Chapter 5

Chapter Five

Ryan lightly tapped the casing with a closed fist. The wood frame popped into place over the swinging door he'd spent the afternoon hanging between the kitchen and the main hall. He stepped back, brushing a few flecks of sawdust from his shirt while he admired his handiwork. Not bad, if he did say so himself.

The stain he'd used matched the floors perfectly. The polished brass push plate gleamed against the darker wood. He gave the handle a slight tug. The door swung inward, then rocked back into place exactly as it should. Warmth spread through his chest. He might not be able to build a house from the foundation up, but he could install a door with the best of them.

He turned, casting a critical eye over the interior of the Boat Works. When he didn't spot so much as an inch that required a repair or touch-up, he tugged a wrinkled paper from his back pocket. Running a finger over each item on the punch list, he counted off the completed tasks. Twenty-seven switch plate covers installed. Check. Comfy chairs, makeup tables, mirrors—all assembled and arranged in the bride's dressing lounge. Check. Every squeaky hinge on the kitchen cabinets oiled. Check and check.

Tonight, while the rest of Heart's Landing slumbered, the cleaning crew would scour the building—mopping floors, cleaning sinks, and polishing tall glass windows—until the Boat Works shone like a brand-new copper penny from stem to stern. And he hadn't stopped there. After the meeting in Alicia's office yesterday, he'd stopped by Forget Me Knot, where Mildred had kindly agreed to lend him a few floral arrangements for the showing. He'd bartered future repairs at Favors Galore to have Ashley and Alexis work their magic in the reception area, too. By the time the Wedding-in-a-Week contingent walked through the doors bright and early tomorrow morning, boxes of handmade chocolates would dot long tables adorned with what the girls had assured him was the trendiest in wedding decor.

He splayed his fingers along his lower spine, massaging an uncommon stiffness. He shook his head. His back could complain all it wanted about the effort he'd expended over the last twenty-four hours, but if the Wedding-in-a-Week couple chose the Boat Works as their venue, it'd be worth every twinge.

As important as that was, he hadn't pulled an all-nighter to impress a couple of strangers. No. Unable to sleep, he'd worked through the night to keep his mind from dwelling on a certain redhead with an elfin face and a wide slash of a smile. He'd been in a state of shock from the moment he'd walked into Alicia Thorn's office and seen Evelyn seated in the guest chair. He'd been too focused on her long legs, the spiky heels that cupped her feet like gloves, and the expressions that flitted across her face like lightning to pay attention to a word the event planner had said. Thank goodness JeanMarie had taken the middle chair when she had. Otherwise, he might've done something incredibly stupid, like reaching out to wrap Evelyn's fingers in his or tuck that one loose strand of hair behind her ear.

He hadn't been able to believe his luck when she'd offered to fill him in on the details of the contest. But sitting in the dining room with her afterward, he'd felt as tongue-tied as a thirteen- year-old boy coming face-to-face with his favorite movie star. Which had led to him stumbling around, groping for words until he'd made that foolish bet. Why, why had he done that?

He groaned. He knew the answer to the question as well as he knew every callus and scar on his hands. He'd been hoping she'd have dinner with him. In one of the most romantic settings in all of Heart's Landing, he and Evelyn would laugh and talk and share a great meal. By the time they finished their second glasses of wine, she'd realize they were made for one another. And that, as they said, would be that.

Yeah, right. Not. Gonna. Happen.

He should have his head examined. Evelyn hadn't been waiting around for him any more than he'd been pining after her. Hadn't he convinced himself that she meant nothing more to him than any of the dozens of other friends he had in Heart's Landing? While he lived in Maine, she'd so rarely crossed his mind, he felt certain he'd have no problem returning to the town he'd grown up in and going about his life without her in it. Why not? He and Evelyn moved in different social circles. They had different interests. The odds that he'd even cross paths with her more than once or twice a year were so slim, he hadn't even given the matter much thought.

He should have. Because now that he was here, now that he'd spent his life savings restoring the Boat Works, he was a goner. Just being in the same town together had stirred nearly forgotten feelings for the impish redhead. He'd been as surprised as anyone when they'd sprung to life again. Yet he'd kept them at bay by avoiding Evelyn whenever possible and, when it wasn't, he'd kept his focus tightly on the job at hand.

