Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

"Hello! Anybody here?"

Ryan looked up from the ledger he'd been working on in his office at the Boat Works. He checked his fingers for telltale signs of red ink. When there weren't any, he checked the time on his cell phone. Brianna and Daniel weren't due for another half hour.

"Anybody here?" the voice called again. "Ryan?"

Evelyn?

Warmth spread through his chest the moment he recognized her voice. Confusion followed on its heels. She was the last person he'd expected to see this morning. Yesterday, after the mayor had coerced them into acting as Brianna and Daniel's escorts for the week, they'd decided he'd show the young couple the Boat Works this morning while Evelyn kicked off another busy week at the Captain's Cottage. They'd agreed to trade places later, which would give him time to return the flowers he'd borrowed from Mildred and take care of a few chores. Then, this afternoon, they'd divide and conquer again—the girls would head for the bridal salon, the guys to Tux or Tails.

He shut the book containing columns that dipped deeper into the red every day. Three days ago, those numbers had given him a headache, but not anymore. Not now that the Wedding-in-a-Week event had provided the opportunity to turn things around. Once Brianna and Daniel chose the Boat Works as their wedding venue, all his problems would be solved.

And why wouldn't they? The facility had never looked better. Throughout the building, surfaces gleamed and glistened. Ashley and Alexis had arrived before daybreak and spent hours adding festive touches to the entryway and beyond. He'd literally rolled out the red carpet in the main hall, where floral arrangements on loan from Forget Me Knot Flowers lined a makeshift aisle and brightened every corner. Even the weather had cooperated by delivering a picture-perfect day. He couldn't ask for a better chance to prove to Brianna and Daniel that this was the place to hold their wedding. But first, he needed to find out why Evelyn had shown up when she wasn't supposed to be here.

Locking the door to his office, he strode quickly down the back hall to the entrance. Sure enough, Evelyn stood in the lobby, tapping the sole of one shoe against the hardwood floor. This morning, she'd paired another of those slim-fitting skirts with a snug blouse that showed off all her curves. She looked amazing, even with her hair pinned and her pretty curls tucked into a tight knot at the back of her head.

Just looking at her spread joy like sunshine through him. He was glad they'd rekindled their friendship. One day …

He gulped and slammed the brakes on his wayward thoughts. He was not going there. He hadn't left his office to ogle Evelyn Heart. They'd agreed to work together, but things between them absolutely weren't going one step further. Not during the Wedding-in-a-Week competition, when his entire future was at stake. And not later. He'd done the math. He knew for a fact that Heart's Landing could support a dozen wedding venues. As long as he owned the Boat Works and Evelyn was tied to the Captain's Cottage, though, they'd always be vying for business. Relationships faced enough obstacles without adding those kinds of problems to the mix.

Searching her face, he cleared his throat. "Hey, Evelyn. What's up? Is something wrong?"

"What? Oh, no. Everything's fine."

"What brings you here, then? I thought we were meeting at the White Dove at one." Was she hoping to undermine his efforts with Brianna and Daniel? That was something the Evelyn he remembered from high school might try.

"I had a couple of errands to run in Heart's Landing this morning. Since I was out, I ran by Parks & Rec to pick up my sapling. I got yours, too."

"Well, that was nice." And something one friend would do for another. Ashamed of himself for questioning her motives, he cast an expectant look at her feet and came up empty. "Where's the tree?"

"I left it outside, on the deck. I, um, didn't want to track any dirt in. Oh," she added like an afterthought, "I ran into Curtis and gave him a lift."

Ryan started. He'd been so entranced by Evelyn he hadn't even noticed the photographer from Weddings Today . Not that he was to blame. The smaller man stood quietly at the back of the room, where he hadn't attracted a bit of attention. "Hey, Curtis." He canted his head. "You didn't want to come with Brianna and Daniel?"

Curtis hefted his camera. "When I can, I get to the places on our schedule ahead of the bride and groom so I can record their first impressions. Meantime, don't mind me. It's easier for me to do my job if you ignore the fact that I'm even here."

"You got it." He left the man to his musings and turned to the redhead, who was studying the walls of the cozy entryway. A soft smile tugged at her lips.

"I love this, Ryan. You've done a terrific job with the place. I can't wait to see the rest."

The high praise sent his spirits soaring and tempted him to show her more. He gestured toward a pair of immense barn doors. He'd kept them closed in order to add an element of surprise to his tour with Brianna and Daniel, but it wouldn't do any harm to give Evelyn a sneak peek. As one friend to another. "The main ballroom and reception area are back there. Did you, um, want to see them?"

