“Actually, I was hoping to find you,” Kelly said with a touch of shyness as a faint blush crept up her neck and onto her cheeks. “We haven’t known each other long. Okay, we’ve known each other less than a day. And I did rather unload all my deep, dark secrets on you last night. But…I have a huge favor to ask.”
Wow! This was working out better than she had hoped. The bride needed a favor from her. That gave her a legitimate excuse to stay close in case something happened.
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
Kelly’s aura glowed brightly. Not all the gray tinge was gone, but it had receded quite a bit. A good indication that last night’s blessings worked.
“I, well Matthew and I, would love it if you would agree to attend our wedding ceremony and reception.”
Jackpot! Guardian angel security detail reporting for duty.
“We realize you don’t know us very well, and you may have other plans altogether, but we really enjoyed your company last night. It’s strange how it feels like we’re old friends already.”
Kelly continued selling her on the idea. With a hopeful smile as she chewed her bottom lip. Greylyn could not resist a conspiratorial wink. “How much of this has to do with you and Maureen’s designs for Kael?”
“Busted, aren’t I?”
Both laughed. Regardless of the intent, Greylyn planned to take full advantage of the opportunity. If allowing everyone to believe she and Kael were becoming romantically linked gave her a chance to stick around to protect Kelly…well, even she could pretend to crush on the handsome devil.
Who’s pretending, Grey?
“Of course, I would be thrilled to be a part of your big day. I just hope it’s not that you feel sorry for the poor lonely lady staying here while everyone else is celebrating love and family. I hope I don’t lookthatdesperate.”
With a giggle, Kelly assured her that was not the case.
Uh oh!
Realization slammed into her. With a hitch in her voice, Greylyn admitted a most embarrassing truth. “Actually, I may not be able to attend after all. Unless the wedding is super-casual. I only brought jeans and t-shirts to hike and laze around in all weekend.”
“Well…it’s not exactly Cinderella at the castle, but it’s notthatcasual a ceremony.” What was she going to do without a proper dress to wear? “I would offer you something of mine to wear. I way over-packed, but I don’t think we’re the same size.”
After some contemplation, Kelly brightened at the thought that they could go shopping. At about that time, Maureen came back around the corner and Kelly asked about local stores. With her rosy cheeks practically glowing in delight, the innkeeper drew a rough map on a napkin detailing how to find the town’s only clothing store that would be open on a Saturday.
“Otherwise, the closest store is about a thirty-minute drive away.”
Greylyn tried persuading Kelly to stay at the inn so she could rest before the big event and greet her guests, but the stubborn bride would not hear of it.
“If I don’t get out of here and away from all this craziness, my head is going to explode. Please, let me come with you. I could really use the distraction.”
“Again, how can I say ‘no’ to that? Alright, let’s go.”
Chapter 18
Guests Arrive
Gaelic Haven Main House
After returning from their quick shopping trip into town, the bride went upstairs to rest before the guests started to arrive. Greylyn had to admit she had enjoyed shopping with Kelly, even though shopping was at the bottom of her favorite-things-to-do list.
They had talked about many subjects, but Kelly always brought the conversation back to one topic: Kael. How no one else saw the evil in him made her blood boil.
Not paying attention to where she was going, Greylyn collided with the man himself in the entrance to the Carriage House. His eyes twinkled, with the gold flecks seeming to flash like a fireworks display. “Shopping, I see. I was under the impression you weren’t a real fashionista. Every time I see you, you are always wearing the same thing. Jeans and t-shirts. However, may I suggest that you look amazing in a man’s button-down shirt, with just a few buttons undone at the top?” He casually stroked the side of her face where the gash had been before walking away towards the main house.
“Ugh!” She stormed into the Carriage House, angry at herself as her body had ignited once again at his merest touch.
This would be so much easier if I could just kill him already.
Back in her suite, Greylyn hung up the dress and checked her messages. Still nothing from Sofia, which was concerning.