Page 44 of The Wedding Ranch
“Well, it’s nice to meet you and I think you’re going to be as great as Ms. Travis has been to us all these years. Thank you for your help.”
“You are so welcome. Let me get your dress.”
Pam opened her dressing-room door and held her dress out in one hand. “You can ring this one up too.”
“Excellent,” Jody said. “I’ll take these up front.”
“We hit the jackpot,” Pam said as she came out of the dressing room, with her shoes in her hand. “I can’t believe we both found something so beautiful, and I’d never ever, not in a million years, have even tried on that cocktail dress.”
“I know, but it’s perfect, and it’s lacy but not over-the-top girly at the same time.”
Pam sat on the loveseat and put on her shoes. “We are going to have the best time.”
“He’ll be here in just two weeks. I’ve been thinking about what to get them for a wedding present. It’s not easy to buy something for someone who has everything they’ve ever wanted.”
“Should we do something together for them?” Pam asked. “Please tell me you’ve thought of something wonderful.”
“I’ve been racking my brain over it,” Lorri said. “I wish I’d met Kasey before. It’s so hard to think of something I know they’ll both love when I haven’t met her.”
“She’s so down to earth. You’ll love her. Honestly, if Cody will like it, she will. I say we just think of him. If he’s happy, we’re happy. Right?”
“What if I created a picture for them out of his album covers or tour pictures and some of her photographs, pulling out parts to make up the letters that spell ‘Tuggle’? I’ve seen some of those that were really cool, and made out of things personal to them. It would be one of a kind, and it would be something that we put ourselves into.”
“We both know how special that kind of stuff is to Cody. You could make that, couldn’t you? I think it’s an awesome idea.”
“Do you think she’d be offended if I used her pictures? I mean, I’d technically be infringing on copyright, but since I’m not selling it and it’s for her… that’s a gray area with not having her permission.”
“It’s a wedding gift, and we’re friends with Cody, like family. She’ll love it. She has an artistic eye too. You two are going to be fast friends. I just know it, and wait until you meet her son. He’s such an angel, and I know how you love kids.”
Lorri’s heart ached at the thought. She’d wanted children of her own for so long and Craig kept making them put it off. It was never “the right time.” It would be a shame if she never had children because she listened to him, rather than her own needs. Seeing those children at the fair had brought that desire back. A child was part of what had been missing in her life, andnow if she ever met someone she’d be sure they saw eye to eye on that subject from the word “go.”
“Maybe we can find a photograph of her son to incorporate into the picture. I remember one of the pictures of him with Cody. I’ll do some research,” Lorri said. “Can you get Bobby to start working on the frame?” Pam’s husband could make anything out of wood. His workshop was the envy of many.
“Absolutely. Just text me the size. I’m sure he’ll be calling to ask you what kind of wood and tone of stain to complement the images.”
“I’ll think about that as I’m putting it together. I need to see the colors first. Oh, and could you ask Pete to get some of Cody and Kasey’s photographs for us? He’s probably the only one who could get his hands on them in such a short time.” Pete was not only the lead guitarist in Cody’s band, but also Cody’s best friend.
“I’ll text him right now.”
They went up to the front counter and settled their bills, then walked over to the tearoom. Ms. Travis might not be at the boutique anymore, but at least this part of their shopping tradition remained the same.
Buchanan greeted them at the door. “You two have been away for way too long. I’ve been wondering what happened to you.” He leaned forward and kissed Pam on the cheek, then Lorri.
“It’s so good to see you,” Lorri said.
“Just the two of you today?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll get you set up with a service for two and Paris tea, right?”
“You always remember.”
“Because I’m the best.” Buchanan drifted off into the back.
“And our favorite,” Pam said to Lorri. “He’s the best part of this place.”
They hung their dress bags and purses on the coat tree at their table. Lorri loved this tearoom. The beautiful china place settings and fine linens made her feel the urge to raise her pinky. Here all those social graces that Granny had pounded into her tomboyish mind as a little girl were put to good use.
