Page 13 of An Inconvenient Plan
Silvia sat down. “Phillip is just here to make sure I don’t do anything too crazy.”
Phillip chuckled and took the seat next to his sister. “Must keep up appearances.”
“Welcome to modern times,Dad,” Silvia said.
Hailey took the rose corsage with baby’s breath out of its plastic container and crossed to Silvia. “For the bride. May I pin it to your sweater?”
“Sure, thanks!”
Hailey attached it. Silvia fingered a rose petal, smiling just like every bride Hailey had ever given a rose. Most brides liked feeling special right from the start.
She walked around the table to her seat. Phillip unexpectedly joined her, holding her chair out for her in a gallant gesture that made her giddy. “Thank you,” she murmured, taking her seat.
“My pleasure,” he said in a husky voice.
Silvia rolled her eyes and smacked his arm as he walked back to his seat.
The security guards returned. Three of them stood along the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and the fourth by the entrance to the room. Rose went over to sniff one of the guards’ shoes.
Silvia looked around the ballroom. “This is gorgeous! I love the parquet flooring and the white crown molding.” She looked up. “And the chandelier. So romantic!”
Hailey beamed. She loved this room too. “It really is romantic, especially when we have an evening reception with candlelight.”
Silvia squealed, and Phillip gave her an indulgent smile. So sweet the way he looked out for his little sister!
Hailey handed them each a business card and started with her standard spiel. “We’re meeting in the center of the ballroom so you’ll feel what it’ll be like when you’re the center of attention.” She shook her head at herself. “I suppose you already know what that feels like, Silvia.”
“I do, but I hope you can make it feel like a romantic intimate event.”
“Absolutely,” Hailey said.
Phillip picked up her business card, reading it, and then looked at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Her cheeks heated. The card was embossed with silver bells and read Hailey Adams, Love Junkie, Wedding Planner. She should probably take out Love Junkie. It didn’t fit her outlook so much now.
She turned to Silvia. “Tell me how you imagined your big day.”
Phillip spoke up. “Her big day is the wedding back home. This is a smaller affair meant to take care of legalities.”
Silvia rolled her eyes. “So romantic, Philly.” She turned to Hailey. “I just can’t bear for my first wedding ceremony to be some boring legal matter in a judge’s chambers. When I read your feature article inBride Specialonline, I just knew you’d understand how to make it special. I have the dress, a gorgeous silk sheath with beading on the bodice, but I’d also like something that’s really us. Cade and I adore live music, especially jazz.”
“Oh! We have one of the best jazz singers in the world right here in Clover Park. Zoe Reynolds. She recently won a Grammy.”
“Are you serious?” Silvia exclaimed. “I love her! Do you think she’d do it?”
Hailey grabbed her pen and made a note of it. “She performs in town on occasion. Once we set a date, I’ll ask her.”
“That would be amazing! Wait until I tell Cade.”
Hailey smiled. “What else would make it your dream wedding?”
Silvia warmed to the topic. “I’d love tulips.” She gestured to the bouquet on the table. “Nice touch. Also, beautiful satin ribbons and bows, everything pastel and soft, glowing under candlelight. Dreamy and romantic.”
Just like Hailey used to imagine for herself when she’d thought a happy-ever-after was just around the corner. “I’m getting the picture. It sounds lovely. Indoors or outdoors? We do have beautiful grounds with a large patio.”
“Has to be indoors for privacy,” Phillip said with a wink.
Hailey felt herself flush as if Phillip had invited her someplace private.Focus!
Silvia nodded. “I love this ballroom. Indoors is fine.”
