I think it would be wonderful to have our reception here,he thought.Maybe it’s just because we’re alone in here together and it all feels so much closer, but I get even more excited thinking about it being in this space than our last one.
He didn’t want to say that out loud, however, because he didn’t want Noelle to feel pressured one way or another. He was leaving the final decision up to her, and he wanted her to be able to make the choice she genuinely wanted to.
“And we could put peel and stick stained glass decals on these windows,” Noelle said, her voice getting faster with excitement. “And with all of the candles that we have, that would make this place look really magical.”
“We didn’t have a lot of greenery planned, but I bet we could change that with the florist,” Dean suggested. “We could keep the bouquets the same, but instead of those big vases of flowers she was going to place around the room, we could get greenery to be strung along the banister and the balcony railing.”
“I love that idea! I feel like our theme is changing a little into one that I like even better.”
He squeezed her hand and led her to the staircase. They hurried up it together, giggling under their breath like kids going exploring. Once they reached the hay loft, Noelle gasped when she saw how beautiful the sunlight looked as it flickered across the wooden floorboards.
“I love this,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist. “This would be an amazing place for pictures. Don’t you think?”
“I do.” He hugged her tightly, resting his head on top of hers. “I can just imagine us and our wedding party all lined up in well-placed rows, making silly faces at the camera.”
She laughed. “Sounds perfect. I can hardly believe it’s finally about to actually happen.”
He brushed her hair back from her forehead. “I’m so sorry there have been so many setbacks, sweetheart. I wish you didn’thave to deal with all of the ways our wedding has run into trouble. Now a storm on top of everything else? You deserve better than that.”
She stood on tiptoe and kissed his forehead. “I would weather any storm with you, Dean Owens,” she told him, squeezing his shoulders. “Waiting is okay with me as long as the waiting ends, which it will soon. I just want to be your wife.”
“You will be,” he said softly, both reassuring her and feeling as though he must be dreaming.
They shared a tender kiss before traveling back down the staircase hand in hand. Noelle took one last look around the space before turning to Dean with a radiant smile.
“This is it. Do you agree?”
“I definitely agree,” he said, feeling a thrill. They were going to be able to get married on their scheduled date after all!
Dean called Cedric and gave him the good news as they walked back out to Dean’s car. Dean chatted with the hardware store owner for a few minutes, feeling touched by how enthusiastic he was about helping them out. While he talked with Cedric, Noelle kept glancing back at the barn with a wistful smile on her face, seeming to be daydreaming already about the beautiful details of their big day.
Finally, he hung up with Cedric and he and Noelle got into his car with a couple of sighs.
“I don’t know how I can go back to work after this,” she said, laughing. “I’m going to be in a daze all day. I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“Me too.” He grinned at her. “Should we both call in sick?”
She shook her head, wrinkling her nose. “No, I don’t want to let my clients down like that. But just know that all day I’ll be thinking of you and our upcoming wedding and swooning like a schoolgirl.”
Dean drove Noelle to the physical therapy clinic, and they shared one more enthusiastic kiss before she hopped out of the car and made her way inside. He pulled back out into the road, making his way toward Main Street Auto, the mechanic shop that he owned and managed.
He was almost there when he saw Faith strolling down Main Street’s sidewalk with a package clutched in her arms, looking extremely excited.
Dean rolled down his window and waved to her. “Hey, Faith!” Since there were no cars behind him, he let himself slow his car down until it was nearly stopped. “What’s up?”
Faith’s mouth popped open when she saw Dean, and she quickly peered inside his car. “Hey, Dean! Is Noelle with you?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No, I just dropped her off at work. We were out at the Turners’ place. It turns out we are going to use their barn for our wedding reception, so that’s all set. We’re both so relieved.”
“You are?” she gushed, looking absolutely thrilled. “That’s the best news! I’m so glad, because I just found the perfect burnt orange tablecloths for you, and I know Noelle is going to love them. They’re exactly the same shade as that antique book she gave me as a reference.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic! She’s going to be so excited.” Dean grinned as Faith opened the package and showed him one of the tablecloths. The hue was warm and rustic, without looking too orange or too brown. Dean didn’t consider himself a color expert by any means, but even he could see that it was a very pleasant shade. “That’s going to look amazing with all the light wood in the barn. Just like a pumpkin pie.”
“Oh, stop.” Faith laughed at his joke. “It’s going to look elegant and cozy and charming.”
“You’re right. Thank you, Faith. It was so good of you to find those for us. It means a lot to both of us that you’re supporting us like this.”
“Of course.” Faith looked suddenly teary-eyed, but she laughed through her sudden surge of emotion. “I’ve been thinking lately about how blessed I am by our family, and by our Rosewood Beach community in general. I want to do something to show you guys my appreciation. I was thinking about getting gifts for everyone in the family, to express how grateful I am.”
