“Hey, Noel, can I grab a quick word with you while the guys finish up those delicious desserts?”
Noel had made bright lemon tarts and gorgeous tiramisu cups with swirls of espresso.
“Sure, what’s up?” he asked.
I led him out of the room, because it wasn’t fair to Darren and Linc that I chat about someone else’s wedding plans in front of them. This was a very special occasion, and I wanted them to enjoy every moment of it together.
“I’ve got a couple that just lost their venue for their rehearsal dinner. Grand View accidentally double-booked.”
“Oh, no. When is it?”
“Three weeks.”
He winced. “That’s…tight. I’ve got Darren and Linc in two. So that’d mean?—”
I nodded. “But I am pretty sure my bride, Caitlyn, wouldlove that flowery salad. You’ve got more recipes here than you need for one dinner.”
“True, but I won’t have a lot of time to reinvent anything if they don’t love the initial selections.”
“They’d understand you’d be doing us a huge favor,” I said. “Could they just come out and meet you? If you don’t like the vibe, we’ll understand. I really don’t want to disappoint them by settling for something less than great.”
Noel sighed. “I’m such a pushover.”
“Thank you!” I gave him a quick hug and kissed his cheek. “You are the absolute best.”
“Hey,” a deep voice rumbled from behind us. “Do I need to be jealous? That’s my man.”
I released Noel and turned to grin at Hopper. I’d met him around town, even tried to hook up with him once, but he was too oblivious to pick up on the flirtation. At least, I chose to believe that was the reason. Surely, it wasn’t because he wasn’t into me.
“Just a grateful wedding planner. Nothing to worry about.”
He chuckled and reeled Noel in for a proper kiss. Yikes. Those two would need to host their own wedding dinner soon.
I fanned my face. “I hope you’ll hire me when the time is right.”
Noel flashed wide eyes at me.
Hopper laughed. “Go hassle the wedding couple you’ve already got.”
I checked back in with Linc and Darren, and they made their final selections. Then I headed into town, relieved to have a backup plan for Caitlyn and Branson. I was pretty sure they’d go with any menu Noel presented if it got them a venue at the last minute. Mama Kennedy might be a problem,though. We’d have to keep her in the dark until the last minute.
I didn’t want Noel dealing with the fussing she’d done over the reception catering and cake.
I parked in front of Rainbow Garden, trying not to think about how close it was to the building where Bryson and his brother were opening their sporting goods store. There was no name on it yet, and I’d failed to ask him what it would be called.
A concern flitted through me that I had been too self-centered. I brushed it away. We’d had other things on our minds the night of our one date, and after that, I’d had other fish to fry.
Surely, Caitlyn had mentioned it at some point. Something with tents or rods? Damn it.
I pulled out my phone.
Silas:
What is the name of your store? I don’t want Branson to think I don’t remember.
There. That was proper subterfuge, right?
A reply popped in almost immediately.
