Page 41 of Unexpected Entanglement

“We’re going to use what we have here,” Alex said. “But I understand what you mean.”

Alex yelled out for Oliver to hurry, and soon the duo was off.

“What now, Boss?” Chris asked. “You have the decor, flowers, and food under control. What else is on your list?”

“What’s not on my list?” Rowan sighed and headed inside. “My biggest issue is the staff. I’m borrowing some of the farm’s staff who have had some kind of restaurant experience to help with the food service. And a few others to help with general inn work,but they’ll need to be sorted and trained. Frankie will send the first group this afternoon.”

Rowan gave Chris a quick look as he silently trailed her to the kitchen. The troubled look on his face was apparent.

“I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why I don’t have staff this close to the wedding,” Rowan said.

“That thought has crossed my mind. This place is too big for one person to handle alone.”

“I know.” Rowan shrugged. “But I can’t hire anyone full-time when we’re not even officially open.”

“Then why did you take this wedding on?” he questioned thoughtfully. “It can’t be just for the income.”

Rowan asked herself that question many times since she’d agreed not to cancel it. She’d reasoned that it was for family. Plus, the income and the exposure wouldn’t be bad. But none of that would matter if she screwed it all up.

“Meredith and I have planned for this wedding for over a year while we were renovating. Her mom showed her pics of her grandparent's wedding since she was young. Her grandma was my grandmother’s sister. We were so excited about throwing another family wedding here. But when my dad passed, I couldn’t continue with the project. Then winter came.

“I told Meredith I didn’t think we could do the wedding as planned in May. But she begged and said it was a memory she hoped to recreate for her grandmother. Her grandfather passed a year ago. So, this is also a tribute to his memory.”

“And you can’t say no to that,” Chris deduced.

“When someone has that kind of memory attached to this place, who am I to rain on that?” Rowan added, “And it’ll be nice to focus on someone else’s beautiful memory when my last was not so great.”

Chris looked at her with an unspoken question.

“So, here we are. I made a commitment, and I will deliver. It may kill me, but I will make it happen for Meredith,” she finished.

Chris studied her quietly for a few more seconds before nodding. “Hopefully, with my help, it won’t come to your demise.”

During the next hour, Rowan and Chris concentrated on the careful planning of the wedding weekend. With destination weddings, people had to keep in mind that there were many tasks to take care of before the wedding day.

They had the guest list, arrivals schedules, transportation, room assignments, and preferences. Knowing guests’ allergies or special food needs was also important, especially in a small community like this, where unique food items might be scarce.

Chris reviewed the lists, plans, charts, and budget. They added Alex and Oliver’s meal service plans and came up with a list of staff positions they’d need to fill with the people Frankie would send them at three o’clock. And at one, they came up for air and food.

Rowan shoved her chair back and rose. As she stretched her arms over her head to rid of some stiffness, Chris found himself gazing at her chest for the second time that day. The simple act highlighted the enticing curve of her ample breasts that even the best of men—men better than Chris—couldn’t ignore the sight.

Chris reminded himself why he was there. He shouldn’t be noticing Rowan’s breasts. Or how much her face softened with her hair framing it, or how her eyes brightened when she got shit done.

He averted his gaze to something less enticing when Rowan dropped her arms to her side and walked to the fridge. Good thing she didn’t catch him gawking at her, or she’d have his head. This morning showed they could work well together, and he didn’t need to jeopardize that. He’d never had a problem keeping things professional, and he’d come across many beautiful women in his line of work. It shouldn’t be an issue now.

“How about a sandwich for lunch?” Rowan took out a plastic lunch meat container and a loaf of country bread.

“Sounds good.” Chris joined her by the kitchen island.

“Can you grab the plates?” She pointed to where they stored the dishes.

They made their respective sandwiches side by side. Chris filled up his with ham, mustard, Swiss cheese, and pickles whileshe layered roasted turkey cuts with brie cheese, toasted it, then topped it with thin pieces of apple drizzled with honey.

“That looks good.” Chris eyed her open-face sandwich. They brought their lunch to the patio, where several square iron tables were set up.

Rowan sipped her iced tea. “It is good. You want a bite?”

“Sure.”

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