“I didn’t have another hand.” She laughs. “Everything going okay?”
Tilly looks around, taking in the space. It looked exactly like the mood boards we helped the clients put together. The colors were dark orange and auburn, melting beautifully into the natural colors of the trees changing. The bride was wearing a traditional white dress but the groom was also wearing white so their outfits would pop against the autumn scenery.
“Looks like everything we planned.” Tilly says answering her own question.
I take a sip of the pumpkin latte she got me and I melt. I would have to ask Lina if this is something we could have year round.
“Do you ever think about getting married?” Tilly asks and I almost drop my latte. My eyes must show it because she quickly adds, “Not right now! I just meant in general. To be clear I was not proposing.”
I laugh, watching her flail over her anxiety was cute as heck. “Yes, I do think about getting married. I know I’m almost thirty and my parents think about it way more than I do, but I’m not in any rush. I’d rather wait and make sure I only get married once.”
“That makes sense, I feel like I’d be fine either way. Like if my partner wants to I’d get married, but if they didn’t want to I’d also be okay.” Tilly explains.
“I get it, there’s way too much pressure these days to get married when I’m not sure how much it actually changes except stuff for your taxes.” I joke.
“Pretty sure our taxes are a pain in the ass next year anyway now that we’re owning an orchard.” Tilly adds.
“Excuse me, do you know where I can find the bride?” A dark haired woman asks with a camera around her neck.
“You are…?” I remember meeting her but her name was failing me right now. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t letting some upset ex through to the bride.
“Sorry, I’m Max. The photographer, we met a few months ago when I did their engagement shoot here, but don’t feel bad if you forgot. I’m used to people seeing the camera, not me.” She jokes.
“I’m so sorry, today’s a busy day. But yes, the bridal suite is right through there and I’m Bells if you need anything else.” I smile shaking Max’s hand.
“Tilly? Bells? There’s guests arriving but I know it’s a little early, is there something we should be doing?” One of our assistants asks over the walkie talkie’s we have. Sometimes the cell service could be spotty up here and it was easier this way.
“I’ll handle it, can you walk Max to the bridal suite?” I ask Tilly.
“Sure, but babe just relax. It’ll all work out.” Tilly smiles and briefly touches my arm to reassure me. I take a deep breath before I take a trek to the gates to welcome anyone who’s here early.
“Arabella? Is this your doing?” I stop in my tracks as I see both my parents being held at the gates.
“I’m sorry, do you know them? I just assumed they were here for the wedding.” Our assistant, Lisha says.
“They’re my parents, you can let them through. But anyone else should be from the wedding.” I tell Lisha. “What are you guys doing here?”
“We have the paperwork from the lawyers for you to sign, I didn’t know there was a wedding going on. Who in their right mind would want to get married here?” My mother says, her face twisting in disgust.
“Come with me.” I say, sighing. There was no way I was signing those papers but there was also no way I could have this conversation out here.
I lead them to the back of the empty storage hall. My parents look around in disgust and I know in about five seconds they’re going to be looking at me that way. But I also knew it was going to be worth it.
“I’m not interested in selling the orchard and I will not be signing those papers.” I tell them sternly.
“What?” Both of their jaws drop.
“This was your idea, how could you back out of it like this?” My father asks.
“It’s not my idea. It was the family’s idea and frankly I’m not interested in what the family wants to do. I turned this place around and we’re making an actual profit so I’m going to keep this place running.” I explain.
“You’re going to keep it running?” My mother laughs.
“That’s rich! What do you know about running an orchard?” My father adds in.
“I know enough, and my co-partner has been teaching me everything else I need to know.” I say crossing my arms over my chest.
“Your co-partner? So one of these farmies talked you into keeping the place? Of course, that makes more sense.” My mother scoffs.