But now …

Now, the Wedding-in-a-Week competition had thrown them together. Worse, he had a sneaking suspicion Evelyn wanted to renew their long-dormant friendship. While that might seem like a good idea, he was pretty sure just being friends with her would be the death of him. He hadn't been able to think of anything but her all night.

He shook his head. He'd been right to keep his distance the past couple of years. He needed to stick to that plan. At the same time, he'd have to do everything in his power to have his venue chosen for Wedding-in-a-Week. If he failed at either task, he'd soon find himself standing in the unemployment line nursing a broken heart. Something he simply could not allow to happen .

He dusted his hands and bent to gather up the last of his tools, satisfied that both he and the Boat Works were as ready as they'd ever be for the competition. The clock had been ticking while he'd stood here woolgathering. If he didn't hurry, he wouldn't make it to the train station on time to greet the Wedding-in-a-Week couple. The last thing in the world he wanted right now was to lose out on the contest—or his bet with Evelyn—before things even got started.

Striding up to the train station a scant hour later, Ryan did a doubletake at the sea of white balloons bobbing in the breeze like foam dancing atop ocean waves. Streamers and bunting decorated the railing that led from the sidewalk to the tidy brick building just off Union Street. To say nothing of the crowd. He'd expected a good turnout. Heart's Landing was nothing if not eager to give a hearty welcome to every guest. But this … He hadn't expected this. So many people crowded the platform there wasn't room for them all. He peered through the windows of the tidy train station and spotted even more figures milling about inside .

A mild relief washed through him. It should be easy enough to avoid Evelyn in this crowd. Loosening the sleeve of the polo that had bunched slightly at his biceps, he scanned the area. He was supposed to meet the mayor under the Welcome to Heart's Landing banner but didn't see him. However, Walter Headly stood on the outskirts of the crowd. The former owner of the Honeymoon Hotel looked rather out of place with his shirttail flapping over baggy beach shorts. Ryan cut across the grass toward one of Heart's Landing's most-loved citizens.

"How you doing, Walter?" The older gentleman had propped his arms on the end of a metal detector. "Find anything interesting lately?"

"Aye-yup. The storm night afore last stirred up a bit of sand. Found a chain with the prettiest locket." Walter dug in his pocket and drew out a thin necklace. "Pure gold, I'm thinkin'. Hurts my heart that someone let it get away from 'um. You'd think folks would take better care of the things they value."

Despite having been born and raised in Heart's Landing, Ryan needed a second to sift through the muted R s of the old-timer's thick accent. "Maybe you'll get lucky and Georgia will know who lost it." The clerk at the train station ran the town's Lost and Found department .

"Aye-yup. That's what brought me he-ah. Didn't expect all this, though." Walter swept one age-spotted hand at the crowd that had spilled out onto the lawn. "Quite the pah-ty."

"Important guests and reporters from Weddings Today ." He checked the double-sided clock that hung from a cast-iron mount decorated with the town's standard hearts-and-flowers motif. "They're on the 4:30 train. It's due in any minute. I have to get on up there." Ryan gestured toward the far end of the platform. "You should stay. It'll be fun."

"Don't have much time." Walter stepped back, sand sifting down from the metal detector he'd hefted over one shoulder. "Walter Junior's bringing the grands over for dinner. I'd best be getting home. I'll come back when things are quiet-ah."

Watching the portly widower shamble off at a surprisingly quick pace, he couldn't help but wonder if he was catching a glimpse of his own future. Forty years from now, would he spend his days scouring the beach for things people had lost and dispensing advice about holding on to what was precious? He gave his head a slow shake. Walter was one of a kind, a Heart's Landing institution.

An overhead speaker broke into his reverie with a burst of loud static. His attention shifted as, in her most official voice, Georgia addressed the crowd.

"Attention. Attention. Amtrak Train 165 is due to arrive in ten minutes. All passengers planning to board the train, report to the platform." After a slight pause, she continued in a far less formal tone. "Here she comes, folks. Let's give our Wedding-in-a-Week couple a hearty Heart's Landing welcome."