"I do, but if it's okay, I'll stay and see it with our lucky couple. You don't mind, do you?"

Evelyn's smile would melt butter, but he was on to her ploy. "Scoping out the competition, are you?" Not that he'd turn her down. Friends didn't do that to one another. And she was his friend, wasn't she? Besides, he'd been hoping to get her opinion on something else, and he couldn't think of a better time. "Curtis, if you'll excuse us for a second." When the photographer answered with a noncommittal shrug, Ryan led Evelyn to his workroom.

"What do you think?" He pointed to the sign he'd worked on through the dead of night and held his breath.

Evelyn stared at the pair of wedding rings and the horse-drawn carriage that bracketed the words Harbor View Weddings . Her breath caught so sharply he was almost afraid she'd choked on something. She leaned down for a closer look. "It's perfect!"

Before she could trace her hand along the letters, he cautioned, "Careful. The finish is still tacky. It'll need another twenty-four hours to dry. I'll hang it later this week."

"I love the name," she said, a heartwarming smile breaking across her lips.

Her approval meant more than he thought it should, and he coughed to cover a momentary bout of self-consciousness. Fortunately, the sound of a car door slamming saved him. He angled a thumb toward the entryway. "We'd better get out there. That's Brianna and Daniel," he announced.

They made it back to the lobby just as the front door opened, admitting the young couple bathed in sunlight. In the background, Curtis's camera emitted a series of soft whirrs.

Ryan's shoulders relaxed at the sight of the couple, who looked far more at ease than they had at the train station. "Good morning." He crossed the room to greet his guests. "Welcome to the newest venue in Heart's Landing. How did you two do last night? Were you comfortable at the Union Street?"

"Oh, yes," Brianna answered, charming him instantly with her soft Southern accent. "It's sooo nice. My room's like a picture right out of a magazine. And comfortable—I can't begin to tell you. There were so many pillows on the bed, I felt like a princess."

"That's great! Everyone in Heart's Landing will do their best to make you feel like that all week." Wanting to include Daniel, he turned to the groom. "And you? Are you happy with your accommodations?" Daniel's ground-floor suite was just below his fiancée's.

"Yes, sir. Like Brianna said, the bed-and-breakfast is awesome." He cupped one hand at the side of his mouth. "Don't tell my mom, but Ms. Marybeth's a better cook than she is, and that's saying something. The blueberry pancakes she made for us this morning were out of this world." He patted his stomach.

"If she feeds us like that the whole time, I'll need to buy a whole new wardrobe." Brianna pushed her long blond hair over one shoulder.

Daniel gave his fiancée a tender look. "You probably worked off every calorie and more on our run."

"You're runners?" Ryan eyed the pair. Despite the differences in their height, they were both lean and well-toned.

"Have to be in the Marines," Daniel said solemnly.

"I ran track in high school. I've stuck with it." Brianna slipped her hand in Daniel's. "It's something we enjoy doing together."

Ryan tapped his chin. His baseball coach had insisted that running built stamina. Like Brianna, he'd kept up the habit. "If you're up for it, I'll show you one of my favorite trails. It skirts the coastline north for about five miles. There are some really pretty views along the path."

The look on Daniel's face said he was raring to go. "Sounds good to me. Bri?" When she nodded, he suggested, "Tomorrow at oh five hundred? "

"That works." Ryan turned to Evelyn. When they were younger, basketball and soccer had been her sports. Had that changed? "Want to join us?"

"That's a bit early for me." The redhead faked a yawn. "I'll stick with my yoga class. It's better suited to my schedule. Speaking of which, ours is tight today." She tapped her watch.

Ryan clapped his hands together and gave them a brisk rub. "She's right. We need to get moving." He turned to Curtis. "Are you ready?"

The photographer checked his camera. "I have everything I need here." He looked at Briana and Daniel. "Like we did on the way down here, I'll snap some candid shots as we look around. I'll get you to pose for some more formal pictures before we move on to the next location."

When Brianna and Daniel agreed, Ryan cleared his throat. "Welcome again to the recently named Harbor View Weddings." Glad he'd taken her advice, he couldn't help tossing a smile in Evelyn's direction. "The name might be new, but this place has a long history in Heart's Landing. When the Great Depression ended in the 1930s and people had more time for leisure activities, George Farley established Farley's Boat Works. He and his sons built dinghies and daysailers up to twenty feet long. Over time, they became well-known for crafting some of the finest hand-finished wooden boats on the market." He pointed to one of the smaller vintage Farleys. He'd restored the dinghy to pristine condition and had propped it against one wall in the lobby.

