Page 30 of The Jellybean Dilemma

My mind raced to all we needed to do—check the weather, see who else would be affected, and what other arrangements needed to be made. “What was she responsible for?”

Her tear-streaked face appeared for a second before crumpling once more. “Everything!”

Not the smartest choice. Always better to have a local in charge because of circumstances like this. But we’d make it work. “Mandy.” I touched her shoulder. “I know this seems like the end of the world, but it’s not. I’ve dealt with worse situations and tighter deadlines. I’m a pro at pulling together last-minute details, and I’d be happy to help in any way I can. Could you give me Erin’s number, maybe let her know I’ll be calling?”

Her blotchy face appeared once more, and she sniffed. “For real, Rhonda? You’d do that?”

I nodded, with a gentle smile. “Of cour—”

She flung herself at me, nearly knocking me over. “Thank you!”

I managed to sink onto the stairs instead, patting her back. “You’re welcome.”

When at last she stood up, she dialed Erin. “I’ll fill her in. I’ve already sent you her number,” she said to me as the phone rang. “Erin? You’re not going to believe this!” And she walked upstairs, chatting away as if she hadn’t just had a complete breakdown.

I felt Greg staring at me. “What?”

He stood up, holding out his hand. “I’ll drive you around.” His warm palm slid against mine, his fingers wrapping around my hand as he pulled me up. But he didn’t let go. He just stood there with our arms entwined between us. “Thank you, Jellybean. You saved the day.”

I swallowed, hoping the butterflies would stay put. “Well, I haven’t done anything yet.” With a quick glance at my comfy outfit, I sighed. “Tomorrow I’ll have to glam up a bit. Not all heroes wear capes, you know,” I said, grinning up at him. “This one wears Jimmy Choos.”

“Yeah, she does.” He touched my cheek and anticipation fluttered in me. But he stepped back, and the moment was gone.

After a quick discussion with Erin, I was amazed at the amount of tasks that still needed to be done. And now it all rested on my shoulders. Mandy had one other bridesmaid, but she was seven months pregnant. The only thing she could do was show up at the events.

I felt better once I made a plan. I coordinated with Greg, mapping out the next day. And found myself eager to spend more time with him. Just us.

That night we went upstairs early since we knew we had to clean up the mess from the lamp in my room.

“Ready to kick me out already?” I half-teased to cover the disappointment of giving up my excuse to sleep next to Greg.

He stilled, turning his piercing gaze on me. “Never. I’d never kick you out, Jellybean.”

His words made my mouth go dry, and I studied the carpet. He went back to picking up the big pieces as I vacuumed up the smaller shards, going over every inch of the space. I wondered if he had any idea how much that simple declaration affected me. I played it over and over, searing the words into my heart while a small smile danced on my lips.

When it came time for sleep, I climbed in next to him. “Just so you don’t have to worry about me.”

He smirked knowingly. “I think you’re addicted to your new pillow.”

The teasing lilt in his voice sent a thrill through me. More flirting, and in bed. “Maybe.” I focused on his bare shoulder, pursing my lips before I said as lightly as I could, “Maybe I should try it out, one more time. Just to see.”

A pleased smile crossed his face as he stretched out his arm, and I snuggled into him, humming with pleasure at his warmth.

His lips brushed my forehead. “Good night, Jellybean.”

“Good night, Just Greg.”

* * * *

Our first stop the next morning was the bakery, to double check the cake order for the shower. The array of cupcakes formed the skirt of a wedding dress. The bodice was made of cake as well, with beads and tulle draped over one shoulder. The tops of each cupcake were swirled high with white frosting, some with pearly sprinkles on them. The overall effect was breath-taking. I’d never seen such an elegant display, and I told the baker so.

After confirming payment, as well as delivery place and time, I checked one item off my list. At this rate, we’d be done in no time.

Mandy and Julie were contacting guests about coming in sooner to beat the storm. So, our next stop was the local hotel to see about arranging rooms for this evening. I could’ve called but I knew from experience that in-person contact yielded better results.

Greg escorted me up the slippery sidewalk. Once inside, I put on my game face. I strode up to the counter, smiling at the young lady waiting to help me. “Hi, I’m Rhonda Elgin. I’d like to speak to your manager, please. Nothing is wrong,” I reassured her. “I just have several business questions that I need addressed and would like to go straight to the source.”

She straightened at my name. “Of course, Miss Elgin. I’ll see if she’s available.”

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