Time to get moving.

Exchanging greetings with friends and acquaintances, Ryan made his slow way toward the mayor, who faced the opposite direction while he spoke with someone Ryan couldn't see. As he moved closer and the group milled and shifted around the man, he caught flashes of a bright spring dress, but it wasn't until he was nearly upon the couple that he spotted cinnamon-colored hair and knew he was about to come face-to-face with the one person he'd sworn to avoid.

He had to say hello. It'd be rude to do any less.

"Mr. Mayor. Evelyn," he said, extending his hand as he cut through the last of the crowd.

"Ryan Court. Always a pleasure." Greg Thomas ignored Ryan's outstretched hand. Instead, the man who divided his time between running the town and the largest tux shop for miles around administered a hearty backslap. "I was happy to hear your Boat Works had been chosen for this year's Wedding-in-a-Week competition. Always good to have new businesses in Heart's Landing." The mayor leaned close enough to whisper in Ryan's ear. "You have your permits, don't you?"

"Yes, sir." He grinned. "Passed all the final inspections. I'm good to go."

"Well, now. That's great. I have a couple of people I need to speak with, but I'll look forward to seeing what you've done with the place. Rumor has it, it's a beauty."

"Come by anytime," he started, but he was speaking to thin air. The mayor had already moved on. Which left him standing alone with the one woman in Heart's Landing he wanted to spend less, not more, time with.

"Cutting it a little close on that Occupancy Permit, weren't you?"

The observation caught him off guard, but then, Evelyn had a knack for saying the unexpected. "I was sweating bullets," he joked, pretending to mop his forehead. The move must've been the right one, because she aimed that wide smile at him, the one that kicked his heart into overdrive. "To be honest, I hadn't planned on getting it for another couple of weeks. In time for the Grand Opening at the first of the month. But I called the Building Inspector's office after our meeting with Alicia, and I got lucky. He swung by late yesterday and signed off."

"I guess that gave you a little time to relax before all this." She tilted her head to the crowd.

"I wish." If she had any idea how much he'd accomplished since they'd last seen each other, she'd be amazed. "There were still a million and one things left to do."

Not one to be outdone, Evelyn piped, "Meanwhile, I was working my fingers to the bone at the Cottage."

He coughed to cover a hoarse laugh. With thick curls cascading around her shoulders and all dolled up in a sundress that barely skimmed the tops of her knees, Evelyn hardly looked worse for wear. But then, she could probably make a ratty pair of jeans and a stained T-shirt look like couture. A sudden tension ran across his shoulders. He straightened. "I was working like a fiend to finish up before our guests arrived."

As if he'd shared a secret, she leaned a little closer. "That explains why you're late. For a minute there, I thought you weren't going to make it."

So she'd noticed his absence, had she? Stifling a smile he had no business wearing, he scanned the area. "And miss all this? Not a chance. Not when there's so much at stake."

"For Heart's Landing. For the Wedding-in-a-Week couple." She nodded as if she understood what he'd meant.

He lifted an eyebrow when Evelyn's deadpan delivery trailed off. "Have you forgotten our bet already? Or were you just hoping I had?"

"You wish." Challenge glittered in the green eyes she lifted to meet his. Her usual teasing grin deepened. "I'm planning to enjoy every bite of my free dinner."

"We'll see about that." He couldn't help ragging on her in return. He enjoyed her company more than he should. Deliberately, he tore his gaze from hers while he gave himself a stern reminder that he'd sworn to keep his distance from Evelyn. Hoping to do just that, he stared over her head. At the edge of the platform, Greg Thomas spoke quietly with an Amtrak representative. "With everything that was going on, I haven't had time to study the program. What happens next? "

Evelyn sobered. "You haven't been to one of these in a while, have you?"

