Chapter 15

Fifteen

Harrison

E arly Saturday morning, I pulled up to Lily’s farm. It was Colton and Remi’s wedding. Colton was a local police officer, and Remi owned Remi’s Juice Shop and led yoga and meditation classes at the yoga studio. They were an unlikely couple. The one time I met with them to discuss their arbor, Remi seemed willing to rely on my creativity whereas Colton wanted a rendering before he approved it. She was relaxed and open, and he was reserved. They reminded me a little of Everly and me, except reversed.

Gia placed more pressure on this wedding couple because it was a local couple, and most of the planners and vendors were friends with them. It was similar to Max and Zoe’s wedding that was held on the farm last spring. That was the first wedding at this venue, but we’d had numerous ones since and plenty of time to perfect them.

We were ready for any problem that might arise. It was my responsibility to be concerned with the weather forecast, which could be an issue this morning with the cloud cover.

“What do you think?” Gia greeted me with a clipboard as soon as I got out of my truck.

I’d say I was surprised to see her this early, but I wasn’t. If it was her wedding to plan and manage, she was the first to arrive, last to leave, and always available by phone. I was fairly positive she didn’t have a life outside of wedding planning and whatever else she was cooking up in her brain, possibly world domination.

“There’s a forty percent chance of rain at the time of the ceremony.” I’d checked the weather continually throughout the day in case something changed and expected to provide Gia with updates.

Gia blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. “What do you think we should do?”

“How badly does Remi want the wedding outdoors without the tent? We were planning on setting up under the cover of trees, so we should be okay if it doesn’t rain too hard. But if she wants a tent, we’ll need to move the ceremony to the open area by the pond.” Gia knew the brides better than me, having spent the last few months planning with them.

Gia rolled her eyes. “If I asked her, she’d probably tell me something like she meditated on it this morning and her intuition is telling her it’s not going to rain.”

“Does she have some kind of sixth sense about the weather? Maybe we should check in with her. She’s probably more accurate than these weather apps,” I said, flashing the weather screen in her direction.

Gia laughed. “Yeah, it’s worth a shot.”

I was a little surprised by her reaction. Usually, Gia would never rely on someone’s sixth sense or intuition. She was guided by data. “Are you feeling okay?”

She hugged her tablet to her chest. “Just tired. We’re booking more weddings than ever.”

“I thought that’s why you hired two additional wedding planners.” I crossed my arms over my chest, content to discuss business.

“It is. It’s just—” She let out a breath.

“You don’t trust that they can handle it like you do?” I guessed.

Gia smiled. “That sounds about right.”

“As a business owner, you need to hire good employees and trust that they can do their job. Otherwise, you’ll never get a break.”

“Like you do?” Gia teased.

“I haven’t hired anyone yet. But I will.” When the business could sustain it. I needed to figure out something before there was a change in custody. I wanted to be home with Wren if I had her.

I moved to the back of the truck to lower the tailgate. “I’m glad I caught you before anyone else arrived.”

I leaned a hip on the lowered gate, sensing she wanted to talk to me about something.

Gia’s face screwed up like she was about to say something distasteful. “I’ve heard a rumor that you and Everly are more than friends. That you might even be dating.”

I nodded slowly, unsure what the issue was. “That’s right.”

“I don’t know if you remember our last meeting, but we talked about not dating other vendors.”

I’d forgotten about that. I wanted to argue that I wasn’t a direct employee, more of a subcontractor, but the term vendor probably applied to my business. I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize my contract with Gia. Her business supplied me with a steady income. “You know Everly and I were friends first. This isn’t just some fling.”

Gia’s forehead wrinkled. “I’m sympathetic to your situation, but we need to look professional.”

My stomach dropped. My personal opinion was that Gia was holding on too tightly to her business and could stand to take a few steps back. Her micromanagement would eventually create disgruntled employees. I racked my brain for any solution that would appease her because I needed this relationship not only for the custody case but for me. “Your clients want to see other happy couples. They want proof that their relationship will work out.”

Gia frowned. “Well, yes, but I don’t see how that relates to what we’re talking about.”

“If your wedding couples see that Everly and I have a happy ending, then it will make them feel better about their wedding.”

Relief flooded Gia’s face. “Oh, are you intending to propose? Of course, that would be better.” She rested a hand on my forearm. “Why didn’t you say something when I first started jabbering on about professionalism?”

“So, you’re okay as long as we’re engaged?” I asked, uncertain if I understood what she was saying.

Gia pursed her lips as she thought about it. “Yeah, I think that would be fine. Abby and Nick are engaged. As are Lily and Jake.”

I shifted on my feet. “The thing is, Everly doesn’t know yet. Can we keep it a secret?”

Gia smiled. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I’m so happy for you and Everly. Who knew you’d find love with your best friend?”

“I sure didn’t.” Although it didn’t feel as strange as it once did.

“We’d better get to work. I’ll check in with Remi about the weather. In the meantime, go ahead and set up in the woods. I have a feeling Remi will want to hold the wedding there, rain or shine.”

