Page 65 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

He started to walk away. “Oh, and hey…”

Gia turned. “Yes?”

“Will you dance with me tonight when they play a slow song?”

Gia’s face relaxed into a smile.

An event planner didn’t normally dance at the parties she was throwing, but an exception could be made, right? Most women in the field weren’t dating the owner of the venue where their event was being held. This was Seth’s family’s home, and after all, he was on the guest list. Besides, Mrs. Trewet wouldn’t mind. The woman was a hopeless romantic.

“I would love to.”

“It’s a date, then.” Seth bit his lower lip, smiled at her, and hurried off.

Gia grinned and pulled out her clipboard again. She couldn’t wait.

About ten minutes later, the first guests arrived and Gia greeted them, pointing them to the counter with the seating assignments.

An hour and a half later, everything was going according to plan. Mr. and Mrs. Trewet were animated, caught up in lively conversation with friends. Soft background music played. Guests mingled, chatting, sipping drinks, and sampling appetizers from trays being passed around by waitstaff. The Pederson’s cherry wine was even available for guests, a last-minute change Abigail had wholeheartedly agreed to. Gia watched from the ground-level porch outside the farm store and breathed her first sigh of relief of the evening. Milepost number one—check.

Gia also noticed that Seth made an impressive host. He’d been chatting with dozens of people, making his way around the lawn to greet guests and introduce himself. He seemed to be doing his best to make the night a success and interest others who might want to throw a party at the orchard. Gia smiled, watching him shake hands and laugh.

Gia caught a whiff of the chicken entrée the caterers were cooking up in tents in the side parking lot. Dinner would be served soon so she’d better start directing the guests to the tables. Already, the first of the breadbaskets and salads were being brought out, and several people had noticed and begun to wander to their seats. But most had not. Convincing people to leave the open-bar area for the seated portion of the evening was often the most challenging part of an event.

She started toward the crowd when her phone trilled and stopped to grab it from her pocket as Tom’s name lit up the screen. What did he want? To hash out her relationship with Seth again? It seemed like the only thing he wanted to discuss with her lately. She didn’t have time for that conversation right now—however good his intentions might be. He’d have to wait. She could call him back tonight after the party, or tomorrow, since she’d probably get home late. This just wasn’t the time.

Fifteen minutes later, the guests were enjoying their salads over lively table conversation. Seth had noticed Gia’s attempts to corral them all and had lent a hand. He really had a wonderful comfort level with people, even in a crowd. She’d given him a silentthank youfrom afar and he’d returned a warm smile. He’d taken his seat at his parents’ table on the far side of the lawn with several other longtime members of the agricultural community, where she guessed he’d be involved in a spirited discussion about something or other by now. He was a natural at hosting.

Gia returned to the porch where she could get out of the way while the caterers handled the meal. A few minutes later, she turned, surprised, as a young woman with long brown hair touched her on the arm. The woman was carrying an overnight bag and a handbag. It seemed strange she’d bring luggage here, but maybe she’d taken a cab and would be staying with friends for the night or something? She must not be from the area.

“Excuse me, but I just got into town. Can you point me to the family hosting the event?” She glanced across the wide lawn at the banquet in progress, clutching her bags.

“Sure,” Gia said amiably, “and, welcome! But everyone’s having dinner right now, so if you like, I can help you find your table and take you to the guests of honor later. Are you a family member or a friend of the Trewets?” She took a few steps toward the list of table assignments and the woman followed. So that explained the overnight bag.

“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean the guests of honor. I meant the Pedersons.”

Gia raised an eyebrow. The woman was about Gia’s age. Tall, attractive, fashionably dressed. She hesitated. “Oh. All right.” That was odd. Gia hadn’t noticed an empty seat at the Pederson’s table. “I’ll check where you’re supposed to be.” She scanned the table assignments. “What’s your name?”

“Uh, thanks. It’s Stacey Lochner, but I’m not here for the party. I’m looking for Seth Pederson. Do you happen to know him?”

Gia’s eyes went wide. “Uh, yes—I do,” she stuttered, her pulse quickening. “Is he expecting you?”

Stacey. This wasStacey?

“Actually, no, he’s not. I just flew in from California. It’s a surprise. I’m kind of nervous to see him.”

Oh my goodness.Seth said it was over between him and Stacey. What in the world was she doing here?

Gia glanced around.Of all the…This wasn’t something she could allow to ruin tonight’s event. Her heart began to pound.

“Look, uh, Seth is out there attending to guests. It’s almost aworkingevening for him. I’m not sure he’d appreciate—”

“Oh, I get it. No problem. I didn’t realize it would be tonight, although he told me about it a few weeks ago—is this the big anniversary party he’s been planning? He was so excited about it the last time we talked about it.”

“Yes, it is.” Gia tried to keep a cool head. She chewed on her lip. What was Seth going to say tothis?

“I can do a lap and find him if you don’t know where he is.” Stacey made a move toward the lawn.

“Oh no, don’t do that,” Gia answered quickly, stepping in front of her. “Please.” She’d better do something before Stacey took it upon herself to hunt him down. Abigail and Tim Trewet would not appreciate the scene it might create. Now would Gia. “I’ll go and get him for you. Please just make yourself comfortable here.”

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