“We’ve already ordered all the ingredients,” Marissa said in an apologetic voice. “Our policy requires?—”
“Screw your policy,” Molly said. “Branson, I know you mean well, but Caitlyn doesn’t have the experience to know what a formal meal calls for. I’m trying tohelpyou both.”
“That’s why we have Silas,” Bryson said firmly. “He’s got all the experience. Silas, do you think the menu will embarrass Caitlyn and Bra—er, me?”
“No, of course not. I wouldn’t let that happen.” I turned to Molly. “Everyone has different tastes, Mrs. Kennedy. I’m sure your suggestions are lovely. It’s too late to make changes, but I could really use your help with the seating chart revisions.”
She opened her mouth as if to argue and paused. “The seating chart? What’s the problem?”
“Well, Caitlyn wasn’t sure about sitting Percy next to the Rhodes couple. What do you think?”
She laughed. “Oh, dear, no. We can’t do that. Percy next to Clark.” She chortled. “Although, it might be fun to see the fireworks.” She shook her head. “Not that I want todisrupt your wedding reception with unneeded drama, Branson. Goodness. You do need my help, don’t you? Silas! You know Percy went on a disastrous date with Clark a few years ago.”
“That’s right. I’d nearly forgotten.”
She approached me, forgetting about the catering menu. Or perhaps I’d just given her a graceful way to lose the argument. “I better go over that chart and make sure there are no other oversights.” She glanced at Bryson. “But only if you and Caitlyn are okay with me butting in?”
“You never butt in,” Bryson said graciously. “Of course we’d welcome the help.”
She beamed at us. “Lovely. Shall we do it now?”
“I’ve actually got another appointment in a few minutes,” I said. “How about tomorrow? Ten a.m.?”
She nodded. “I can make that work.” She patted my arm. “You’ve been a godsend, Silas. I don’t think these kids could manage any of this without you.”
“We really couldn’t,” Bryson said, eyes finding mine. “I know I’d be lost without Silas.”
Molly let herself out the door, and Marissa sagged against the counter. “Thank you, Silas—and Branson. Sorry we had to bother you with this.”
Bryson waved a hand. “No problem. Silas, can I see you outside for a minute?”
The promise in his gaze sent a wave of heat through me. My pulse spiked at the memory of our last run-in. “Sure.” I turned to Marissa. “All good?”
She nodded. “We’ll stick to the original menu. Thank you.”
“All in a day’s work,” I said with a laugh, turning to follow Bryson out onto the sidewalk.
He walked me to my car, silent, despite asking me to comeoutside. “What’s up, Bryson? Did you want to talk about something?”
His gaze sharpened. “You really can always tell us apart, huh?”
“I guess so. Branson doesn’t look at me like you do.”
He swiped a tongue over his bottom lip, gaze drifting down my form and back up. “Yeah? How’s that?”
“Like you want to invite me back to your place,” I suggested. “I did tell Molly I had an appointment. I’d hate to be a liar.”
Heat flared in his eyes. “So,I’mthe appointment?”
“Well, you are the best man,” I said teasingly. “I should make sure you know all the proper etiquette.”
He looked at me long and hard, as if searching for an answer in my eyes.
I faltered. “Unless this is a bad time? I can just?—”
“No. No, it’s a perfect time. It’s always a perfect time for you.” He cupped my face and kissed me with an intensity that made my head spin. “I’ll meet you there.”
CHAPTER 18