“Sounds good to me.” I wanted the bride to be happy, and I loved when they weren’t worried about the weather. It was about spending time with your loved ones and having what you dreamed about. Not letting a little rain ruin the day. I’d seen too many brides distraught over the weather.

I set up the arbor at the place Remi picked out. We’d never had a wedding in the woods like this. The guests would have a small hike to get to this spot, but she’d warned her guests ahead of time. It was a great venue with a leaf-covered floor and tall trees. There were enough leaves left on the trees to provide some coverage from the rain. Yet something told me Remi would view the rain as good luck on her wedding day.

When I set up the arbor and the chairs, Lily, the florist, took over arranging the flowers on them. I’d already set up the tables and chairs in the barn. I just needed to add the linens. On the walk to the barn, my phone buzzed with an incoming call. Worried there might be something wrong with Wren, I answered without looking at the screen.

“Cain here,” I answered, unsure if it was a business call forwarded from my work number or a personal call.

“Is this Cain Rentals?” a deep voice asked.

My shoulders relaxed. “That’s right. I’m Harrison Cain.”

“Oh, good. You’re the one I wanted to talk to.”

“May I ask whom I’m speaking to?” I paused on the tree line where I could observe people walking in and out of the barn with flowers and other items.

“Silas Sharpe.”

Not seeing Gia around, I asked, “What can I do for you, Mr. Sharpe?”

“You can call me Silas. I own Chesapeake Resort.”

“I’m aware.” I wondered what he wanted from me. Gia didn’t want any of us working with him, but I didn’t sign anything saying I was working exclusively with Happily Ever Afters.

“I have a business proposition for you,” Silas said succinctly.

I tightened my fingers around my phone as anticipation shot through me. There was no harm in hearing him out. “I’m listening.”

“We have some chairs and linens on hand, but brides frequently want something custom or something we don’t have on hand.”

“I specialize in custom. I can get whatever your bride requests.” I had most of it in stock and I kept up with what was on trend and in demand.

“I have to be honest. I haven’t had much luck with vendors. They don’t ship on time or get back to me. I can’t work with that. I need someone who’s reliable, and I’ve heard good things about your business.”

I stood a little straighter. “I’ve built my business on that reputation.”

“Glad to hear it. I want you to be my sole supplier.”

My heart galloped in my chest. If I had two wedding planners using my rental company exclusively, I could afford to hire help. Perhaps be able to take a step back. “I’m interested in hearing more.”

“I’ll have my assistant call you sometime this week to set up a meeting so we can discuss the details.”

We needed to agree on cost and logistics since he was outside of my usual service area, but I was hopeful this was my chance to level up. “I’ll look forward to their call.”

We hung up, and excitement surged through me. All my hard work was finally paying off. First with the contract with Gia, and now with Silas. I was making a name for myself in this business. I’d always known I wanted to be someone my clients could count on, and to be recognized for that was satisfying.

Everything was going to work out with my business, with custody of Wren, and with my relationship with Everly. I could see the puzzle pieces of my life laid out on a table, and I just needed to fit them in the right spot.

I immersed myself in wedding preparations, wanting Remi and Colton to have the perfect day. I tried to put the phone conversation out of my head, especially when I was talking to Gia. I felt a little guilty for talking to Silas. I knew she wouldn’t like it, and she was the first local business owner to take a chance on me. I owed her everything.

I didn’t usually hang out to watch the wedding, but I was curious how the arbor and the overhang of trees would be. I hovered on the outskirts as Remi’s bridal party of friends, walked one by one down the aisle in dresses that looked like something out of a fairy tale. They wore pastel color dresses that flowed like water around their bodies. I had a feeling Remi wanted a light and airy look to her wedding.

Then Remi walked down the aisle in a flowing, lace-covered dress with a small child in her arms instead of a bouquet. The little girl had a mass of curls around her head, covered with a fresh ring of flowers, and clutched a small basket of flower petals in her arms. Every once in a while, she threw a few in the air, and they fluttered around Remi. Each time she did it, Remi laughed.

My gaze followed the white aisle runner to Colton, who stood stiff in his suit. They’d gone with a more casual look for the outdoor wedding, but Colton stood like a police officer even out of uniform. But the look on his face was soft and full of tenderness for Remi and their daughter.”

There was an occasional drop of rain, but nothing that would affect the ceremony or the guests.

“Isn’t Willow sweet?” Aria asked me.

“Remi and Colton’s daughter?” I asked.

Aria nodded. “They wanted to wait until after she was born to have the wedding. They said they weren’t in a rush to get married. They knew they loved each other.”

“You’re a romantic?” I asked, amused. Gia was all business, but this new wedding planner was different.

Her nose wrinkled. “Everyone says that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It’s not. I just wondered. You’re different from Gia.”

“You mean she’s all spreadsheets and numbers, and I rely on feelings and images.”

“That’s what I meant.” I hoped I hadn’t offended her.

“I love creating beautiful weddings. You can only do so much with flowers and decorations. Sometimes, the location is the event.”

“I agree.”

She held her hands to her chest. “And I love the crowns of flowers. It was Remi’s idea to add them.”

“It was a nice touch.”

