Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Ryan drummed his fingers against the sides of two cardboard cups while he waited for Evelyn outside the White Dove Deli. The coffee from Espressly Yours was a consolation prize, his gift to her for conceding their bet. That had to be the reason she'd asked to meet, didn't it? He didn't know how things had gone during their tour of the Captain's Cottage, but Brianna and Daniel couldn't possibly have been happier there than they'd been at Harbor View this morning. Brianna had especially been impressed. Her delight with the furnishings in the bridal dressing rooms had justified every penny he'd spent on plush seating and gilded mirrors. As for Daniel, the groom hadn't been able to tear his eyes away from the scenic views. His, "Wait till the guys see this," had convinced Ryan that, when the time came, the couple would choose Harbor View as their venue.

Evelyn realized that, didn't she? She had to. The fiery redhead was many things—outspoken, independent, beautiful—but she was also smart enough to know when she'd lost. In all likelihood, she'd decided to throw in the towel and admit defeat.

Doubts curled in his chest like wood shavings. After a year of pouring everything he had into the old building, was he really on the brink of success? Brianna and Daniel's wedding would be the first at Harbor View. What if something went wrong? He shook his head at the unlikelihood of that happening. Weddings Today had arranged for Alicia to coordinate every detail. Things always went smoothly under her careful watch.

What if he won the bet but lost Evelyn's friendship in the process? Of all the possible outcomes, that one would sting the worst. He'd missed having her in his life far more than he'd admitted, even to himself. He'd do whatever it required to keep her there. He'd even let her off the hook on their bet. Better still, he'd invite her to dinner, his treat.

Over the rim of his coffee cup, movement inside the White Dove caught his eye. Through the plate glass window, he glimpsed Brianna and Daniel sharing a quiet laugh at a table with the mayor and his wife. The love that flowed between the younger couple made his heart ache. He wanted what they had. Wanted someone to share his hopes and dreams, someone who'd sit on the front porch sipping iced tea with him while they reminisced about their day. Wanted a Heart's Landing love for the ages.

Could he have that with Evelyn?

The idea appealed; he couldn't deny it. But no. He wasn't the kind of guy who'd make a move on someone who already had a steady boyfriend. And Evelyn did. He was certain of it. She'd never actually mentioned his name, but that didn't matter. Someone as smart, witty, and fun to be around as she was could have her pick from all the guys in town. So, no. He wouldn't invite her out to dinner.

He shifted his weight from one foot to another while he resumed scanning the street for the woman who'd been so anxious to meet. And there she was, striding toward him, a warm welcome on her face and, like him, carrying coffee to share. The sight loosened something in his chest.

"Great minds," they said in unison when she neared .

Evelyn peered at the cup he held out to her. "What is it?"

"Coffee milk from Espressly Yours. With an extra shot of espresso." He grinned. Sweetened with simple syrup, the blend of coffee and milk was so popular, it'd been designated Rhode Island's official drink. When he'd worked behind the counter of the popular coffee shop one summer, Evelyn had ordered her own special version at least once a week.

"A definite upgrade from mine," she said, dropping her two cups in a nearby trash can. She reached for the one Ryan offered, removed the lid, and sniffed. "Mmm. My favorite. How'd you know?"

"It's been a while since high school, but I took a chance you still liked your coffee strong and sweet."

"You remember?" The tiniest fleck of white foam dotted her upper lip when Evelyn's mouth formed an oval.

Ryan resisted the urge to wipe away the spot and handed her a napkin. "There." He pointed to his own mouth. An uncomfortable tension eased once she'd dabbed her lip clean. "I remember a lot about those days."

"Okay, two can play at this game," she said, laughing. "No coffee milk for you. Yours is black with two sugars."

"See? You didn't forget, either."

"Actually …" The freckles across the bridge of Evelyn's nose paled as her face reddened. "Actually, I had, but that's the way you drank it in the dining room Saturday."

He tipped his cup to hers in a mock toast. The minute they sipped their coffee, though, a feeling of trepidation swept through him. Now that she actually stood looking up at him with those big green eyes of hers, he wished they hadn't been pitted against each other in the Wedding-in-a-Week contest. One of them had to lose, and he hated the idea that she might get hurt almost as much as he wanted to win. Almost being the operative word. He wouldn't back out. Wouldn't break his promise to stay in the contest. Not now, when he had so much at stake.

