Chapter 5
Today, at least, her job would be fun.
Ashley, Bella, and Shannon huddled in a semicircle of white rocking chairs on the raised back patio of the Iridescent Inn, Ben’s B&B. Bella’s maid of honor and best friend, Jessica, had experienced a last-minute car malfunction and hadn’t been able to make the meeting to talk wedding plans with Bella’s two other bridesmaids.
Ashley took a sip of lemonade as a breeze wafted off the ocean, rustling the papers in her notebook. “So I know you mentioned getting married during the family reunion, but have you chosen a date for sure?”
From this vantage point, Ashley could spy numerous surfers taking advantage of the Saturday morning waves. April had given way to May, and Ashley basked in the gorgeous high of sixty-eight degrees predicted for today.
Bella pulled her legs up onto her chair and hugged her knees. “We went back and forth, because we would like to spend time with everyone before leaving on our honeymoon, but we also didn’t want to be overly stressed trying to get stuff done while everyone was here.” She picked at some lint on her linen pants. “But I think our desire to see family outweighs anything else, so we’re thinking July third.”
“That makes sense.” Shannon pulled her long blonde waves up into a messy bun on the top of her head. “No one will have to change their travel plans to come earlier, and those who can only come for the long holiday weekend will be able to attend the wedding.”
“Exactly.”
Opening her planner, Ashley examined the week of the family reunion, which was scheduled for June twenty-seventh through the fourth of July. While she agreed with Bella’s logic, it would make it more difficult to focus on the family reunion events if she were doing last-minute stuff for the wedding too.
Oh well. She’d just have to figure it out and coordinate everything really well beforehand.
Ashley crossed out the family brunch and beach volleyball tournament she’d had planned for the third and penned in the wedding. Then she stood and walked to the thick wooden railing, studying the area below. Surrounded by towering trees and a plethora of bright flowers that Bella had helped Ben to plant, the courtyard gave way gradually to grass that turned to beach. Just off to the left, a bank of sandy bluffs overlooked the ocean. This piece of real estate just a mile north of town had been in her family for more than a hundred years, and Ben had taken good care of their grandparents’ legacy, improving on it with Bella’s help. “So you want to do the ceremony on the beach?”
“Yes, if you think that will work.”
With her pen, she pointed straight out to the beach. “Are you thinking some white chairs and an arch out there, or did you want to go more elaborate?”
“Simple will be fine.”
Shannon clapped her hands and sighed. “That’ll be gorgeous.”
“And what do you think of the courtyard for the reception?” Bella asked.
Ashley tapped her chin. “It should be fine.” Yes, strung with lights, eighteen to twenty round tables with elegant tablecloths, maybe some sort of hurricane vase or floral centerpieces—she could picture it. “Better than fine. We can put the dance floor in the middle of the courtyard, tuck the DJ away near the fountain. The servers will have easy access to the kitchen. It’ll be perfect.”
“Yay! I’m so excited to see what you ladies come up with. Shan, I’m counting on you to make it beautiful.”
Ever the efficient manager and delegator, Bella had put Shannon in charge of décor. Shannon’s job as a preschool teacher gave her somewhat of an artistic outlet, but decorating for a wedding definitely had to beat gluing colorful macaroni to plates.
Shannon saluted. “Anything for my future cousin-in-law and roommate.”
“Oh yeah, speaking of roommates, where are you and Ben going to live?” Ashley scrunched her nose. None of the inn’s rooms were especially spacious or super private.
“Ben suggested we save money and live at the inn. I put that thought out of his head really quickly.” Bella shook her head. “I had to remind the man that he’s not going to be a bachelor anymore and doesn’t need to live like it. So we’ve been looking at houses in town. Your cousin Nate has a second house in the older section of town south of Main Street. His current renters are moving out at the end of the month, so that’s probably what we’ll do.”