"Not in the last …" He studied the bunting, the stringed quartet warming up on one end of the platform, the crowd of well-wishers. The truth was, this was his first. Although brides had vied to get married in Heart's Landing for decades, he'd moved to Maine two years before Weddings Today had hosted its first Wedding-in-a-Week celebration. "Actually, no," he corrected. The hand he swept through the air took in everything from JoJo Moss aiming her camera down the tracks to the masses of balloons that bobbed in the breeze. "And this turnout is a bit more impressive than the last time someone met me at the train station."

"Huh. So all this really is new to you." Evelyn scanned the crowded platform. "There's not much to tell. Mayor Thomas will kick things off with the usual speeches and introductions." Cupping one hand over her mouth, she leaned closer. "He likes to keep things short and sweet, so that part won't last too long. Thank goodness." Her hand fell away, and she straightened. "After that, Alicia and Jenny will organize a reception line inside for our special guests."

Her movement filled the air with the sweetness of fresh flowers combined with a tangier smell of grapefruit that went straight to his gut. He swallowed. Casting about for a safe topic, he peered through the station windows. Beyond the glass, servers in white shirts and black pants moved between tables. "Any chance for a bite to eat?" In his rush to get the Boat Works in tip-top shape, he'd skipped lunch. Come to think of it, he might've skipped breakfast, too.

"Get serious." Evelyn's lips curved. "You forget you're in Heart's Landing or something? Food Fit For A Queen is catering today's event."

He all but smacked his lips. He'd be hard pressed to choose between the offerings at the Captain's Cottage and those of Chef Hubbard. Rubbing his hands together, he asked, "What are we waiting for?"

"Um, the train?" Evelyn's eyes sparkled with humor. She plucked at his shirt sleeve. "Hold on. What's that you have all over yourself? Run a hand through your hair."

He did as he was told and gave a sheepish grin when white flecks rained down. "Sawdust. I told you, I was working right up to the last minute. Now do you believe me?"

Smiling up at him, she reached forward just as he dusted a few bits from the front of his shirt. The brush of her fingers against the back of his hand sent a heart-stopping charge of electricity straight through him. He couldn't help but tense. The instant he did, her hand dropped so fast, he'd have sworn she'd burned herself on a hot stove.

"You'll do," she announced tightly. Her smile evaporated. Confusion sifted onto her face as she widened the gap between them.

"Thanks. Uh, for the help," he said, doing his best to ignore the fact that he'd never felt so uncomfortable in his life. An urge to reach out, to explain, surged through him. But standing in the midst of half of Heart's Landing while they waited for the arrival of two people who could change his entire future was neither the time nor the place. To cope, he mustered his best, most good-natured smile while he searched for some quip or comment that would wipe the storm clouds from her eyes. His mind drew a blank, but he refused to give up. He was still trying to come up with a solution when a distant train whistle blew.

"Oh!" Evelyn breathed. Her focus shifted away from him. "They're here."

Anticipation rippled through the crowd. From one end of the platform to the other, people straightened. Smiles grew brighter. Those holding "Welcome!" signs lifted them higher .

He followed Evelyn's lead when she, along with everyone else, leaned toward the wide turn. A clump of trees blocked his view of the tracks. For several long seconds, nothing happened. Then, he heard it. The clackety-clack of metal in motion. A bell rang out. The engine nosed around the curve into sight.

As the heavy diesel roared loud enough to make the gravel dance in the flower beds, more than one person put their fingers in their ears. At last the engine whooshed past and, with a final squeal of its brakes, slowed to a stop. The passenger cars slid to a halt, their doors aligned perfectly beneath overhead signs. The noisy engine, which had moved well beyond the station, throttled down.

"Make way. Make way!" Emerging from the station, Georgia cleared a path through the crowd. Conductors stepped from between the cars to assist departing passengers. Ryan caught movement out of the corner of one eye and turned just in time to see the mayor mount the first set of steps behind the engine. An excited hush fell over the group. Evelyn leaned forward, her brow furrowed with anticipation.

A smattering of applause broke out the moment a man wearing a brown fedora appeared in the doorway of a passenger car. "Sorry to disappoint, folks, but I'm not the groom," he called. The collective groan that greeted his announcement didn't seem to faze him. He hustled past to the baggage claim area.