"Farleys were in high demand for a long time, but by the Nineties, lighter fiberglass boats became more popular. Wooden boats that required more upkeep fell out of style. Farley Boat Works closed its doors. The building was shuttered and remained in the family until George passed year before last."

He checked the faces of his small audience. Noting that everyone listened attentively, he continued. "Heart's Landing is America's Top Wedding Destination, and it has a lot to offer practically any bride. The one thing the town didn't have was a great waterfront location. That's where I came in. I bought this property, spent a year stripping the building down to the bare bones, and rebuilt it from the pilings up." He inhaled. His pulse thudded. The next few minutes might very well determine his future. "And here's the result. I hope you like Harbor View Weddings."

Crossing to the towering barn doors, he pushed lightly on one panel. The door soundlessly glided back to reveal the main hall. Brianna gasped in surprise and wonder. Daniel chuffed approvingly. Though Evelyn didn't utter a sound, her green eyes widened, and her mouth gaped.

Gleaming wooden floors and sparkling chandeliers led straight to windows that overlooked the harbor. On the other side of the glass, white clouds hung in the azure-blue sky like puffy balloons. Boats bobbed at anchor. Seagulls sailed the skies. The sun sparkled off a light chop created by an easterly breeze.

"Oh! Pretty!" Brianna exclaimed.

Daniel squeezed his fiancée's hand. "I like it!" he said firmly.

Ryan launched into a well-rehearsed spiel. "The ballroom accommodates up to two hundred guests, plus staff. For larger parties, floor-to-ceiling sliders open along the harbor side, giving access to the deck and the dock beyond." He noted the sparkle of interest in Brianna's eyes before he pointed to the ceiling. "Those chandeliers once hung in the Promontory." He'd picked them up for a song at an antique shop where they'd ended up after the Newport mansion, unlike the Captain's Cottage, had failed to stand the test of time. Answering questions and highlighting the features of the space, he showed them the side rooms, which could be used in various ways. When he sensed Brianna and Daniel had seen enough, he guided them to the spacious kitchen, which had been outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances. "Several of our best local chefs contributed to this room's design." He made sure to mention the immense Aga gas stove, the walk-in freezer, and a Subzero refrigerator that met catering specifications.

"This is all so perfect!" Brianna exclaimed when they'd moved on to the bride's dressing area, where cream-colored chairs and tables dotted the hardwood floor. A sofa at one end and several comfortable chairs provided additional seating.

Across the hall, the groom's room featured similar seating, but there, he'd decorated the space with darker, more masculine colors that earned Daniel's approval.

"That view, man," Daniel observed when they'd returned to the main room. "It's priceless. Did you say the deck outside is yours as well?" When Ryan nodded, Daniel's head bobbed. "I'm sold." He turned to Brianna. "Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think we'd have a chance to get married in a place like this? There's nothing like it back home, for sure."

Ryan waited with bated breath for the bride's answer. Before she had a chance to say a word, Evelyn cleared her throat. "Don't forget," she reminded the young couple, "we're headed to the Captain's Cottage next. In the meantime, I'm supposed to remind you to keep your choices under wraps until Saturday."

He pressed his fingertips together. Brianna had been on the brink of committing to Harbor View. He was certain of it.

Evelyn handed the keys of her car to the waiting valet and hurried up the wide steps to the Captain's Cottage. Reaching the top, she concentrated on seeing the front lawn through fresh eyes. In the distance, one of the landscaping team rode back and forth across the thick green grass. His machine created an interesting patchwork design as he mowed. Another worker trimmed the arborvitae, the precise snick-snick of his sheers maintaining a top so level she could use the hedge as a tea table. Water babbled over the rocks of a small creek that flowed under the weeping willows. She drank in a calming breath. The air carried a hint of fresh-cut grass mingled with the sweet scent of flowers. She especially loved the Cottage in the summer and made a point of stepping out onto the veranda or standing on the front steps several times a day. The sights, the sounds, the smells normally soothed her.

But not today.

Today, her shoulders were so tight, they ached. Thanks to Ryan Court and his Boat Works. Or should she call it Harbor View? As wedding venues went, the place was absolutely gorgeous. Ryan had wisely divided the floor space, providing roomy dressing areas for the bride and groom while maintaining a spacious hall that could accommodate all but the largest of weddings. Every inch of the woodwork reflected superb craftsmanship and attention to detail. He'd spared no expense when it came to furniture and appliances, either. She crossed her fingers and prayed Connie never stepped foot inside Harbor View's kitchen. If that ever happened, the Captain's Cottage might be looking for a new head chef. Throw in the spectacular views, and Ryan's building became a serious contender for first place among the Heart's Landing venues.