Of all her Griffin cousins, Dr. Nate was probably the most well-off—though her hotshot lawyer cousin Chloe might be a close second. “Oh, that house is really cute. Three bedrooms, a big yard. Perfect for kids if you guys decide to have them.” She wiggled her eyebrows then checked her watch. “Oops, sorry, don’t have a ton of time. Let’s talk invitations.”
Bella steepled her fingers. “I know this is dumb, but that’s the one thing I want that’s not so simple, and I don’t even know if it’s possible. What do you think of wood invitations?”
“Like, invitations carved into wood?” At Bella’s nod, Ashley continued. “I think they’re fun and unique. But they’ll be spendy.”
“It’s worth it to me. My mom told me that my grandparents had them for their wedding. It was their one splurge. I figured it’s a way to incorporate them into my special day since they can’t be there.” The fact Camille had shared that much about Bella’s deceased grandparents demonstrated how far she and Bella had come in mending their fragile relationship.
“You got it. I know a vendor just outside LA that does a great job with invites like that. It might take a bit longer than usual to have them made, but we should be able to get them five or six weeks before the wedding. I’ll push for that, obviously.”
They discussed some more details of the day, and Ashley’s mind whirled. There was so much to do, and it was crucial to get as much settled in the first few weeks as possible. If they waited too long, the vendors and everything else would be too booked up. There was already a danger in that, though she had contacts she could tap if need be.
Ashley stifled a yawn. She’d stayed up way too late the last two nights trying to get as much of Derek and Claire’s binder interpreted as possible, forcing herself to look through it several times before texting Derek for information. His answers had been so cold and abrupt—but what did she expect at this point?
“Ash, look at me.”
She leaned against the railing and refocused on Bella and Shannon. “What? Sorry, I got lost in my own thoughts there for a minute.”
“We noticed.” The edges of Shannon’s eyes crinkled as her lips turned down.
“I just want to reemphasize what I told you last weekend. If all of this is too much, just go as simple as possible. Because the only thing I care about is marrying your brother.” Bella patted the seat next to her, and Ashley rejoined them. “Ben is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He’s my family. He’s home. And I …”
Her gaze took in the ocean as Bella swiped at a tear.
Had Ashley ever seen Bella show this much emotion? The woman, who had originally come to town undercover in an attempt to buy Ben’s inn, had changed a lot in the months since Ashley had met her, but she still wasn’t given to crying.
Love could sure do funny things to a person, couldn’t it?
It had certainly put Ashley through the wringer—still did, every time she thought about Derek.
No, no, no. She didn’t love him anymore. He was different. They were different.
And he was in love with someone else.
Much as she wanted to read into a few little moments from their time together on Wednesday, that would be foolish.
Foolish—and dangerous.
She reached out and squeezed Bella’s arm. “We are so glad you’re becoming an official part of the family. I just hope you can handle all of us Bakers since we’re kind of a package deal. And crazy. Right, Shan?”
Shannon laughed. “You couldn’t escape us even if you wanted to. We kind of overrun the town if you hadn’t noticed.”
Bella let loose a chuckle. “Even if you all were horrible people
, Ben would be worth it. I’m just grateful the whole lot of you is amazing.”
“I’m partial, of course, but I think we’re pretty great.” Ashley’s phone beeped at her—a calendar reminder. She checked it. “Sorry, guys. I’ve got to go to another client meeting.” Thankfully not with Derek this time. Just a last-minute appointment to finalize details for the Dreyfusses’ twenty-fifth wedding anniversary next Sunday.
“Not so fast.” Shannon lifted an eyebrow. “It hasn’t escaped the notice of the town gossips that you were seen in the company of Derek Campbell Wednesday night. And yet, you haven’t responded to any of my texts about seeing him again. How was it? How are you?”
Her cousin had skipped the family dinner on Sunday due to a migraine. So while she knew the basics—Derek was engaged—Ashley had yet to tell her that she was the one coordinating the wedding. And somehow, the town gossips must not have relayed that juicy tidbit.
Ashley straightened. “I’m fine.”