Speaking of which, why had Evelyn asked him to meet her?

"You said there was something …"

"… we should talk about."

He stopped when they finished the sentence together. They both laughed, though his sounded a little nervous. If he wasn't mistaken, hers did, too .

"You go ahead," Evelyn said, taking a long swig of her coffee.

"Ladies first," he insisted. He aimed his chin toward the interior of the restaurant, where the mayor had already handed his credit card to the waiter. "But make it fast. They'll be out in a minute."

"O-kay." Evelyn peered up at him, her brow furrowing. "I thought you should know Brianna and Daniel are getting married at the Captain's Cottage."

Ryan choked on a gulp of coffee. "They said that?" he asked when he'd caught his breath.

"Not in so many words, no." Evelyn stared into the restaurant.

"You don't know for sure," he prodded. She had to be wrong. The young couple had been over the moon with Harbor View only a few hours earlier.

"Brianna was so taken with the Captain's Cottage she was practically dancing on air. I didn't hear one negative comment from Daniel." She hesitated. Her gaze dropped. "I thought you'd want to know."

For a minute there, success had hovered so close he could've reached out and touched it. He should've known it wouldn't come that easily. He eyed his coffee. It had lost its flavor, and he tossed the cup in the trash. "A lot can happen before Brianna and Daniel announce their choices on Saturday. I'm not giving up. Are you?"

Evelyn finally met his gaze with a saucy look. "Not on your life."

He might have said more if it weren't for Curtis, who backed out of the restaurant, his camera whirring, at that very moment. The mayor and his wife came next. Brianna and Daniel joined them a moment later. At Curtis's direction, the quartet posed for pictures. Handshakes and effusive thanks followed next before Greg Thomas's focus shifted to Ryan and Evelyn.

"Well, now. Look who's here. Two of my favorite people, and your timing couldn't have been more perfect, because our beautiful bride- and groom-to-be are headed in separate directions next."

Beside Daniel, Brianna looked a little lost. The mayor's gaze tightened on her.

"Brianna, I don't have any personal experience picking out wedding gowns." Laughing, he mock curtsied. "But I'm told it's a lot more fun when you have someone to share such a special occasion. So we've asked Evelyn to accompany you to Dress For A Day. While you're there, you'll have a chance to try on three of the most exquisite wedding gowns you've ever seen. Just remember, you must choose one—and only one—to wear in your wedding!"

"Oh, that's wonderful," Brianna breathed. Delight shimmered in her eyes. She smiled at Evelyn.

Obviously pleased with himself, the mayor continued. "Daniel, since it's bad luck for the groom to see the wedding gown before the big day, you, Ryan, and Curtis will come with me to Tux or Tails. I have the best three tuxes in the house waiting for you there."

Was he mistaken, or was Daniel less enthusiastic about the mayor's announcement? Ryan fell in beside the tight-lipped groom. Something was definitely bothering the man who, up until now, had seemed to enjoy all the wedding plans as much as his bride. Whatever it was, he'd ferret out the answer this afternoon at Tux or Tails.

"The White Dove is one of my favorite places." Evelyn linked arms with Brianna for the short walk to the car that sat, its engine idling, at the curb. Aware of the bride-to-be's nervousness, she stuck with small talk. "What'd you have for lunch?" she asked as they slipped into the back seat.

"Something called a Wedge Salad. Did you know that's just a big ol' hunk of lettuce?"

She laughed. She, too, had been surprised by how well the dish lived up to its name the first time she'd ordered one. "Did you like it, at least?"

"Oh, yes. It was absolutely scrumptious. I had a lobster roll, too. I'd never had lobster before, but I'd heard so much about it, I thought, why not?"

"How was it?" Her mouth watered. The White Dove served the best lobster salad this side of Maine.

Brianna gave a noncommittal shrug. "Like scallops? Only sweeter, maybe? We don't get food like that back home."

