Page 22 of Unpredictable
“Yes.” I smiled, relief flooding me at the realization that I wouldn’t have to sit through another meeting with Harrison. Relief and a twinge of regret that I promptly ignored. “I look forward to meeting him.”
At the reminder of their relationship, I smiled to myself. I couldn’t help it, laughter bubbled out of me.
“What’s so funny?” Harrison asked.
I shook my head, embarrassed by my outburst. “Nothing. I’m sorry.” But then I started giggling again, unable to stop.
“Now you have to tell us,” Olivia said with a smile.
My cheeks heated, and I knew they weren’t going to let it go without some explanation. “I’m sorry. I, um, it’s just, for a good chunk of the meeting, I thought the two of you were getting married.”
They glanced at each other then back at me before Olivia burst out laughing. “I can’t believe you thought he was my fiancé.” She hooked her thumb at Harrison.
Harrison leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed at the ankle. I tried to assess his reaction, but the only word to describe it was amused. “I mean, I’m flattered that you think an old guy like me could snag someone as young and beautiful as my daughter, but no. Besides, I’m not the marrying kind.”
“Dad!” Olivia turned to him with wide eyes.
“What?” He shrugged.
She lowered her voice, but not enough that I couldn’t make out what she said. “Your attitude is kind of insulting to someone who plans weddings for a living.”
He turned to me. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m honestly a bit overwhelmed and in awe of what you do. I can understand how difficult it might be at times to let go.”
I tried to ignore the meaningful glance he threw my direction, but it was impossible to avoid. He wanted me to relax, unwind, and I had. But now we were back in professional mode, and I was in control. This was my domain.
I smiled, some of the earlier awkwardness dissipating. “No need to apologize. Marriage isn’t for everyone, and it’s definitely not something to be taken lightly.”
Still, his comment lingered. Why didn’t he see himself as the marrying kind? Was he having too much fun flitting from one woman to another like a bee pollinating flowers? I cringed at that thought, at the idea that I was just one in a bouquet of many. I preferred to think that he simply hadn’t met the right person. But maybe he was just against the institution on principle.
“Is that why you aren’t wearing a ring?” Olivia asked, and I tensed.
“Now who’s being offensive?” Harrison elbowed her, though I couldn’t ignore the way his eyes darted to me as if desperate to know the answer.
“I’m just curious,” Olivia said. “I mean, you run a successful event planning business. Surely, you have visions of a perfect wedding.”
I did,I thought.
Once upon a time, Ihad.
But those dreams had died with Ryan. And while I usually fielded this question better, brushed it off, my emotions were still raw after the events surrounding the two-year anniversary of the tsunami. That and the fact that I still wasn’t sleeping. The only time I had slept was when I was with Harrison. I sighed.
“I’m sorry,” Olivia rushed to add. “I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s really none of my business.”
“It’s fine.” I forced a smile. “And my idea of a perfect wedding is giving you a beautiful, stress-free day. Now—” I turned my attention back to my tablet, more than ready for a change of topic. “If everything we discussed sounds good to you, Landon will send over my contract.”
Olivia turned to Harrison. “Dad?”
He shook his head as if to clear it. “Sounds good.”
“Great. Take some time to glance over it, and let us know if you have any questions. Please send Landon any other inspiration you have, and we’ll set up an appointment to tour some venues. Sound good?”
They nodded, so I stood, signaling an end to the meeting. When Olivia excused herself to the restroom, Harrison stayed behind.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice, his words intended only for me. “I’m sorry if Olivia’s question upset you.”
“It’s fine. I’m used to it.” But then I realized my response came off as brusque. I felt bad, considering how genuinely contrite he seemed, so I forced a smile. “But thank you.”
His hand brushed against my lower back, and he leaned in even farther. “I’ve been thinking about you. About that night.”