Bella folded her arms across her chest. “Derek. Ben’s friend?” At Shannon’s nod, Bella turned to Ashley. “Why is it a big deal that you were together? And why wouldn’t you be fine?”
“Because …” Shannon bit her lip.
Her cousin clearly didn’t want to betray Ashley’s confidence, but Ashley wasn’t going to keep secrets from Bella. They were almost sisters, after all. Besides, if Ben were to be believed, Ashley’s affection had once been obvious to the entire town. “Because I used to be in love with him.”
She tried—hard—to emphasize used to be.
If only she could convince herself.
“Oh. Wow.” Bella frowned. “I’m sorry.”
Ashley gave a half-hearted shrug. “Like I said … I’m fine.” Oy, that attempt at nonchalance had certainly fallen flat. “I have to be. I’m his and Claire’s wedding planner.”
Both Bella and Shannon sucked in air.
“How can you be fine with that?” Bella’s direct gaze bore into Ashley.
“I don’t think she is fine,” Shannon said, turning her attention back to Ashley. “You can’t be.”
“All right. It stinks. Happy? Now I’ve really got to go.” Before she was forced to endure any more of the pity in their eyes, Ashley stood. “Bella, let’s figure out another time this week to meet. Text me, okay? I’ll start working on this stuff ASAP.”
Protests ringing in her ears, she sprinted to her car, already regretting her sarcastic tone. Bella wouldn’t care but Shannon was a sensitive soul. Somehow Ashley would have to carve out time to talk—really talk—to her cousin. Soon.
But for now, it was on to the next thing. She drove to the Whimsical Weddings office. It was dark inside—Kyle must be working from home today—and she quickly flipped on the lights, lit a freesia-scented candle, and tidied up as she waited for Mrs. Dreyfuss to arrive.
After ten minutes, she frowned. Hmm. The woman was normally extremely punctual. Maybe she’d texted. But a quick glance at Ashley’s phone didn’t reveal anything, so she headed to her back office and picked up Claire’s binder. Might as well get some other work done while she waited.
An hour later, she’d managed to make a list of requests Claire had—some big, some small—and couldn’t help but wonder what it said about her and Derek as a couple. The kind of wedding she’d have imagined for Derek was anything but fancy. He was a simple, straightforward guy who didn’t care about the frills, so the fact they wanted a hanging flower installation over the dance floor and a nine-layer cake didn’t jibe.
Maybe he was telling the truth, just letting the bride decide everything. But most brides and grooms had some details that were significant to them as a couple. So far, she’d yet to see a single one.
The bell jangled over the front door. “Ashley?”
Guess Kyle had decided to come into work after all.
“Back here!” She closed the binder and stretched her back.
Her boss appeared in her doorway, a look of concern on his face. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
She moved papers around on her desk, but her phone wasn’t anywhere to be found. “I must have left it out front. I’m fine, though.”
“Then why did you miss the meeting?”
“I didn’t. Mrs. Dreyfuss never showed up.”
“Mrs. Dreyfuss? She’s coming in Monday. I meant the festival committee meeting.”
Her shoulders curled forward. “What—” Oh no. That’s right. Evan had even mentioned it the other night at the Frosted Cake. “I must have gotten things mixed up on my calendar.”
Kyle crossed his arms and leaned his bulky frame against the doorway. “You were supposed to give out the final sub-committee assignments today. Evan did his best, but he was counting on you to show up.”
It felt like a bowling ball sat in the pit of her stomach. “I feel awful.” Her fingers tapped the edges of her lips. “I have the list almost complete. I’ll email it out tonight.”
“Ashley.” Stepping into her office, Kyle dropped his arms. “I was afraid of this.”
“Of what?”
“You’re overworking yourself. This wedding—the assignment I gave you—it’s too much. You’re too busy.”
No. She wasn’t giving up that easily. “Kyle, please. I made an honest mistake. It won’t happen again. You have my word.” At his doubtful look, she inhaled. “Please.”
