Page 36 of Espresso Your Love

He lowers his hands and releases a laugh. “Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings,” he teases before turning away.

Did that really just happen? I guess there’s no hiding how excited I am about our date.

I go inside and get ready for my run. It’s later than usual, but I have to stay on track for my training for the Turkey Trot. I’ll get in a couple of miles at least.

It’s a perfect fall day today, and my run is invigorating. Or is that still the aftermath of my morning with Ryan? Either way, it’s a beautiful day.

I get back home from my run and get ready for the day. A few errands then I’m meeting Ryan for our last security meeting. We’re just a few days from the festival now. All security will be in attendance for this one. I thought the last meeting went fine, but Ryan requested one more before the event.

My first stop is the bookstore. I asked Mason to let me know when he got the latest release from Ivy Finch, my favorite cozy mystery author. I won’t have time to read it until after the festival, but at least I’ll have it.

I’m about to walk into the store when my phone rings in my pocket. It’s Mrs. Whittaker, my old mentor.

“Cassie, dear, I have news.”

“I’m all ears,” I say, preparing my emotions for whatever it might be.

“I just got off the phone with the Mercers. They want you to be their wedding planner!”

“TheMercers?” I repeat.

“The benefits of making connections and knowing people, my dear,” she says matter-of-factly. “They want you to fly out as soon as possible. Can you leave the day after the festival?”

“Um, yes, I have a few days open.”

“Perfect. I’ll get everything over to you in a jiffy.”

This will be the wedding of the century. The Mercers are a small family from Indiana and are well-known for their connections through real estate. They aren’t the kind of rich to be front and center in the news, but I did hear that Caleb Mercer, the grandson, just proposed to a small-town baker. I’ve workedhard this last year, but I still can’t believe all the opportunities that are starting to come my way. I’ve planned all sorts of events, but none of my clients have had the kind of reputation the Mercer family has.

I immediately text Ashley and tell her the news. She replies that she’ll meet me here. In the meantime, I wander through the bookstore. The scent of books is intoxicating. As I wander through the cozy mystery section, my eye catches on a book with a German shepherd on the front. Out of curiosity, I pick up the book and read the blurb on the back. It’s about a detective and a mystery-solving canine set in a small town.

I laugh to myself at the irony. I tuck it under my arm, deciding to get it for Ryan. Just a small thank you to him for helping me with my car.

“Ah, this is a good series, Cassie. You’ll like it,” Mason says as he rings it up. “And I have the other one you requested too.”

“Great, thanks, Mason.”

The door chimes as Ashley bursts into the store. “The Mercer wedding?”

I glance around to see if anyone else heard her. “It’s not official, yet,” I say, hushed.

Ashley rolls her eyes. “You’re too modest, Cassie Thompson.”

“I fly out the day after the festival. Mrs. Whittaker already sent me my flight information.”

She grabs me by my shoulders, and she starts jumping up and down. The excitement builds in me, and I join her.

“‘I’m flying out!’ How official does that sound?”

“Look out, world, Cassie Mae is taking over!” Ashley shouts.

I laugh, feeling incredibly grateful for her support.

“Here are your books, Cassie.” Mason holds a bag out for me.

“Oh, Mason. I’m so sorry for the interruption.” I grab it from him. “Thank you.”

I loop my arm through Ashley’s and walk out of the bookstore.

---