Which meant she'd have to redouble her efforts if she had any hope of convincing Brianna and Daniel to hold their ceremony and reception at the Cottage. She drew in another breath and flung open the front door. One look at her great-great-great-grandfather's portrait strengthened her resolve. She blew him her usual kiss and marched down the hall.

Her footsteps faltered outside the dining room. She gritted her teeth. Just inside the door, crumbs and discarded napkins dotted the otherwise empty tables. On the buffet, the morning's sweet rolls had been picked over. Bits of egg and cheese clung to the sides of a nearly empty casserole dish. A lone slice of bacon sat in a tray beneath a heat lamp. She scooped up the trash and ducked into the service closet for a cleaning rag. Her feet skidded to a stop when she spotted Joelle, a new addition to the kitchen staff, at the long counter. The girl rolled silverware into cloth napkins.

With all this mess, that's what she chose to do? She fought a rising temper. Struggling to keep her voice even, she pointed out the obvious. "The dining room needs some attention."

She must've spoken more sharply than she'd intended, because silverware clattered to the countertop from the startled girl's hands.

"I'll get it, Miss Evelyn." Joelle glanced over her shoulder as she started for the door. "I was just taking advantage of the lull to—"

She held up a hand. "The egg dishes need to be replenished. Tell the kitchen to send up a fresh tray of breakfast meats," she ordered, running down her list. She studied the front room. Was it her imagination, or did the flowers on each table look a little droopy? Of all the times to skimp on details, this wasn't it. "Call the greenhouse. Have them replace the flowers."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll get right on it, but …" Her hands shaking, the young woman grabbed a bottle of cleanser from the cupboard.

"What is it?"

"Well, it's almost time for lunch. Connie and Fiona are on their way up with the sandwiches and desserts."

Evelyn felt her face heat. In her haste to make sure every detail was perfect for Daniel and Brianna's arrival, she'd forgotten the time. She checked her watch. In exactly ten minutes, housekeepers would descend on the dining room. With their usual clocklike precision, they'd sweep the floors, scour the tables and, yes, even replenish the floral arrangements while the cooks removed the breakfast items and arranged the day's lunch offerings. She took a breath. "Okay. Forget what I said about the food. But if you could tidy up out there …"

"I'm on it." Joelle grabbed a fresh cleaning rag .

Evelyn wheeled. She race-walked to the Green Room. One look inside stopped her cold. Her mouth dropped open. When she'd left the house this morning, the ballroom had been empty. Now, rose-colored linens spilled from large tubs scattered about the room. A crew of young people moved between rows of half-dressed tables and chairs. She put a hand to her head. "No, no, no," she moaned.

She'd deliberately avoided scheduling any events in their largest hall in order to show off the wainscoting and crown molding during Brianna and Daniel's visit. The prep work ruined the effect.

"You there." She pointed at a pair of teens who were lugging an eight-top from built-in storage closets at the back of the room. "Put that back." The arm she swept through the air encompassed the entire space. "Take all this down, right away."

A young woman who'd just tied the bow on the back of a chair frowned. "Ms. Jenny told us to—"

"I'll call her right now. In the meantime, stop whatever you're doing." She tugged her cell phone from her skirt pocket.

Jenny answered on the first ring .

"We have an emergency," Evelyn said, trying not to hyperventilate. "You need to get the Green Room cleared right away. Please tell the staff to get all this stuff out of here immediately."

She disconnected. Forcing her back ramrod straight, she headed for the bridal suites. The housekeepers had worked their magic in those rooms only yesterday. They'd sailed through her white glove test this morning, but after what she'd discovered so far, she had to double-check. Her heels beat a staccato against the floor. She made it halfway down the corridor when Jenny fell in beside her.

"What's going on?" the woman murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I just saw the Boat Works. Ryan renamed it Harbor View Weddings. Have you been there?"

Jenny's head bobbed as if the brief explanation answered all her questions. "Come with me."

"I can't. I have to—"

A hand grabbed her elbow in a steely grip. "Come. With. Me," the wedding planner said in a tone that made it useless to argue.

Left with no choice, she let herself be guided into a small office two doors down from Alicia's. She'd barely crossed the threshold when Jenny rounded on her, eyes blazing .

"You realize you've thrown the entire household into a tizzy, don't you?"

"I'm sorry. But the dining room was a mess. The Green Room was—"

"—lovely," Jenny cut in. "What's that you're always saying—if it ain't broke, don't fix it? There's nothing to fix here. The staff is well aware of how important it is for us to win over the Wedding-in-a-Week couple. They have everything under control. Trust them."

