Page 40 of The Sexy Part
“I love you,” Tom says, rubbing his nose against hers.
“I love you more,” Tara says.
“No, I love you more.”
“I love you the mostest.”
After twenty minutes, they haven’t decided anything. I turn the page in the binder and point to a traditional white wedding cake with a topper. “How’s this?”
“I was thinking—” Tara starts.
“Tiramisu,” Tom and Tara finish in unison.
“Jinx!” Tara says. “You owe me a kiss.”
Tom frames her face in his hands and gives her a tender kiss. My gut does a slow churn. They’re so in love. Was I ever that in love? Dave never loved me. Not really. If he had, we’d be married. Instead he’s with Sheila and her llamas.
When they finally come up for air, Hailey says brightly, “It’s refreshing to meet such a happy couple. Would you like to host your wedding here or at a church? We can accommodate either.”
“Here would be good,” Tara says.
“Yes,” Tom says. “As long as you can accommodate a priest and a rabbi.”
“Absolutely,” Hailey says. “We’ve had many interfaith ceremonies. Let me look at some dates for you.”
“We want it on Christmas Day,” Tom says. “That’s the anniversary of our first date. We met at a friend’s Christmas party.”
“We’re closed on Christmas,” I say. “Right, Hailey?”
“We are. Might I suggest a warm-weather day?”
“I freckle in the sun,” Tara says.
“Your freckles are beautiful,” Tom says.
“Really? Did you see my neck recently?”
He nuzzles her neck, and she squeals.
I look away. Their happiness has nothing to do with me. This is business. I shouldn’t feel bad that I never had that absolute adoration.
“How about Easter Sunday?” Tara asks. “I love chocolate bunnies. We can decorate the place with chocolate bunnies and hide Easter eggs.”
Tom gives Tara a gentle smile. “My family might not be keen on the Easter symbolism, pookie bear. How about Purim?”
“What’s Purim again?” Tara asks.
“How about we avoid holidays altogether?” I ask. “You could have a beautiful spring or summer wedding on a random Saturday.”
I glance at Hailey. She doesn’t look happy.
“Random?” Tom asks. “It’s like you don’t think the date signifies anything.”
“It’s supposed to be our special day,” Tara says. “Meaningful to us.” She turns to Hailey. “I thought you said this was a place where the clients’ needs come first.”
“It is!” Hailey exclaims.
“You sound bitter,” Tom says to me. “Did your own wedding not go as planned?”