She nodded. Coming from a little town smackdab in the middle of Florida, Brianna had probably grown up on Southern staples like grits and black-eyed peas and—she shuddered—okra. "Except for one trip to Daytona Beach when I was in college, I've never been south of Baltimore. Do you really fry green tomatoes down there?"

"Yum." Brianna closed her eyes. "Dip them in buttermilk and cornmeal, fry them in a little oil. That's good eating right there."

She tried to imagine the taste and failed. "People actually like them?"

"Oh, yes! We'd go through a whole bushel in a week at the diner. My mom won a blue ribbon for hers at the county fair every year. Daniel says mine are tasty, but I'll never make them as good as she did." Evelyn watched in horror as Brianna's eyes filled with sudden tears. The girl turned to stare out the window. "What's wrong?" she whispered, worried she'd said or done something to upset the bride-to-be.

The quiet hum of the tires was the only sound for about a block. Finally, Brianna mumbled, "It wasn't supposed to be like this, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't supposed to be picking out my wedding gown without her. Not supposed to walk down the aisle without my dad." Brianna sniffled, her face pressed against the glass. "I'm beyond grateful for what Weddings Today and everyone here in Heart's Landing is doing for us. But I'd be happy with a cheap off-the-rack dress if it meant …" She choked back a sob. "If it meant having my mom here to lend me her strand of pearls for my something borrowed. Or if my dad was here to give me away. "

Evelyn's throat ached with unshed tears. She bit the inside of her cheek lest she, too, dissolve into a wet puddle. How would that help? When Brianna's cheeks dampened, she tugged a handful of tissues from her purse and passed them to the younger woman. Making an executive decision, she leaned forward and tapped on the glass divider. "Take us north on Boston Neck Road. We'll circle back to the dress shop in a little bit."

"You don't have to do that. I—I'll be fine." Brianna's voice thinned.

"This is your day. They can't start without us," she said while her companion blotted her cheeks. Not that it helped. When more tears turned the bride's eyes a watery blue, she reached for her phone. "I'll text Cheri and tell her we'll be along in twenty minutes or so?" She canted her head, waiting for an answer.

"Ten." Brianna gave her nose a delicate swipe. "Just let me catch my breath."

"Take as long as you need," she agreed, texting that there'd been a slight delay. She paused. When Brianna continued to stare out the window, she sent another text, this time to Alicia.

911. Bring Jenny & meet at Dress For A Day. Bride needs motherly TLC.

Alicia and Jenny might have their hands full at the Captain's Cottage, but this was a real emergency. Having done all she could think of at the moment, Evelyn reached for Brianna's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"It's okay. I'm okay," the bride-to-be whispered.

Who's she trying to convince? Evelyn wondered as a fine tremble ran through the girl's fingers.

Another five minutes passed before Brianna straightened. "Geez." She sighed, mopping furiously. "It's been five years. You'd think I'd be over this by now. I am, mostly. In the beginning, I cried for days. Daniel was my rock through all of it. Holding my hand, passing me tissues. I don't know what I would've done without him. Now, I'm fine most of the time. Then, out of the blue, something will happen—like talking about Mom's blue ribbons—and it hits me all over again." She balled the tissue and stuck it in her purse with a laugh. "Fried green tomatoes. Who'd have ever thought that'd be the thing to push me over the edge, right?"

Evelyn nodded in sympathy. "It's not easy when you lose someone. Sometimes, it's the oddest things that bring back memories so sharp, they take your breath away." Like the day she'd wanted to hang a picture in her room. Rather than ask one of the staff, she'd gone to the shed. She'd found just what she'd needed there. Along with her uncle's tool belt. The worn leather strip lay on the workbench exactly the way he'd left it after he'd gotten too sick to handle even the smallest jobs around the Cottage. Sobbing, she'd run from the shed empty-handed. The next time Ryan had stopped by to visit Jason, he'd hung the picture for her.

"Thanks. I …" Brianna checked her watch. "We've been gone too long, haven't we? People are going to wonder what happened to us."

"The dress shop isn't going anywhere." The tension eased from Evelyn's shoulders. She'd been prepared to cancel the day's activities if need be, but it looked like Brianna had pulled herself together. She eyed the bride-to-be's tear-streaked face. Uh-oh . "We, um, might need to do some damage repair."

