Page 65 of Love, Take Two

"Okay," I say, forcing myself into planning mode despite being completely distracted by Emory's hands tracing patterns on myback. "If we're doing this—and apparently we are—we need to think about timing and how this fits with our business goals."

"What are you thinking?"

"We want something beautiful and romantic, but also something that showcases exactly what we can create for clients," I say, the idea taking shape as I speak. "A destination wedding that's genuinely us, but also the ultimate business demonstration."

"I love that," Emory says immediately. "Where were you thinking?"

"Mexico," I say without hesitation. "Tulum specifically. I've been wanting to work with those venues, and the setting is absolutely perfect for both content creation and showing potential clients what we can do."

"When?" he asks, and something about the way he says it suggests he's as eager as I am to make this official.

"Soon," I say without hesitation. "Like, really soon. Two months?"

"Two months?" Emory sits up, looking at me with obvious surprise. "That's not much time to plan a destination wedding."

"It's perfect timing to plan a destination wedding," I correct with a grin. "We're literally destination wedding planners, Emory. If we can't pull off our own celebration in two months, what does that say about our business?"

"Fair point," he says, leaning down to kiss me again. "And you're right about the business opportunity. Our own wedding could be the best marketing we ever create."

"Exactly," I say, already mentally planning. "We document everything, show off our vendor relationships, demonstrate what we can coordinate. Our followers get the fairy tale content they want, and potential clients get to see exactly what we're capable of."

"But," Emory says with a more serious expression, "this isn't just about business, right? This is about us getting married because we want to be married."

"Of course," I say immediately, settling against his chest. "The business showcase is amazing, but the real reason is that I can't wait to be your wife."

"Good," he says, tightening his arms around me. "Because I can't wait to be your husband."

The rest of the morning passes in a blur of client calls that go incredibly well, probably because we're both radiating the kind of happiness that comes from being newly engaged. By lunch, we've booked two more destination weddings and a corporate retreat that will take us to the Amalfi Coast.

"We should probably start actually planning this celebration," I say over sandwiches at our kitchen counter. "Two months isn't that long when you're coordinating international vendors."

"Where do we start?" Emory asks, already pulling up his laptop.

"Venue first," I say, scrolling through my contacts. "I've been building relationships with some incredible properties in Tulum. Let me reach out and see what's available."

Twenty minutes later, we've secured the most romantic location I've ever seen for our wedding. It's a stunning resort built around natural cenotes, with ancient Mayan ruins and gorgeousbeaches. Perfect for both our celebration and showcasing what we can create.

"Maya's going to lose her mind when we tell her," I say, already texting our best friend.

"In a good way or a bad way?"

"Both," I say with a laugh. "She's going to be thrilled that we're getting married and completely offended that we got engaged without consulting her opinion on every single detail."

My phone rings immediately. Maya's face appears on screen looking simultaneously excited and accusatory.

"Did you just text me that you're engaged?" she demands without preamble.

"Surprise?" I say weakly, holding up my left hand to show the ring Emory slipped on my finger while we were planning.

"When did this happen? Why didn't you call me immediately? Where's the ring from? When's the wedding?" Maya fires off questions rapid-fire.

"This morning, because we were busy celebrating, it's gorgeous, and two months from now in Tulum," I answer quickly.

"Two months?" Maya's eyes widen. "Vada, that's not enough time to plan a destination wedding!"

"It's enough time to plan our destination wedding," Emory says, sliding into frame. "Hey, Maya."

"Don't you 'hi Maya' me, Emory Wise," she says, but she's grinning as she says it. "I've been waiting years for this phone call."

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