For several long minutes, nothing else happened. Ryan shifted his weight from one foot to another as time dragged on with no sign of the Wedding-in-a-Week entourage. Around him, people murmured questions. "What if they missed the train?" "Where are they?" "What's taking so long?"

Five minutes passed. Then ten. Beside him, Evelyn danced on the balls of her feet. Finally, the door of one of the passenger cars opened with a noisy creak. A familiar figure stepped into the vestibule area. Smiling broadly, Greg Thomas lifted a microphone.

"Welcome, welcome. Thank you all for being here today. I've just met with our Wedding-in-a-Week couple, and I don't mind saying you're in for a treat! You're going to fall in love with Brianna and Daniel, just like the judges at Weddings Today did. You'll get to meet them in a minute, but first, before I introduce them, let's find out a little bit more about the winners of Heart's Landing's Wedding-in-a-Week!"

Greg tugged an envelope from the pocket of his suit. Hampered by the mic, he slid one finger under the flap and ripped it open. Inside was a single sheet of paper, which he held up to the crowd. "Um, bear with me," he said. "This is the first time I'm seeing this, so don't expect a perfect delivery."

"Like all your other speeches, Greg!" someone shouted.

The comment earned scattered chuckles before, with a throat-clearing harrumph, the mayor began, "This year's winners of a Heart's Landing Wedding-in-a-Week, courtesy of Weddings Today , have traveled all the way from Geneva, Florida. They've been best friends ever since their teacher, Mrs. English, assigned Daniel the seat next to Brianna's in first grade."

His voice as clear as a radio announcer's, Greg continued, "Daniel and Brianna spent an idyllic childhood growing up in Central Florida. Along with a close-knit group of friends, Daniel and Brianna enjoyed the best the area had to offer—fishing in nearby lakes, kayaking and swimming in the crystal-clear water of artesian springs, picking oranges in the citrus grove owned by Daniel's family, and drinking root beer floats at the local diner run by Brianna's parents.

"Once they entered high school, both Brianna and Daniel began to think about the future. Brianna planned to help run her family's business while she pursued a culinary degree. Meanwhile, Daniel had set his sights on a career in the military. But their plans changed when … Oh, my." Greg's voice halted abruptly. Clearly struggling to maintain his composure, he gazed toward the station, his eyes damp. After a long pause, he shook the paper and cleared his throat. His voice dropped an octave. "When Brianna's parents were tragically killed in a car crash the summer before her junior year of high school."

Sympathy rippled from one end of the gathering to the other. Ryan studied his feet. His heart went out to the bride-to-be.

Eyes lowered, the mayor resumed speaking. "More than anyone else, Daniel was there for Brianna. He stood beside her at the funeral and stuck by her side during the days and months that followed. It took time, but with Daniel's help, Brianna eventually settled into her new life with her aunt and cousins. While the two remained good friends, they headed in different directions after graduation.

"Brianna got her degree from the local college. There, to honor her parents, she studied emergency medicine. After graduating, she went to work as an EMT at the hospital where her folks received treatment the night they were killed. Daniel attended college on the other side of the state. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice. This helped him fulfill a lifelong dream when he enlisted in the Marines."

Applause erupted for the young man who'd chosen to serve his country. When it died down, the mayor waited a beat before he continued, "Remembering how supportive he'd been when she'd needed someone to rely on, Brianna sent letters to her friend while he was at boot camp. Daniel claims her letters gave him the strength he needed to make it through one of the most rigorous training programs in the military. Once he'd completed basic training, he headed home on leave with one thing on his mind—to ask Brianna out on their first real date. That night, an enduring friendship blossomed into love. Daniel and Brianna have known they were meant for one another ever since."

Several women sighed audibly into the pause when Greg stopped to take a breath. Ryan rocked on his heels. Brianna and Daniel's story had all the hallmarks of a true Heart's Landing love for the ages.

"The couple will soon report to Camp Geiger, where Daniel will undergo further training." The mayor lowered the paper. His eyes crinkled, and he practically beamed at the crowd. "But not before Heart's Landing—and Weddings Today —gives this very deserving couple a perfect wedding!"