"But they're halfway through setting up the Green Room," she objected. "I wanted Brianna and Daniel to see how spacious it is."

"They will." Jenny's exasperated sigh filled the air. "We have twenty weddings scheduled in the Cottage this week. The Harper affair is tomorrow night in the Green Room. This is the best time to set up for it. If we don't do it now, it'll set off a chain of dominoes, and we'll be playing catch-up through the weekend. You know how nervous Alicia gets when that happens. Neither of us wants that."

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other while she tried not to squirm beneath Jenny's pointed gaze. She couldn't argue. Her friend had a valid point, but the assistant planner hadn't been where she'd been. "You didn't see Harbor View," she pointed out. "It's … impressive. So aring glass windows. Stunning views. The place is so beautiful, I wouldn't mind getting married there."

"Whooooo," Jenny breathed. "That's saying something."

"So you understand why everything here has to be picture-perfect. If it isn't, Brianna and Daniel will choose Harbor View over the Cottage."

"They're going to love it here." Despite her insistence, questions filled Jenny's eyes. "Unless there's something else I need to know?"

She inhaled. "I wish I had your confidence. Jason's counting on me to run things while he's gone, and so far, I'm afraid I'm not doing a very good job."

"Nonsense. The most important thing you can do right now is relax. Focus on the Cottage's history, its beauty, the things we offer that no other venue in Heart's Landing can. Brianna and Daniel will love it here because you do."

Maybe Jenny was right. Maybe not. Either way, she had more riding on the Wedding-in-a-Week contest than her friend and co-worker realized. No one else had been on the phone with Jason and Tara last night. No one else knew they were nudging her aside. Or how much it hurt. True, she'd been thinking it might be time to move on, but she'd always expected to make that decision on her own. Not have it made for her. But Jenny was right about one thing—she had upset the entire household. Her tendency to speak first and think later had caused problems again. Her cheeks heated. She studied the floor. "I owe everyone a huge apology, don't I?"

"That'd be a good place to start. I'm just not sure it's enough."

Misery swam through her tummy. What had she been thinking? The Captain's Cottage employed only the best, people who worked hard to give each bride a perfect wedding. She snapped her fingers. "I'll stop in at I Do Cakes while I'm out and put in a special order for Nick's salted caramel cupcakes." The decadent treat was the bakery's Tuesday special. They were so popular throughout Heart's Landing, they usually sold out before lunch. "I'll leave them in the break room first thing tomorrow."

At the mention of her husband's name, stars danced in Jenny's eyes. "Nick will appreciate the extra business, and the staff will be thrilled." She nodded her approval. "You still have fifteen minutes before Brianna and Daniel get here. You could spend the time smoothing the feathers you ruffled."

She closed her eyes. Apologies weren't her strong suit, but she'd follow Jenny's advice. The staff deserved her praise, not her criticism. She set off down the hall, doling out heartfelt "I'm sorry's" to those she'd barked at moments earlier. Finishing just in time, she arrived in the foyer as a Town Car pulled under the porte cochere. Daniel took Brianna's hand as she stepped out of the car. She gestured excitedly toward the house while Curtis snapped pictures.

Evelyn wasn't close enough to make out the words, but whatever the young woman was saying, it had to be good. Brianna was practically dancing on air. The expression on Daniel's face announced to the world that he'd give his bride-to-be anything she wanted.

Including a wedding at the Captain's Cottage.

A heavy weight dropped from her shoulders. Pulling herself upright, she swung the door wide to greet her home's newest guests. "Brianna, Daniel. Welcome to the Captain's Cottage."

After a brief exchange—they had, after all, only left each other a half-hour earlier—she gave them a moment to absorb the impressive foyer before gesturing to her great-great-great-grandfather's painting. "I'd like you to meet Captain Thaddeus Heart, the original builder of the Captain's Cottage. Thaddeus made his fortune sailing the high seas between London and New York in his ship, the S.S. Mary Shelby , which he named after his wife. The intrepid captain battled hurricanes and pirates, raging winds and dead calm. It was a dangerous life, a hard life, and many didn't survive it. But Captain Thaddeus promised his bride he'd always make it home in time for her birthday, and his wife, Mary, never lost faith. Theirs was such an enduring love, it gave rise to the term, ‘A Heart's Landing love for the ages.'"

A beat later, she looked directly at Brianna when she added, "We here at the Captain's Cottage would like nothing more than to host your wedding and help you and Daniel launch your own love for the ages. If you'll let us."

