Page 20 of Then Came Love
“Emiko. How close are you to finishing the handwork on Amber’s gown?”
“Ten day? Maybe two week?” Emiko had come to the States to be closer to her children after her husband passed away several years ago, and though her English was spotty, her handwork was unparalleled.
“Perfect. Franco, where do we stand on Tracy Dwyer’s dress?” They had several dresses currently in the works, and Jax knew making Jordan’s dress would tax them all, but he’d make it worth their time.
“We are on schedule, as planned.” Franco had a thick Italian accent.
“Wonderful. We have a new project. A wedding gown for Jordan Lawler, a friend of my sister-in-law’s. Her wedding is at the end of August, and—”
“Next August?” Roberta asked.
“No,” Jax said firmly. “This August.”
Jonathan fanned his face. “I feel a panic coming on. Does anyone have a Twix? Snickers?”
Jax pulled a Twix from his pocket and tossed it on the table in front of Jonathan. “Breathe, Jonathan. I have faith in you.”
“Ah. He slays me, and then he heals me,” Jonathan said dramatically as he opened the candy wrapper and took a bite. “No wonder you’re Paulo’s hall pass.”
Everyone chuckled. Paulo was Jonathan’s husband, and Jax’s hall-pass status had been their running joke since the first time Paulo had met Jax and had called him a tall glass of champagne that he’d like to dive headfirst into.
“There will be no passes of any type this summer, for me or anyone else. I know you’re already stretched thin, but I also know what you’re capable of, and each of you will receive a hefty bonus if we can make this happen.”
“You know my motto. Leave no bride behind,” Roberta said. “I’ll make the time.”
Jonathan waved. “I’m in, too, but, Glenna, can we please double up on our candy orders for the next couple of months?”
“Already noted,” Glenna reassured him.
“I will do this, of course,” Franco said.
“I can do, too,” Emiko agreed.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Excuse me, Jax,” Glenna said. “Should we get Jordan’s measurement session on the books?”
“I’ll speak with her about it this evening.” His cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw Reggie Steele’s name on the screen. “I need to take this. Thank you all again. I’ll report back once we have a concept on the gown. Excuse me.”
He put the phone to his ear as he headed for his office. “Hi, Reggie, thanks for calling me back.”
“No problem. Sorry I couldn’t return your call last night, but I was tied up.”
“That’s okay.” He closed his office door behind him. “I don’t know if what I’m going to ask of you is up your alley or not, but Josh speaks so highly of you, I figured you were the best place to start.”
“If I can’t help you, chances are I’ll know someone who can. Whatcha got?”
“A friend of mine’s sister went missing nineteen years ago, Cassandra ‘Casey’ Lawler. She was four at the time.” He relayed the details Jordan had told him and added the information he’d found online.
“Damn. Nineteen years is a long time, Jax. Do you know how slim the chances are of finding her at all, much less alive?”
“I have a pretty good idea. But her sister, Jordan, believes she’s still alive and out there somewhere.”
“The family always does. I’m really sorry for your friend’s loss, and I’ll do what I can, but you probably shouldn’t give her too much hope.”
Jax knew Reggie was right, but Jordan had enough people trying to quash her hope, and he wouldn’t be one of them. He had a blessed life, surrounded by the people and things he loved, and he’d give it all up if it meant Jordan could finally figure out what happened to her sister.
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind, and, Reggie, I don’t care what this costs. I want to exhaust every possibility, get her name out there again, and do whatever it takes.”
“I understand, but before we do that, let me see what I can dig up on the case, and then I’ll be in touch.”
As Jax ended the call, a text from Jordan rolled in. He’d had Emmaline send her a chocolate croissant and a special latte this morning with a note that had said, Dear Ms. Lawler, welcome to Jax Braden Designs. I look forward to getting to know you better and making all of your bridal gown dreams come true. JB. PS: Not flirting. Just stating a fact.
He opened and read her text. Dear Mr. Braden, thank you for such delicious welcome-aboard treats. I thoroughly enjoyed them. Do all your clients get the same treatment? PS: Not flirting. Just asking for facts.
“Not on your life, princess.” He thumbed out, Dear Ms. Lawler, only my VIP clients. PS: Feel free to flirt. There is no ring on my finger.
He waited anxiously for her response, which came a minute later. Dear Mr. Braden, I’m honored to be on your VIP list. PS: There is a ring on my finger. Not flirting. Just stating a fact.
He fought the urge to tell her she was at the top of his fantasy list, too, but honoring his promise, he thumbed out, Dear Ms. Lawler, the pleasure is all mine.