"Oh, gosh, I must look a fright." Panic flickered in Brianna's eyes.

"Here." Reaching into her purse, she pulled out the small makeup bag she carried just for such emergencies. "You're not the first bride to ever have a meltdown. I doubt you'll be the last."

"And here I thought I was so special." Brianna paired the quip with a watery grin. "Thanks," she said, pulling open the little bag and looking inside. "You've thought of everything. You're a lifesaver."

"Nothing to it." She shrugged. With Brianna's fine complexion, the young woman needed little more than a bit of powder and a mascara touch-up.

Sure enough, when the driver braked to a smooth stop in front of Dress For A Day fifteen minutes later, no one looking at the bride-to-be would ever suspect she'd been on a crying jag.

"Whoa!" Brianna's eyes widened as she stepped from the car. She rubbed her hands together. "This is beautiful. Truly."

The brick building sat all by itself on the corner of Boston Neck and Boutonniere Drive. Tall display windows on either side of the door featured full-size mannequins in stunning dresses. Brianna wandered closer for a better look at a princess-style gown accented by a blue sash. "That's gorgeous, isn't it? I'm not sure about the belt, but I love that sweetheart neckline."

"It is pretty," Evelyn agreed. She stepped under a dark pink awning and grasped the brass door handle. "I'll bet there are even more beautiful dresses inside.

Are you ready?"

"Ready!" When the bride-to-be's lip trembled, Evelyn inhaled a deep breath and prayed the girl would appreciate that she'd called for reinforcements. Holding the door, she stepped aside to let the bride pass. To her credit, Brianna walked straight into the salon.

A diminutive woman in black greeted her with a cheery, "Hello, Brianna! I'm Cheri Clark, the owner, and this is Dress For A Day." With an expansive sweep of her hand, Cheri indicated the roomy salon. Couches and chairs clustered around separate viewing areas. Each featured its own floor-to-ceiling mirror and raised platform.

Evelyn smiled at Brianna's awed reaction to the beautiful gowns that hung in deep alcoves. Leaving her charge and the owner to get acquainted, she drank in the ambience created by cream-colored walls and burgundy accents. Not a trace of roses drifted in the air, and she nodded her approval at the honey and vanilla that scented the room.

Her attention returned to Cheri, who was saying, "It's such an honor to have you visit my salon. In a few minutes, I'll show you the three stunning gowns I personally selected for you to wear on your wedding day. But first, a few of Heart's Landing's most upstanding citizens have asked if they could join you." At a whispered "Ladies," more women than Evelyn had expected flocked toward the bride-to-be .

"I'm Mildred." The florist leaned in for a quick hug. "We met yesterday at the train station, but there were so many people there, you couldn't possibly remember all of us. This is my friend Opal Burnett," she said as a petite woman with a towering hairdo stepped forward. "She owns The Glass Slipper."

As soon as those two moved aside, others took their place. For the next few minutes, the women of Heart's Landing came forward armed with their warmest wishes, broad smiles and gentle squeezes. The line moved quickly until, finally, Alicia and Jenny reached the bride.

Alicia inclined her head. "Honey, we know how much it means to be surrounded by loved ones on an important day like this. Since your family couldn't be here, we hope you'll let us fill in. We promise to tell you that you look divine in any one of these gowns. And if there's anything you want—anything at all—one of us will get it for you."

Tears once again welled in Brianna's eyes, but this time her mouth curved into a brilliant smile. "Thank you. Thank you all. I have to admit, I've been missing my mama a little more than I thought I would today. Having you all here, well, it's a little like having her here with me. "

"All right then, ladies," Cheri said. "I have one request before we begin—let's all put away our cell phones. We don't want any pictures to ruin Daniel's surprise when he sees his beautiful bride walk down the aisle in her wedding gown."

A few good-natured grumbles followed as cameras and cell phones slid out of sight.

Next, Cheri nodded to the largest of the viewing areas. "If you'll all take your seats with Brianna on the sofas, we'll get this party started."