“You’re just lucky the festival is a volunteer thing.” The man tilted his head, and his cowboy hat tipped forward. “Kiddo, take my advice. Learn to say no, or you’ll forfeit the things you really want to say yes to.”
“I understand.”
And she did. The problem was, there was literally nothing on her current plate that she could say no to, not without hurting someone she loved. She’d just have to soldier on and do better in the future.
Chapter 6
His stomach grumbled, but he wasn’t hungry enough for what was coming. In fact, he might just lose his appetite altogether.
Derek called out a goodbye to his family and headed toward his car, his shoes crunching the gravel driveway. As he climbed into the Jeep, his phone rang. Slipping in the key, he waited for the Bluetooth to connect and then answered. “Hello?”
“Hi, Derek.” Claire’s smooth voice slid across the airwaves from the vehicle’s speaker.
“Hey.” It had been several days since they’d spoken. “How’s your grandpa?” Derek pulled onto the road that wove through their property.
“Doing all right, considering. He grumbled so much about being in the hospital that they finally sent him home.”
“So he doesn’t need to stay in a rehab facility like you thought?” Dark clouds hovered in the sky, and a few fat drops of rain plopped onto his windshield as he headed into town. Nice of the weather to match his mood.
“Non, the surgery he had is quite advanced and won’t even require much physical therapy. A nurse will come to the house for wound care if we need it.”
“That’s great. How are you doing juggling the business and taking care of him?”
“Thankfully, my aunt is his primary caregiver. I’m not so inclined in that way.” Claire laughed, though there was something tight in it. She had to be as exhausted as Derek had been lately. Ever since his dad’s appointment eight days ago, he’d pulled fourteen-hour days at the vineyard. Not that it had fully stopped his dad from working too, but at least the strain on Dad’s face had lessened a bit.
“Did the meeting with the lawyer go well?” Derek nudged the Jeep up to a stop sign and, after looking both ways, turned the SUV toward town.
“Oui. He came to the house today and talked through the process for passing the vineyard to me. Everything will be finalized as soon as I return from the wedding. Grand-père will finally be able to rest. Hopefully enjoy the retirement years.” A clicking in the background told Derek that Claire was at her computer despite the late hour in France. “Speaking of the wedding, how are plans coming?”
“Good from what I c
an tell. The wedding planner has handled most of it, with just a few clarifications needed on my end.” He hadn’t seen Ashley in nearly a week and a half, though that was about to change. “I’m headed to the restaurant to select the courses for the reception right now.”
“I have every confidence you will choose something delicious.” She paused. “Will Ashley be there with you?”
“Yes.” The rain turned more urgent, pelting the windshield so hard he had to put his wipers on double time. “I tried to get Heather to go with me, but Millie was out sick and no one else could watch Mia. And much as I love my niece, sitting for hours with her in a restaurant didn’t sound like the best plan.”
“I’m sure Ashley has done this a thousand times. She will be great.”
The edges of the town emerged on the horizon. “Yeah, I’m sure.” He coughed as the garbled words left his throat.
“Derek?” There was a hint of concern in Claire’s normally steady voice. “Is Ashley the one?”
What in the world did she mean by that? “Of course not. You’re the one, Claire.” Well, in a manner of speaking. Neither of them believed in soulmates. Maybe they had at one point when they were young and foolish, but now they knew better.
“That’s not what I mean. Is she the one who broke your heart?”
Several months after they’d become friends, he and Claire had told each other about their past, how they’d arrived at their current conclusions on love. But he’d never mentioned Ashley’s name to Claire—at the time, even saying it had hurt. “What makes you ask that?”
“Call it female intuition.”
He sighed. “Yeah, she’s the one I had feelings for. But you have nothing to worry about on that front now.”
“Oh, I am not worried. I know you would never do anything to hurt your family or me.” Coming out of someone else’s mouth, the words might have sounded manipulative, but Claire Boivin just valued honesty. She had no need to manipulate him—and yet, his gut twisted all the same. “I’m just sorry you have to work with someone who hurt you so much.”
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