A round of thunderous applause echoed from one end of the platform to the other.

When it died down, Greg said, "And now, without further ado, I give you Private First-Class Daniel Johnston and his lovely fiancée, Brianna Smith." The mayor hustled down the steps. A photographer followed and stood at the foot of the stairs.

Ryan joined the others in raising a heartfelt cheer for their guests while, beside him, Evelyn did the same. He craned forward, eager to learn more about the bride and groom, as a young couple stepped from the train car into view.

According to the introduction, Brianna worked as an EMT, but the woman at the top of the stairs looked as though she couldn't possibly be old enough for such a big responsibility. Blond hair framed her face and fell in soft curls around her shoulders. A long, lean frame only added to her youthful appearance. Her mouth gaped slightly, and she viewed the crowd through eyes so wide, Ryan wondered if this was her first trip north of her home state.

An equally young Adonis stood beside the bride-to-be. Tall, with shoulders broad enough to carry a heavy load, he wore his brown hair buzzed so short, it was barely fuzz. While Ryan watched, Daniel straightened the collar of his uniform and bent to whisper something in Brianna's ear. Whatever he said must've steadied her, because she tipped her head to his and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Like the homecoming queen in a parade, she waved and blew kisses to the crowd while Daniel descended the steps. Then, rather than offer her his hand, the young Marine lifted Brianna as if she weighed no more than a feather and tenderly lowered her feet to the ground beside his own. Their arms wrapped around each other's waists, they followed Mayor Thomas into the station.

Ryan tracked Brianna and Daniel until they disappeared. Around him, people shifted. The crowd broke up, half skirting around the building to the sidewalk and beyond, the rest flowing toward the doors. A reception line formed inside.

Beside him, Evelyn grabbed his arm. "Hey! Are you going to stand there all afternoon? Let's go inside."

He shook himself. "What?" He eyed the redhead standing next to him. "Sorry. I was kind of caught up by their story."

Evelyn pressed a hand over her heart. "True love. Isn't it wonderful? "

"When it's right, it's right," he agreed.

"Come on." She headed for the entrance. "We need to get in line to say hello."

Minutes later, the mayor introduced him as the owner of the Boat Works and excused himself. Ryan and the groom-to-be exchanged firm handshakes. His plan to move on stalled, along with the people in line behind him, when Evelyn and Brianna stopped to chat like two long-lost friends.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Daniel asked when the women shared a laugh.

Ryan smiled. The young man's Southern drawl was thicker than maple syrup on a cold winter's morning. "I'm pretty sure Evelyn's telling your fiancée all about the Captain's Cottage."

Understanding dawned in Daniel's dark eyes. "Ever since we found out we were coming here, Brianna's been studying brochures, trying to imagine where we'd get married." His forehead creased. "I don't remember seeing any pictures of the Boat Works."

"We don't officially open until the first of the month. That's when the website is set to go live." In his haste to get everything else ready on time, he'd forgotten to have his web designer bring the site online earlier. He'd correct that oversight before he turned in for the night. "It was originally the home of Farley Boat Works. That business died out long ago. I've spent the past year turning the building into the perfect wedding venue. The views are spectacular."

"Waterfront, then?" When Ryan nodded, Daniel rubbed his chin. "Sounds like something I'd like."

"Can't wait to show it to you." Ryan grinned. Beyond the reception line, Mildred Morrey shook her head in response to some question Greg had asked her. His jaw set, the mayor locked arms with Nick Bell next. Despite an uneasy feeling that shifted in Ryan's stomach while the two engaged in a whispered conversation, he focused on Daniel. "I hear you did some fishing back home. If you get a chance this week, come on down to the marina. I keep a couple of rods in my office. We can try for some stripers." The fish was a local delicacy.

Daniel's grin widened. "Now you're talking."

They talked about fishing for a few more minutes before Ryan stepped aside to let the next person in line take his place. On the other side of the room, the mayor was still making the rounds. Whatever the man wanted, he didn't seem to be having much luck. Glad to stay out of it, Ryan headed in the opposite direction. At the buffet table, his stomach rumbled when he added Chef Hubbard's famed sausage balls to a heaping plate.