There was a slight juggling for position before, with Alicia on one side and Mildred on the other, Brianna sat on the center sofa. The rest arrayed themselves around her. They'd barely gotten settled when, wearing a black skirt and white blouse, a young woman emerged from the back, carrying a tray of champagne flutes. The next server carried a tray of dainty cookies and petit fours. After everyone helped themselves from the offerings, Cheri clapped her hands.

"Brianna, dear. Today, I have three gowns for you to choose from, each lovelier than the next. Thanks to the wonderful people at Weddings Today , who supplied us with all the pertinent information, each dress is perfectly suited for a woman of your height and build. No matter which one you choose, you have my personal guarantee your dress will fit you perfectly on your wedding day. So, are you ready?"

The moment Brianna bobbed her head, Cheri stepped behind a narrow podium. An approving chorus rose from the women as the first model stepped from behind a curtain onto a burgundy runner that led to the dais.

"Your first choice is a Sophie Olsen original. This stunning gown features a romantic V neckline delicately trimmed in pearls and crystals." Cheri spun her finger in a circle, and the model turned. "Frosted embroidery graces the layers of tulle and organza that form a mermaid silhouette."

Evelyn gulped. The gown had to cost a king's ransom. She had to admit, though, on the right bride, it would be worth the cost.

As the first model stepped from the dais, a second emerged from the back of the building. This one wore a slightly less fitted dress with cap sleeves.

"Donna Marsha designed this fairytale-inspired gown, which hugs the upper body before flaring out at the waist," Cheri said to a chorus of happy murmurs. "Crafted from the finest of materials, the dress is adorned with delicate lace at the bodice and along the skirt."

From her seat at the end of the banquette, Evelyn studied Brianna's face. Judging from the slight tension along her jaw, the bride hadn't been thrilled by either of the first two options. She crossed her fingers and sent up a silent prayer. Please let this final choice be the one.

Cheri sipped water from a tumbler as the white curtain in the back of the room parted again, this time revealing a stunning ball gown. "I chose to go with a new take on a more traditional look for our final option. The square back enhances the sense of innocence and youth portrayed by this gown, while the pockets in this beautiful dress provide an unexpected functionality." The owner snapped her fingers and grinned when the model on the dais rotated slowly, her hands disappearing into the folds of fabric.

Evelyn joined in the applause that followed. She didn't know who was happier, Brianna or herself. She'd seen how the girl had straightened when the third model had walked into the room. Though she agreed with Cheri's assessment that each gown was absolutely beautiful, only one had lit a spark in the bride's eyes.

Meanwhile, Mildred Morrey tugged on one of Brianna's arms. "I simply can't wait to see you in that first gown. You'll rock the mermaid look."

"Oh, posh." Opal slipped her hand over the girl's. "The second one is my choice. You'll look like a princess in that dress."

Alicia turned to Jenny. The older woman's stage whisper sounded over the thickly carpeted floors. "Which one do you think she should choose?"

"I'm not supposed to have a favorite." Jenny folded her hands in her lap.

"But …" Alicia stared, insistent.

"But I'd have to say, I do love a dress with pockets." The event planner flashed Evelyn a bright smile while titters of laughter rippled through the room.

"Brianna, dear," Cheri said when the room quieted. "Feel like trying on a few dresses?"

Brianna went still as a statue. A statue with a deer-in-the-headlights stare that Evelyn recognized only too well. She scrambled to her feet and hustled to the bride's side. "How about if I come with you?"

Brianna tipped tear-filled eyes to hers. "Would you?"

"Of course. What fun is trying on wedding gowns by yourself?" Grabbing two flutes of champagne from a server, she handed one to Brianna. "Come on. This'll be fun."

Brianna rose. "Y'all don't drink all the champagne while I'm gone." She laughed .

"No promises." Mildred lifted her glass. One by one, the others followed suit in a toast to the bride-to-be.

They trailed Cheri to a dressing room painted the same soothing ecru as the walls in the viewing area. There, three gowns hung on satin-covered hangers along the wall.

"Which one do you want to try on first?" Evelyn asked when the bride-to-be hesitated.

"I guess we should take them in order," Brianna said, while her focus remained on the final gown.

"You're the bride. It's your choice."

