That's not necessary—" Piper began.
"I insist," Babushka said firmly. "Russian mother of bride must approve venue. I'll bring Anna's mother."
"That won't work. I already have meetings scheduled there with another event," Piper said firmly. "Then I'm meeting Drake and Anna."
"Vhat event?" Babushka demanded.
"The D.I.C.K.?" Shelby asked innocently.
Zach choked while Shelby dissolved into giggles.
"It's the Directors of Interment and Cremation Knowledge," Piper clarified hastily. "And it's a completely respectable industry committee for funeral directors."
"Ah, yes. I know this group. Good people—except for Mortimer. I have things to say to that man. Lots of things." Babushka's expression darkened.
"Is that Morty? Your ex-boyfriend?" Zach asked. "Pistol Polly's Morty?"
"Pistol Polly's Morty?" Piper asked. Pistol Polly's was a local gentleman's club known for their massive steak and topless dancers.
"Story for another day." Zach shivered. "Ask Jase and Heather. They'll tell you."
"Yes. Morty." Babushka flicked her fingers and let out a sharp pfft. "If I see him, he vill run. And I vill catch him."
Piper resolved never to mention Mr. Thornhill—Morty—to Babushka ever again. Or allow them to be in the same room together.
"Are you certain you vant funeral directors at a vedding venue?" Babushka looked skeptical.
"It's a multi-purpose event space," Piper explained. "I'll be there for their meeting, and then I can check the terrace for Anna and Drake while I'm already on site. It's efficient."
"I like efficiency," Babushka nodded approvingly. "Though vedding and funeral in same place is not good luck. Not custom."
"It's a different floor," Piper assured her. "And churches co-mingle the two on the regular."
"Still, ve should see this place," Babushka insisted. "Make sure it has proper energy."
Before Piper could protest, Zach jumped in, his knee pressing more firmly against hers. "Actually, Babushka, I was hoping you could help me at the shop tomorrow. I've got a new design that's giving me trouble."
Babushka looked torn. "You never vant my help."
"I always want your help," Zach disagreed solemnly. "I need your eye for detail." He turned to Piper. "She's the one who taught me to sew to begin with."
Piper could have kissed him for the rescue. Not that she wanted to kiss him. Obviously.
"I cannot help you," Babushka said. "Tess is checking venue also for security and broadcast restrictions tomorrow. She told me vhen she invited your mother. Vhich means I come, too. I hope I see Morty vhile ve are there."
Piper and Zach exchanged alarmed glances.