The introduction was the same every prospective bride and groom heard before they agreed to hold their wedding at the Captain's Cottage. Some might call it so much patter, but the Captain's love for his wife permeated every inch of the sprawling estate. Her family had always felt it was important to provide their guests with a little bit of insight into what made the Cottage so special, why it was more than just a beautiful place to get married.

She stole a quick look at Daniel and Brianna. If the stars that twinkled in Brianna's eyes were any indication, the bride-to-be had committed every word of Thaddeus and Mary's love story to heart. Her focus shifted to Daniel. The young groom had been so enamored of Harbor View that she'd considered him the hardest to win over, but the young man stared intently at the image of Captain Thaddeus. His faraway look told her he was imagining his own life on the high seas. She crossed her fingers behind her back.

Next, she led the small entourage to one of her favorite rooms in the entire estate. "As we go through the house, you'll see we offer several options, depending on the number of your guests and the size of your wedding party. The Conservatory is perfect for smaller parties of up to twenty." She slid open the doors to a room where the sun streamed through mullioned windows to create a checkerboard pattern on the hardwood floors. Cream-colored walls and wide crown molding lent the room a spaciousness far greater than its size. A grand piano in one corner contributed to the illusion. She crossed to the instrument and plinked out the first few bars of the Wedding March .

"Imagine a harpist and a pianist playing softly in the background when you walk down the aisle."

Daniel canted his head. "That has a nice sound for something so old."

Veering from the script, she worked hard to mask her surprise. "You know a little bit about pianos, do you?"

"My dad plays. He's always wanted a grand piano. He used to drag us to tag sales every weekend, hoping to find one he could afford. He never did, but someday—when I have a little money set aside—I'm going to buy him one."

"That's so sweet," she said, her respect for the young groom growing. She ran her fingers lightly over the Steinway's rich patina. "This particular piano has been in the Heart family since the 1800s. According to the ship's logbooks, the Mary S. was attacked by pirates on a return trip from London one fall. Captain Thaddeus and his crew returned fire, severely damaging their attacker. The pirates abandoned their sinking ship, which Captain Thaddeus and his men quickly boarded. They liberated several hostages the pirates had been holding for ransom. One of them turned out to be the son of a wealthy New York merchant who was so overjoyed at his son's rescue that he commissioned this piano as a gift."

"That's some story." Daniel's brow furrowed. "It's true?"

"Every word," she assured him. Tara had unearthed records of the event while she'd searched the ship's logbooks for reasons that hadn't been entirely clear at the time. Leaving Daniel to dream of adventures at sea, Evelyn turned to Brianna. Her heart ached for the young woman who'd lost so much already. Wanting to give her a perfect wedding, she said, "Personally, I love the Conservatory for intimate ceremonies. How many guests do you expect?"

Brianna's cheeks dimpled. "We're thinking somewhere around fifty or so. There's my aunt," she said, keeping count on her fingers. "She'll give me away. Her daughters, Ann and Lynn, are flying up with her on Friday. They'll both be in the wedding party. Daniel's parents will be here. His two brothers—Enoch and David—and their wives—Sissy and Melanie—are coming. A half-dozen of the guys he went to boot camp with and their dates. A bunch of our friends were planning to drive up, but I'm not sure how many of them will actually make it. It's a long way from Central Florida."

" Weddings Today will probably send a few people. Right, Curtis?" Evelyn turned to the photographer, who'd been quietly snapping pictures from various points in the room.

Curtis lowered his camera. "Probably a staff writer. And Regina Charm, for sure. She's in charge of the Wedding-in-a-Week contest. She'll bring a date. "

Evelyn nodded. Alicia and Regina had worked together on all the arrangements. "Let's say another six from the magazine, just to be on the safe side." She gave the young couple a long, appraising glance. "The shop owners and prominent citizens of Heart's Landing would love to help you celebrate your special day, too. It's customary to invite them to attend. If you don't mind, that is. If you'd prefer a smaller gathering …" In the end, only the bride and groom could make that decision.

"The more, the merrier," Daniel said, hugging his fiancée close.

Brianna's dimples deepened. "Sounds like fun!"

"I'll let Alicia know. She'll spread the word." Evelyn tipped her head. "That means, though, you'll need a larger space than the Conservatory. Fortunately, we're just getting started. C'mon," she said, moving toward the door. "You're going to love this next spot."

A short walk down the hall took the party to the side porch, where greenery wrapped tall columns above white railings and blossoms filled the air with a heady scent. "I especially love it out here when the roses are in bloom like they are now. Many of our brides and grooms choose to marry on the veranda. Or serve cocktails here and hold their ceremony and reception somewhere else on the property."