"Hold it! Don't move." At his elbow, a photographer snapped a picture. "Thanks," he said, lowering the camera. "You don't mind if your picture appears in Weddings Today , do you?"

"Not at all." The more publicity, the better. He balanced his plate in one hand and stuck out the other one. "Ryan Court. Owner of the Boat Works."

"Curtis Webster." The photographer squinted, then whipped a small notebook out of a back pocket and scribbled in it. "Sorry. It helps me later if I jot things down as I go." He swung, searching. "Oops. Gotta get a picture of that. I'll see you around, Ryan." Curtis headed toward whatever had caught his attention on the other side of the room.

Ryan's stomach sent up another reminder to feed it. He was just about to take his first bite when the mayor, along with Evelyn, Alicia, and Jenny, appeared at his elbow.

"A word, please," Greg Thomas said. He marched to a corner without checking to see whether he'd been followed.

With a last wishful glance at his food, Ryan joined the others.

"I had a quick minute to speak with our winning couple, and I must say Daniel and Brianna are absolutely adorable," Greg said once he made certain no one else lingered close by. "But they're so young and so inexperienced, I'm concerned they might not have what it takes to make it through the week."

Ryan eyed their guests of honor. Surrounded by well-intentioned townsfolk, they were so ill at ease he was surprised they hadn't already bolted for the door. "They do seem a little lost. Makes you wonder why Weddings Today chose them."

"Everything's done online," Alicia offered. "Couples submit a video along with their application. Junior staff weeds the entries down to ten. Senior editors conduct online interviews with them, but no one actually meets the winning couple until they arrive in New York for a photo shoot."

Greg Thomas ran a hand over his balding head. "Brianna and Daniel come from a small, rural town where everyone knows everyone. She barely stepped foot outside of Geneva before this trip. Nothing in Daniel's background has prepared him for all the hoopla, either. It's a lot to handle."

"Planning a wedding can overwhelm any bride and groom. Having to do it all in a week, well, we all saw how that worked out when I did it." Jenny grinned. Her not-so-simple wedding had thrown the entire town into an uproar.

"I suppose you have a solution." He waited for the mayor's response. The man rarely pointed out a problem without having a plan to deal with it. Whatever it was, Ryan didn't think he was going to like it.

"I want you to take them under your wings, guide them through the whole process."

"Me?" He stepped back. Ask him to repair a busted window or change a flat tire, and he was your man. But he couldn't do what the mayor was asking. There were rules against it. "Aren't you worried I might try and sway Brianna and Daniel to choose the Boat Works?"

"That's why we're asking you and Evelyn to work together. So neither of you has the upper hand," Greg soothed.

"I can't afford to be away from the Cottage for an entire week," Evelyn objected. "I'm already filling in for Jason. Plus, I have my own work to do."

He wasn't at all surprised to hear her protest, but he couldn't help but wonder if it was the assignment or working with him she disliked the most. He quashed the question. She wasn't any happier with Greg's idea than he was—that was the important thing.

The mayor frowned. "I know it's a lot to ask. I'd get someone else to do it if I could, but there isn't anyone. I've asked practically everyone here. With the wedding season in full swing, Nick and his staff are working around the clock to make sure every cake gets delivered on time. Mildred Morrey's so busy, her niece took a leave from her job in New York to help out at Forget Me Knot. Ashley and Alexis have hired two new people to help out at Favors Galore, and they're still concerned about filling all their orders."

So that was what all those whispered conversations had been about. That still didn't mean he was the right choice. He scanned the rapidly emptying room. There had to be someone better qualified to take his place. "This seems like the kind of job a wedding planner would do, doesn't it?" He eyed the two women who flanked the mayor.

"I have my hands full with other aspects of the contest. Coordinating visits at the participants' shops, communicating with the editorial staff at Weddings Today . There are a million details that'll require my personal attention." Alicia passed the baton to her assistant .

Jenny stepped forward. "While Alicia devotes her time to handling the behind-the-scenes efforts, I'll be in charge of all the other weddings we have scheduled for the Cottage this week. And I'll take as much of your load off your shoulders as I can," she said, directing the comment to Evelyn. "I'll show prospective clients the grounds, answer phone calls, oversee the staff."

