Page 45 of The Wedding Toast
“That's right.But I agree.There are going to be deliveries and caterers and all kinds of people around.Maybe we should have a word with Hannah and see if she'd mind keeping Zia with Ava – it might work out well for both of them.Ava won't have time to get nervous about the wedding while Zia's around.”
“That's not a bad idea,” said Callie, but she frowned.
“What?”
“I was thinking about Saturday morning.Hannah's going to be busy getting Ava ready, and that's when it's going to be busiest.Alara will be putting the flowers on the arch, and there'll be all kinds of people wandering around.We'll be getting you ready, your folks will be busy, Elena will be rushed off her feet.”
Becca nodded.“We'll think of something.If it comes down to it, she can hang out with us while we get ready.”
Callie laughed.“I adore the kid, but I'm not sure that's a good idea – she might bedazzle your dress while we're doing your makeup or roll you in glitter or something.”
Becca laughed with her.“It'll be fine – we'll find someone who can keep an eye on her.”She slowed Grover as she approached the split in the driveway.“Do you think we should go and have a word with Alara now?I know she's still out there.”
“No.”Callie shook her head vigorously.“Sorry, I don't mean to yell at you, Becs, but no.”
“Oh!Of course – I’m not supposed to go in the garage, am I?”She narrowed her eyes at her friend.“And even you know why – what the secret is?”
“I do, and as much as I love you, this is one secret I won't share with you.”
“Aww, I love you for not telling me.”
Callie chuckled.“All I will say is that I think you'll love Jacob even more when he's finally ready for you to know what the secret is.”
“I don't think it's possible for me to love that man any more than I already do.”
“Maybe so, but I still can't wait to see your face.”
“I wanted to ask Alara to come tonight.”Becca made a face.“I feel bad that she's been out there working by herself the last few days.”
“She's doing her job, Becs.I wouldn't feel too bad about it if you don't get the chance to ask her.How would she be able to come?She doesn't have anyone to watch Zia.”
Becca sighed.“I know, but...oh look, this is Trick and Elliott.Do you want to stop and say hi?”
Becca felt a little foolish when she waved at the two pilots.Trick was driving his SUV, and she assumed that they must be headed home.But there were two women sitting in the back – they must be wedding guests, but Becca didn't recognize either one of them.She could hardly drive by with no more than a wave now, though.
Trick stopped his SUV and put his window down.Becca did the same.
It was strange – he seemed a little tense even though he smiled.“Hi, Becca.We're on our way to drop Delaney off with Hannah and then deliver Annalise back to her place.”
She supposed it was fair that he wouldn't feel like he needed to make any formal introductions.These women were guests at her wedding; it was reasonable for him to assume that she'd know them.She didn't, but from their names, she at least knew about them.
“I didn't mean to hold you up,” she told him.“Just wanted to say hi.”She waved at the women in the back seat.Jacob had told her about both of them – Delaney was a luxury branding specialist, a friend of Hannah's from LA, who'd done work for most of the Napa wineries at one time or another.Annalise was a lady who used to live here in Napa years ago when she was married to her very not-nice husband – who she was now divorced from.
The one sitting behind Trick put her window down.She was older, so she must be Annalise.
“It's lovely to meet you, Becca.”
“You too.”And it was true.Annalise was maybe in her late forties, early fifties.She had a sweet and gentle air about her.She seemed like someone Becca would like to know.
The younger woman leaned forward with a smile.“Hi, I'm Delaney.It's a pleasure.Hannah's told me so much about you.I can't wait to have a chat.”
She seemed nice too.“I'll look forward to it,” said Becca.
“And you must be Callie?”
Callie turned in her seat to be able to see them better.“That's right – I'm the bridesmaid from back home in Kansas.”
“And talented ceramicist from what I hear,” said Delaney.“I'll be cornering you for a chat too at some point over the weekend.”