Or not , she thought, when someone behind her issued a series of rapid-fire sneezes. She turned to see which of the group had a problem and nearly ran into Daniel.

"Oh, gosh. Roses." A look of pure dismay crossed his face. He turned to Brianna, who'd yet to step onto the porch. "Duck back inside, honey." After his bride disappeared into the house, he explained, "She's allergic."

"That rules out the veranda." Evelyn ushered everyone back indoors and firmly closed the door. Concern swelled in her chest. "Will she be okay?"

Daniel stared down the hall at the door that had closed quietly behind his fiancée. "As long as she doesn't touch them, she's usually fine. But direct contact? That's when things get serious."

"Good to know." Evelyn pulled out her phone. "If you'll excuse me for just a sec." She bent over the small screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she sent an urgent text to Alicia. Satisfied the news would get passed along to the rest of the Wedding-in-a-Week participants, she looked up just as Brianna emerged from the powder room. She scanned the girl's face for signs of distress, but Daniel's bride-to-be glowed with the same excitement she'd shown the moment she'd stepped from the Town Car. Nonetheless, Evelyn asked, "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Right as rain. See?" To prove her point, Brianna inhaled smoothly.

She eyed the young blonde. No blotches marred her clear complexion, and the girl didn't sound the slightest bit stuffy or wheezy. She certainly looked all right, but Evelyn knew her limits. She wasn't a doctor. She had to at least offer medical care. "I'd be glad to take you to the ER, if you'd like. Or the Heart's Landing Walk-In Clinic. It's just a few streets over on Boutonniere Drive."

"And miss out on all this?" Brianna whirled in a circle. "Not on your life. There's absolutely no need to fuss. I carry an antihistamine with me and an EpiPen for emergencies. I didn't have to use either. I'm fine."

Evelyn sought confirmation with Daniel, who said, "It's up to Brianna," and Curtis, who simply shrugged his approval. "Okay, then. We'll move on." Giving herself a special reminder to check on the bride frequently, she chose a roundabout path to the stairs. On the way to the bridal suites on the second floor, they lingered in the library, poked their heads into the dining room, and forged past both ballrooms, which were hidden behind closed doors as she'd requested.

As they mounted the wide staircase, Evelyn trailed her fingers along the sturdy banister. "My cousin and I used to slide down this when we were kids. It gave my mother fits. I don't think she ever realized my dad and uncle taught us how to hold on. Just like their fathers probably taught them."

"I guess it's kind of a family tradition, then." Daniel grinned. "We had a few in ours, too. Jumping into the quarry on the first day of summer break. Floating down the Ichetucknee on inner tubes."

Brianna chimed in. "Banana splits on report card day." She turned to Daniel and they finished in unison, "Only for all A's and B's."

Evelyn laughed at their joke despite feeling a little envious. Daniel and Brianna were obviously in love, and the memories they shared made their relationship extra special. What would that be like? She'd never know. She'd known Ryan forever, of course, but they didn't have that kind of relationship.

But could they?

She shook her head. She didn't have time for a trip down Wishful Thinking Lane. Not now. Not when she was in the middle of proving the Captain's Cottage was the best place for this year's Wedding-in-a-Week couple. Squaring her shoulders as they reached the top of the staircase, she brought the little party to a halt outside the Stargazer Suite.

"Each of these rooms is reserved for a bride on her wedding day." She smiled at Daniel. "We don't want our grooms to spoil the wedding by running into the bride, so we have accommodations for the men on the other side of the house."

The door opened into a sumptuously outfitted sitting area done up in pink and mauve tones. A bouquet of the suite's namesake lilies on the dresser perfumed the air.

"Goodness gracious," Brianna whispered, stepping into the space. "This is amazing!"

Evelyn gave the girl a warm smile. "But wait, there's more," she teased and led them into a second room. She gestured to the king-size bed beneath an ornate canopy. "Many of our newlyweds opt to spend their first night as a married couple at the Captain's Cottage. All our suites are fully furnished with all the comforts of a five-star hotel." She pointed out the claw-footed tub and an array of lotions and perfumes in the bath. She paused to let Brianna and Daniel marvel over the towel warmer.

"Isn't that the neatest thing? Can you imagine? No more goose bumps after a shower." Wonder filled Brianna's voice.

Evelyn cleared her throat. "Our kitchen provides room service around the clock. Someone's on duty at all times to cater to your every need."