"And don't forget, the photographer from Weddings Today will be right there with you, too," the mayor added.

"Sounds like you've thought of everything," Evelyn mumbled.

Ryan wasn't convinced. "I don't have any experience planning a wedding. What makes you think I can do this?" He fought an urge to sidestep when Greg pinned him with a steely gaze.

"Daniel already likes you, Ryan." Greg turned the same unflinching gaze on Evelyn. "And you seemed to hit it off with Brianna." Raising his hands, the mayor aimed a finger at each of them. "I saw the way they opened up to you in the reception line. Believe me, they hardly said more than two words to anyone else. "

He shook his head. Working with Evelyn was a bad idea on so many fronts, he couldn't even count them. And then there was the not-so-little matter of the couple who stood like two abandoned puppies in the middle of the room. How was he supposed to help them? "This is beyond my comfort zone, Mr. Mayor."

"Even with Jenny's help, I have my hands full," Evelyn objected.

Greg said, "I wouldn't ask, but Heart's Landing needs you. The Marines have given Daniel extra time off because of all the good publicity he'll generate for the Corps. That only adds to the pressure this couple will be under this week. Can you imagine what would happen if they cracked? Maybe Weddings Today would take their contest somewhere else next year." His firm features said he wasn't taking no for an answer. "You both grew up here. Weddings are in your blood. You're young enough that Brianna and Daniel can relate to you. And there's one more thing you have in common with them that no one else does—you've been friends since grade school. Just like Brianna and Daniel. In my book, that makes you not just a good choice, but our only choice."

Ryan scuffed his foot against the floor. He'd been right—he didn't like the mayor's solution. If it meant that much to Heart's Landing, though, he supposed he didn't have a choice. He'd have to help out. "Okay, I'll do my part, as long as …" He let the rest hang. Before he committed, he had to make sure of one thing.

"Yes?" Equal amounts of relief and doubt swirled in the mayor's eyes.

"As long as the Boat Works stays in the running for the wedding venue."

"The Captain's Cottage does, too," Evelyn insisted.

"Absolutely." Greg Thomas gave his head a firm nod. "Now, don't advise them on their choices—that's up to them. Just be there if Daniel needs someone to talk to, Ryan. If Brianna needs a shoulder to lean on, make sure it's yours, Evelyn." The man rubbed his hands together. "I want one of you with them when they visit every shop. "You can take turns if you must—"

"We will," Evelyn blurted before Ryan had a chance to say the same thing. He agreed with an emphatic nod of his head.

"Good. I knew you were the right people for the job. Now, don't let me down. We're all counting on you to get this couple through all the Wedding-in-a-Week festivities and give them the wedding of their dreams."

Ryan eyed Evelyn. His fingers clenched. He deliberately relaxed them. "I guess we'd better meet. We need a plan on how we're going to handle all of this."

"Sure. Jenny wants to go over a few things right now, and I need to be at the Cottage for Jason's phone call in a bit." She slipped her phone from her pocket and held it up. "I'll call you as soon as I'm free."

"Tell Jason I said hi." He nodded. He still had some things to take care of at the Boat Works and could use the time between meetings to knock a couple of them off his list. His stomach muscles tightened as the group broke up, and Jenny and Evelyn headed for a corner, their heads together.

Heaven help him, what on Earth had he been thinking? He'd just agreed to spend an entire week shepherding a couple he'd barely met through their very own Wedding-in-a-Week. Worse, he'd promised to work closely with the one woman he'd sworn to avoid.

He squared his shoulders. For the good of Heart's Landing, he'd do his best to make sure Brianna and Daniel got the wedding they deserved. He had no doubt he could help them survive this week. But would he ?

He glanced down at the plate still balanced in one hand. His appetite for cheesy sausage balls or fried wontons had dulled. Not even the macadamia nuts sprinkled atop a fudge bar tempted him. After making sure no one was looking, he dumped the food in a nearby trash can, wiped his fingers on a napkin, and ducked out the closest exit.