Her voice firming, Brianna said, "In order, then." She slipped out of a simple skirt and blouse. Rapidly, she stepped into the center of the puddle of organza and tulle Evelyn helped Cheri arrange for her. Together, they pulled the strapless gown into place. As Evelyn suspected, the gown slipped over Brianna's thin frame like it'd been made for her.

Stepping back, Evelyn eyed the bride. Dampness stung her eyes. "Absolutely stunning," she declared.

"Let's go show the others."

"I don't know," Brianna murmured. Staring at herself in the mirror, she raised her hands protectively across her chest. "There's way more of me outside this dress than there is in it."

"Wait a sec." Cheri bustled about. "Let me see, let me see." The shop owner tucked a piece of fabric here, pinned a bit there. In the end, the bodice rose an inch higher. "There." The shop owner's ruby-red lips widened. "That's better. Hands at your sides now," she said, demonstrating.

"If you say so." Despite Cheri's reassurances, Brianna's shoulders slumped a bit.

"It'll be fine," Evelyn encouraged. "That gown is amazing on you."

A hush fell over the room as Brianna emerged from the dressing area in front of Cheri and Evelyn. Her guests let out a collective "ohhh" when the bride-to-be stepped onto the dais.

"Oh, honey!" Mildred said, pressing a hand over her heart. "You look as pretty as, well, a bride."

"Not quite," a deeper voice responded. Stepping from behind a mannequin, the smartly dressed owner of Chantilly Veils crossed the room, his arms laden with gauzy fabric. He jogged up the stairs onto the dais. "My name's Ames. Now, this gown is absolutely stunning, and you look just as gorgeous in it. My job is to make sure your veil doesn't take away from the dress, but only complements it. "

He circled around to Brianna's back. "Can you tip your head up for me, darlin'?" Doing as requested, Brianna stood stock-still while Ames fluttered and fussed. "There now. How's that?" The man stepped to one side while Brianna swung to face the mirror.

Her lips parted in a real smile. "This is real pretty, Mr. Ames." She fingered the sheer fabric that ended at her elbow.

Evelyn dabbed at her eyes. The simple veil was so perfect, Ames must have created it just for this bride and this dress. As an added plus, it gave the illusion of being more substantial that it was, which helped put Brianna at ease. She gave a breathy sigh. Ames was a miracle worker. Seeing the transformation his veil had worked on this bride-to-be, she could hardly wait to have him work his magic for her.

Of course, there was the little problem of finding her Mr. Right. Now wasn't the time to think of that, though. Not when a salon full of women waited to see Brianna in the next gown.

Returning to the dressing area, she and the bride repeated the process twice more. Each time, Brianna looked more and more breathtaking in the creations Cheri had chosen. And each time, Ames added the icing to the proverbial cake with another perfect veil. There wasn't a dry eye in the salon when it was time to leave.

As she said goodbye to the bride, Opal leaned in to whisper in Brianna's ear.

"What'd she say to you?" Evelyn asked when she and the bride-to-be were alone and headed for the car.

"She told me to stop by her store and pick out a pair of shoes to wear in my wedding. On the house."

Evelyn felt her jaw come unhinged. She stared at the bride with open envy. "The Glass Slipper?" she screeched.

"That's a good thing, I take it?" Questions loomed in Brianna's eyes.

"I'll say. That place is amazing. They have the most gorgeous shoes. Even better, Opal recently started carrying Sophie Olsen's new line of heels." At Brianna's confused look, she clarified. "The designer of the mermaid gown. Oh. My. Goodness. If you think that dress was spectacular, wait till you see her shoes. They're to die for."

"Well, I guess I'd better schedule time for a little shopping trip." Brianna flexed her foot to show off a cute pair of flats with pink bows. "I do love new shoes."

They were back in the car again when Brianna turned to her, her mood sober. "Thanks for today," she said, her voice low. "Please tell all those ladies thank you, too. That was so sweet of them, giving up their afternoon to look at wedding gowns with me. I was touched."

Evelyn waved a hand. "I'm sure they'd thank you for the privilege. Each of them dreams of shopping for wedding gowns with their daughters or nieces one day." She leaned into the soft cushions. They'd had a few rough moments, but the day had turned out beautifully. "You and Daniel are going to make such a lovely couple. I can't wait to see his eyes when you walk down the aisle wearing one of those creations. Do you know which one you're going to pick yet?"