Remi reached Colton, and he reached for Willow. Holding her on his hip on one side, he reached over to pull Remi close and whispered something in her ear. The movement was so natural and sweet, I couldn’t help but wonder if Everly and I would get married one day. If we’d have a child of our own. The longing became an ache in my chest. I hadn’t counted on feeling any of these emotions when I asked Everly to be my fake girlfriend.

After Abby was finished taking pictures by the arbor, I loaded the ceremony chairs and arbor into my truck. The rest of the Happily Ever Afters crew monitored the reception. When I closed the tailgate, Gia appeared.

“That arbor looked amazing in the pictures.”

“Great.” A sense of pride flowed through me that my work was appreciated. I wasn’t just a rental equipment guy; I created the arbor by hand. That was more satisfying than providing chairs and linens.

“We were thinking we’d take advantage of the reception setup to have an impromptu party this evening. I’d love it if you could come.”

Gia was one hundred percent professional at all times, so I was a little surprised by her suggestion.

She smiled sheepishly. “I know it’s a little out of character, but I figured we’ve been working hard and could stand to relax.”

“It’s a great idea. What time do you think guests will clear out?” I’d come to support her.

Gia checked her itinerary on her tablet, but I was positive she had the schedule memorized. “The couple reserved the barn until eleven.”

I nodded. “I can be back here then.”

When I turned to leave, Gia said, “Great, and Harrison?”

“Yeah?”

“This isn’t a work thing. So, no putting away tables and chairs.”

“Got it,” I said with a nod and a smile. I took the equipment to the nearby storage warehouse I rented and then returned to help out where I could until the reception ended and the Happily Ever Afters party began. At some point, I messaged Everly to ensure she got the message about the get-together since she wasn’t expected to assist at this wedding. I told her I was sending my mom to take Wren to her house so she could join me.

The catering company already took care of the leftover food and plates. Everyone pitched in to remove any remaining garbage while Finn tuned his guitar outside by the dance floor. Lights were strung from poles just outside the entrance to the barn, where dancing usually took place.

Abby and Nick, Lily and Jake, Sophie and Mark, Harper, Aria, Everly, and Gia were present. We arranged chairs around two tables pushed together.

Sophie placed slices of cake in front of us. “Remi graciously offered one layer for us to celebrate.”

“That was nice of her,” Gia said, and I could see her mind already whirring with the thought that she’d need to discount the final bill for the wedding to cover it.

“We’re all friends. If she wants to donate some of her cake to the staff, that doesn’t mean you need to compensate her,” Sophie said, pointing the tip of the cake knife she still held at Gia.

Gia’s face flushed. “I wasn’t thinking that.”

“Sure, you weren’t,” Sophie said wryly.

Maybe I could talk to the others about encouraging Gia to relax more and plan more evenings like this because it was the perfect fall night. And why shouldn’t we take advantage and utilize the beautiful venue for ourselves?

Gia stood with a champagne glass in her hand. “I know this is a little out of character for me—”

Gia broke off when a few of us chuckled.

“But I think it’s important that we celebrate the continued success of Happily Ever Afters. I—no, we wouldn’t be this successful without everyone’s help. I see this as a joint effort, not just my business.”

I raised my glass. “Here, here.”

Gia smiled. “So, here’s to more success, more fun, and lots of love.”

“Can’t get your happily ever after without it,” Lily said, leaning into Jake’s body as he kissed her.

Nick cupped Abby’s cheeks and kissed her. Sophie rested her head on Mark’s shoulders.

There was so much love between them, and I wanted that for myself.

“Enjoy what’s left of the bar, the cake, and whatever Finn’s willing to give us with his music.”

We clinked glasses, drank, and dug into the cake.

Finn played a few popular songs, and one by one, the couples got up to dance. I held my hand out to Everly. “Will you dance with me?”

“Of course.” She smiled softly as I held her in my arms. “It’s the perfect night.”

“This was a great idea.” I wondered if anything I said prompted Gia to hold the impromptu party. I hoped so, but at the same time, I felt guilty for taking Silas’s call but I needed to grow my business, and if Silas had a good offer, I wouldn’t be able to refuse.

We danced for a few songs, content to be in each other’s arms, enjoying the light breeze and the notes of the guitar. I felt lucky to be involved with all these people in both business and friendship.

Everly squeezed my hand. “Look at that.”

I followed her gaze to find Aria standing in front of Finn. Whatever she said, he shook his head no before returning his attention to his guitar.

“I wonder if she asked him to dance.”

“She’s a romantic, that one.”

“They got into it about that earlier. Aria believes in love and weddings, and Finn doesn’t. It was a little tense.”

“If they don’t get along, why do you think she asked him to dance, then?” I asked as I spun her.

When she was in my arms again, she said, “I think she wants to show him what he’s missing.”

I chuckled at that. “Most guys I know who aren’t interested in commitment don’t just change their minds.”

“We’ll see,” Everly said with a smirk.

I was interested in what was happening between Finn and Aria, but I was more pressed to get Everly home. “You ready to get out of here?”

“Take me home,” Everly said as she took my hand. We said our good-byes and raced home. We had the house to ourselves tonight, since Wren was at my mom’s, and I didn’t want to squander the opportunity to show Everly what she meant to me.