Page 64 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

Fifteen

Gold was the traditional color for fifty years of marriage, and by four thirty on Saturday afternoon, elegant golden accents gleamed from sparkling white tablecloths atop every round table of ten at the Pederson Orchard’s event space.

Gia checked her clipboard. Everything was under control. The caterers were running on schedule, the cake had arrived in one piece, and the band was finishing up its sound check. The table settings looked exquisite with their gold-rimmed white china. And tall bouquets of yellow roses and violets, the traditional fiftieth wedding anniversary flowers, filled a vase on every table.

Strings of outdoor white lights had been strung on gold-colored wires that led from the store building to the tents and on to the trees. It was going to look absolutely magical when the sun went down in a few hours. Gia was thrilled.

She dusted off her jeans and headed for the ladies’ room to straighten her hair, change, and freshen up. She’d been there for three hours setting up and had worked up a sweat in the afternoon sun. Fortunately, the heat of the day was wearing off. Still, she needed to clean up and change into her cream-colored skirt and dressy pink top, along with a pair of pumps, before the guests arrived.

She changed her outfit, ran a brush through her hair, reapplied her makeup, and headed outside again. The guests would start arriving in about fifteen minutes.

Back at the banquet lawn, her eyes fell on Seth coming toward her from the farmhouse, impeccably dressed in a slim-fitting black suit that both enhanced his muscular build and showcased his refined taste. She drew in a breath. The dark tie he wore over a white button-down set off his clean-shaven, handsome face. She wanted to kiss him. Now.

But that would have to wait. His parents, also dressed smartly for the occasion, strolled along beside him.

Gia smiled and smoothed her skirt, trying to ignore the jitters that had just hijacked her system.

“Mrs. Pederson, so nice to see you again.” Gia held out her hand and they shook.

“It’s wonderful to see you, too, Gia. And please, call me Clara.” She turned. “I don’t think you’ve actually met my husband?”

Mr. Pederson reached out to shake her hand and answered for her. “No, but I’ve heard a lot about you.” He winked at Seth. “Only good things. I’m John.” He directed his gaze at the lawn. “And the setup here looks top-notch. Thanks for all of your hard work.”

“My pleasure.” Gia shook his hand warmly. “It’s great to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you, as well. Thank you for hosting the party tonight.”

John smiled, and he and Clara said they’d see her later then moved on to wander among the tables for a look around.

Seth gave her a hug. “You look amazing.”

Gia tilted her head to the side. “Thanks. But look who’s talking.” She eyed his outfit. “You clean up well.”

“Thanks.” He tugged on his sleeve, straightening the cufflink, and grinned. “I haven’t been in a suit in months. Feels good.”

“Glad to hear it.” She cocked an eyebrow.

He kissed her lightly on the lips and her skin felt warm. But there would be time for more of that later. She straightened her shoulders and tossed back her hair.

“So is everything all set?” he asked.

She cleared her throat. “So far, so good. Everyone’s been on time and the setup’s gone well. We’re almost ready.”

“Well, it looks fantastic. You’re incredible.”

Gia beamed, hunching up her shoulders.

“Come here,” he said, pulling her close. “I can’t get enough of you right now.” He held her tightly, and she breathed him in, closing her eyes and taking the moment to celebrate. The man of her dreams was holding her in a tender embrace. Was this even real?

She finally pulled back. “It wasn’t all me, of course.”

“It wasn’t all you, Gia, but still, you made it all happen.” He looked more serious for a moment. “And I hope you know how happy you make me—and not just because you can throw a good party.” His grin was back.

Seth was right. She’d done a lot of the work, and she’d done a great job. Tonight’s party was coming together as something to be proud of. But it wouldn’t have meant half as much to her if he weren’t a big part of her life.

She smiled. “I do.” She kissed him softly again and then pulled back.

Seth stretched his shoulders. “Okay, I have to go check on a few things over in the warehouse and then make a couple of quick phone calls to a supplier before the party starts. I’ll be back in a little bit. I wanted to get my mom and dad over here early and make sure you were doing all right.”

“Okay. Thanks. I’ll see you soon.” Gia checked her watch. She always wore a watch on event nights.

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