Page 18 of A Happy Endings Wedding
“I will help put her back together,” Hailey said. “I worked solo for years and there’s quite a lot to keep track of. I’m positive both weddings will go off without a hitch.”
Phillip smiled widely. “Hailey, I knew I was right to ask you to be the inaugural wedding. A toast to you.” He grabbed a glass and filled it with a small amount of brandy, handing it to her.
Josh snatched it out of her hand, and Phillip went and poured another for her.
“Enjoy your brandy,” Gabriel murmured. He set his empty glass on the long bar, turned, and left.
Phillip handed Hailey her glass. “Don’t take him personally,” he said in a low voice. “He does his duty, but he’s not happy about it.”
She glanced over at Gabriel’s retreating back, tension apparent in every step. It must be hard to bear the kingdom on your shoulders, especially with an ailing father. As soon as the door shut behind him, she turned to Phillip. “No worries, really, I couldn’t be happier to be here. I understand his point of view too. I’m sure you’re all under quite a strain right now.”
Phillip lifted his glass with a smile. “To Hailey, wedding planner extraordinaire, the best, most understanding bride, and our salvation!”
They all clinked glasses. Phillip took a healthy swallow of brandy. She and Josh held their drinks.
Phillip cocked his head. “You don’t want to drink to that?”
“We did,” Josh said straight-faced.
Phillip turned to her. “You did?”
Hailey nodded and smiled. “It was symbolic.”
Phillip laughed. “I’ll drink to that too.”
Josh took her glass and emptied it into his before taking a sip.
“Would you like a different drink, Hailey?” Phillip asked. “I could ring for a servant to bring something else.”
“I’d love some milk,” she said.
Josh nodded approvingly.
“Okay, then.” Phillip walked to the far end of the room, picked up a phone, and put in their order with the kitchen. He straightened, speaking urgently before hanging up and turning back to them.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
He walked slowly toward them. “The caterer’s gone on strike.”
Her stomach rolled and she slapped a hand over her mouth.
“Get the palace chef to sub in,” Josh said.
Phillip shook his head. “Our chef refuses to cook for so many people after being snubbed in favor of outside caterers in the first place. I’m afraid he’s very temperamental. Hailey, I’m so sorry. I’m not sure what to do.”
Josh swore. “You should fire your useless chef.”
“His family has served ours for generations. My hands are tied.”
Josh rubbed the back of his neck. “Fine. I’ll cook the reception food for our wedding. The furries can stuff it.”
“No,” Hailey said. “Josh, you have to do the groom thing. I don’t want you working in a hot kitchen on our wedding day. You should be getting ready in your tux, spending time with your brothers, and I’m sure there will be lots of photos and reporter questions for you. This is our special day and—” her voice cracked “—we will enjoy it no matter what.”
“I’ll ask around through the locals,” Phillip said. “See if we can find someone last minute.”
Hailey looked to the ceiling, blinking rapidly.No more hitches! No more!
Josh turned to Phillip. “Time for us to turn in. It’s been a long day. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.” He guided her out, speaking to her in a low soothing tone, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the voice in her head.This wedding is cursed!
