Page 55 of The Wedding Run
“That I have yet to learn.” He selects a few leaves, bows formally, and hands me sprigs of spinach like a bouquet.
“Thank you.” I flounce into a curtsy. “I’ll use it for dinner, kind sir.”
He studies me. “I figured you for a city girl.”
“Born and raised in Atlanta, but Momma always had a garden with lots of vegetables. I can remember helping her harvest, wash, and even can them. You should plant a bed of flowers; I bet they would grow well here in this patch of sunshine.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You could take a bouquet for your dates,” I say, realizing this feels very much like one. “Benelope would love it.”
“Right.” He continues walking.
“Momma,” I say, changing topics, “loved growing zinnias and daisies.‘Ah Sun-flower! Weary of time.’” When Luke looks at me, I explain, “That was the line I couldn’t remember. From the poem.”
“William Blake,” he states.
“You should plant sunflowers too. Momma arranged flowers to decorate the house. Charlie would pick off the petals, but Momma would collect them and make potpourri. When she died, Dad was too busy taking care of three growing girls and holding down a job to tend to the garden. But I remember the pleasure it gave Momma, using it to feed her family and bring sunshine into the house.”
I’ve said too much. Luke watches me, his gaze steady and open.
“I bet you feel that way helping others with their weddings or events,” he says, surprising me. “You watch a business growthrough the years, as well as couples who marry and have families. You’re bringing sunshine into people’s lives.”
His words touch me. “I never thought of it that way. Honestly, I fell into coordinating events. In school, I was known for my organizational skills. Surprise, surprise. If someone couldn’t find their handout or notes, they always knew I had them. In college, a friend was getting married and on a tight budget, and she asked me to help plan her wedding. I did such a good job that another friend hired me, and word spread.”
“We both started our businesses in college,” Luke says. Then his phone dings. “Excuse me. Need to see if it’s Roxie.”
“Of course.” I step away, giving him space. “I’m going to attempt to call that photographer again for Andrea.”
CHAPTER 28
Luke
It’s not Roxie who is calling me. It’s Derek.
I consider not taking the call, but he is my friend and business partner. So, I answer, keeping my voice low. “Hey.”
“Are you with her?” Derek asks.
“What’s up?” I ask, sidestepping his question.
“Are you doing what I asked, what you agreed to?”
“What’s that?” I ask, knowing good and well what I promised.
“Are you talking me up, encouraging Libby to marry me?”
“She can make her own decisions.” I glance over at Libby as she wanders through the raised beds. I turn away and keep my voice low. “Look, Derek, she said it’s over. Let her go.”
There’s a long pause before Derek says, “I knew it. You’re interested in her.”
I scoff. “You don’t like to lose. No matter what it is. Even if you don’t care about her. But she isn’t a business or a piece of property.”
“If you don’t do what you promised, Luke–” Derek’s voice sounds like he’s pushing the words through gritted teeth.
“Then what?” I challenge. “Are you threatening me? My business?”
“Don’t test me, Luke.”