"I thought our rooms at the bed-and-breakfast were spectacular, but this is … this is … I don't have the words." The bride-to-be cast a dreamy eye about the room.

Meanwhile, Daniel had propped his arm on the tall chest of drawers. He pointed to a hook suspended from the ceiling. "That seems like an odd place for a hanger," he observed.

"Oh, I know what it's for," Brianna said, as excited as if she had the winning answer on a game show. "It's for my wedding gown. It'll hang there so it won't get wrinkled."

"That's right." Sensing they'd seen enough of the bridal suite, Evelyn stepped into the hall. "The Azalea and Aster suites are on this wing." For Brianna's sake, she skipped the Tea Rose. "On the other side of the house are the Camellia, Jasmine, and Violet. Are you ready to see the ballrooms?"

"Yes, please," Brianna blurted, clapping her hands and dancing on her tiptoes beneath Daniel's indulgent smile .

A short walk took them to the grooms' dressing areas. They stopped for a moment to let Daniel view the only slightly more Spartan accommodations. Then, they were on to the Green Room. Evelyn halted her little party outside its double doors.

"Captain Thaddeus and his wife entertained frequently. As was the custom in their day, they threw lavish parties and dances. The Green Room was built specifically for that purpose. Mary insisted it be large enough to allow for the full skirts and fans that were in fashion at the time. We know from historical records that this room was used predominantly for dancing while dinner—what we'd call a buffet—was served in the smaller Blue Room."

Having delivered her final history lesson for the day, Evelyn whispered a silent prayer before she flung the doors wide. She sucked in a grateful breath at the three rows of elegantly dressed tables and chairs that had been arranged in one corner of the room. Beyond them, what looked like an acre of dark hardwood gleamed softly beneath a chandelier the size of a small car. Pale green walls rose above the wainscoting. The fragrant mix of linseed oil and lemon floated in the still air .

Brianna's giddy laughter drifted over her shoulder.

"The Green Room is our largest ballroom," Evelyn said, wiping a sudden dampness from her eyes while she made a special note to thank Jenny for working absolute magic. "We can accommodate up to three hundred guests here, another two hundred in the Blue Room."

She stepped aside to let Brianna and Daniel pass. Hand in hand, the couple circled the room, talking softly among themselves. When they finally returned, Brianna's eyes glistened with unshed tears above a sweet smile.

Evelyn let her gaze bounce between the bride and groom. "What do you think? Can you see yourselves getting married at the Captain's Cottage?"

Brianna pressed one hand over her heart. "I love it here. From the pictures I saw of it in Weddings Today , I knew I would. But being here in person, seeing everything firsthand, it's all so much better than I expected." Her cheeks reddened, and she clamped one hand over her mouth. "Sorry!" She turned to Curtis. "No offense."

The photographer peered over his lens. "None taken. "

"That's not to say we're deciding on the Captain's Cottage," Daniel put in. "We both liked Harbor View, too. It had a lot to offer."

"Right." Brianna gave the ballroom a wistful glance.

"You both should take your time and mull things over." Evelyn gave herself a few extra points for sounding polished and professional while hope shimmied inside her. Brianna had clearly fallen in love with the beauty of the Cottage the moment she'd stepped out of the Town Car. The mansion's sense of history had gotten Daniel's attention. She was pretty sure that, five days from now, the couple would continue a long-standing tradition when they posed for their wedding photograph in front of the most popular venue in Heart's Landing.

Seeing them off a few minutes later, she felt guilt prickle along her spine and drew in a breath. She should be happy, ecstatic, even. In all likelihood, Daniel and Brianna were going to get married at the Captain's Cottage. It was exactly what she'd wanted, what she needed to have happen. Why, then, did she feel even the tiniest bit guilty?

She pictured Ryan's smiling face. Judging from Daniel and Brianna's reaction as they'd toured Harbor View Weddings this morning, he had to be thinking they'd choose his venue. She flexed her fingers. He'd be so disappointed to learn the couple had liked the Cottage even more. She knew what that felt like from personal experience. The brides who visited the Cottage didn't often choose a different venue. When they did, the rejection stung.

Her thoughts churned. Ryan deserved a chance to prepare himself for the very real possibility that Brianna and Daniel would choose the Captain's Cottage. Should she warn him? She twisted a wayward strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear. As much as it pained her to do it, she probably ought to be the one to tell him.

Because I want to break the news to him gently? Or because I want to see him again?

To be honest, the answer was a little bit of both. Fighting a chill that ran across her shoulders, she drew her phone out of a pocket to call the man who'd shown her nothing but warmth and kindness, the one man in Heart's Landing she least wanted to hurt.