Page 9 of Marry Me

“Forever a frat boy. He means well, though, and luckily has a kind heart.”

Allison laughed. “Both are true.”

“And a jawline like a superhero.”

“Again, I can’t argue.” She paused. “So, what do we do now?”

Megan took out her appointment book. “We schedule a follow-up. I’ve got your basics down and have some idea of some options to pull together for next time, so we can work on narrowing our focus. Your homework assignment is to take a look at my website and some of the photographs of weddings we’ve done in the past. Make note of any detail that stands out to you. Flag things that you like and things that you don’t.”

“I can do that,” Allison said. “Honestly, seeing all of the images helps me navigate through my very cluttered brain, and you keeping track of everything for me is just, wow.”

“All part of my job.”

Allison gestured to the larger office beyond the lounge. “I notice you have lots of people working here. This is a major operation.” She made a gesture as if her brain was exploding.

“There are six of us on staff and a variety of part-time helpers for weekend events.”

Allison stood, gathering her things. “Do you meet with everyone personally? That must be exhausting.”

“Actually, I don’t. I have a handful of clients who are mine, and I help oversee my staff as they handle their own events and clients. We’re all project managers here.”

“Oh.” Allison’s mouth fell open. “Well, then I’m honored. Thank you so much for taking the time to see me.” She held up a finger. “But I’m guessing this is more of a Carmichael thing.”

Megan smiled. “Well, the Carmichaels are a big client. We handle so many of their corporate events that I wanted to handle your wedding personally. It’s my honor and pleasure.”

“I won’t argue. I won’t balk. I’ll take all the help I can get, and I can already tell the rumors are true. You’re amazing. A wedding genius sent from above to save me from what I simply do not know.”

“Well, thank you for saying so, but wait until I force you to start making the hard decisions.”

Allison grimaced. “I get nervous just thinking about it. I have Tums in the car.”

Megan placed a hand on her shoulder. “I will hold your hand and not let you fail at this. Got it?”

“Got it,” Allison said quietly. “And now I will leave, so you can go home and concentrate on your own life.” She looked around. “What’s it like to work in a place as sophisticated as this? I’m passing out tissues and redirecting kids away from jokes about bodily functions.”

“Honestly, it’s a dream job, but I bet yours is equally fulfilling if not more.”

Allison scrunched her shoulders. “It’s true. I love it. Immature jokes and all. While I envy you, I know I’ve found my calling.”

“Doesn’t that feel amazing?”

If Allison could light up any more, she did in that moment. “Like the coziest of gloves. The kind that have become overly fuzzy from so much wear, but you’re planning never to get rid of them because they arethegloves.”

“I’ve never considered the wonder of overly fuzzy gloves.”

“Well, you must,” Allison said in earnest. “They’re a gift to us all, and I demand you seek some out. Though it takes time to accomplish. The fuzz generation.”

“I’ll never take them for granted again.”

With a wave, Allison was off, and Megan was left with a smile on her face.

“I guess the Carmichael meeting went well. You’re grinning,” Kelsey said.

“It went fine, it’s just…she’s fun. Different.” She shook her head,trying to pinpoint it. “Easygoing, I guess, is the best way to describe her. Extra talkative, but I got the feeling it was because she was nervous. A nice person. Go, Brent.”

Kelsey exhaled. “Thank God. We have enough high maintenance women to keep happy and a few demanding men.”

“Do you have many extra fuzzy gloves?”

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