"I'm still thinking. I wish I could ask him about it."

Her stomach clenched when a single, fat tear rolled down Brianna's cheek. Had she said something wrong? "What is it?" she asked, tensing.

"I can't even decide which dress to wear. I—I'm not sure I can go through with this."

"The Wedding-in-a-Week festivities? They can be a bit much, can't they?" She fanned herself, trying hard to put the bride at ease. "It was asking a lot to expect you to choose a venue and a gown on the same day. Maybe I should suggest we schedule those events differently next year. What do you think?" When the girl didn't answer, she prompted, "Brianna?"

"It's not just Wedding-in-a-Week. It's—it's the wedding, too."

The bride's thready whisper sent her stomach into freefall. Shocked, she went still as a stone. Sure, the girl had been in tears a couple of times today, but that was to be expected. Wasn't it? After all, all the brides on the reality TV shows cried. None of them called off their weddings. "Why would you even think that?"

Brianna turned a pair of watery eyes on her. "Look at me. The least little thing happens, and I fall completely apart. I'm not what Daniel needs. He's serving his country. He doesn't need a wife he has to worry about while he's away. He needs someone he can count on to keep things running smoothly at home.

"Somebody better, stronger than me."

"That's … th at's …" She faltered as she pictured Brianna and Daniel at the Captain's Cottage that morning. "I've seen the way he looks at you, Brianna. The man is head over heels in love with you."

"Well, there is that," Brianna said with a self-deprecating laugh. "It's just, sometimes, I don't think it's enough."

"You said yourself he's always been your rock."

"That's the problem." Brianna's head dipped. Her blond hair fell forward to hide her face. "He's always helping me , lending me his strength. I should be able to help him, too. Shouldn't I?"

Evelyn paused for a breath. Only one question mattered. She prayed for strength and asked, "Do you love him?"

"Oh, yes," Brianna breathed. "More than anything."

"Well, there you have it, then. You're meant for each other."

"I wish I could be as sure as you are." As the car pulled to the curb in front of the Union Street Bed-and-Breakfast, Brianna looked up. Her eyes swam in a lake of unshed tears, but the smile she wore only wavered slightly. "You know what? I'm beat." She yawned behind one hand. "I think I'll go upstairs and take a nap before dinner."

"You do that. A little rest will do you a world of good." She crossed her fingers. Today had only been the beginning of a full week of decision-making, and Brianna had been on an emotional roller-coaster for most of it. No wonder the girl was exhausted. She mentally rifled through the schedule. Alicia had marked tonight as a date night. A little private time with her fiancé sounded like the perfect prescription for Brianna's pre-wedding jitters. "You and Daniel have dinner plans, right?"

"Yes." Interest sparked in Brianna's blue eyes. "We're going to a steak house. It's one of our three choices for the rehearsal dinner. Daniel will like that. He loves a good steak."

"That'll be great. Get a nice rest and a good meal. You'll feel a hundred percent better. Tomorrow's another big day."

"So I'll see you tomorrow?" Brianna stepped from the car.

"I wouldn't miss it," she assured the bride through the open door. She kept her smile in place while her charge mounted the steps into the bed-and-breakfast. The moment Brianna slipped inside, though, she groaned. Nothing in her role as bookkeeper for the Captain's Cottage had prepared her for dealing with a bride on the verge of calling off the wedding. She needed help, needed advice. But from whom?

Not Alicia. The event planner had placed the bride-to-be in her hands. While she considered Jenny one of her best friends, at the first whiff of trouble, the young woman would insist on taking the problem straight to her boss. So, no, asking Jenny for advice was out of the question, too .

That left only one person. At the thought, she brightened. She might not know how to handle a hesitant bride, but she did know a thing or two about weddings. And Ryan, well, he was one of the smartest people she knew. Once the two of them put their heads together, they'd come up with a plan for helping her bride-to-be remember all the reasons why she and Daniel were meant to be together.

After asking the driver to take her to the Captain's Cottage, she whipped out her phone. Leaning into the cushions, she punched Ryan's number, already looking forward to spending some extra time with him far more than she thought she should.