Xander met her gaze and held it. He smiled and nodded his head. He seemed impressed with her, and that had a feeling of pride taking over.
Mrs. Dewitt joined her and squeezed her hand. “I agree with Grace. I will handle all of the wardrobe—Emerson’s gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses and the tuxes.”
Grace nodded and turned to Amelia. “Amelia, what’s your schedule like at the moment?”
Amelia seemed surprised that Grace was asking. “Um, it’s fine. Light, normal.”
Amelia worked in Mrs. Dewitt’s bridal shop.
“Great, I can use your help on about a million different things.”
Emerson stood up. “We really need to drive out to Hart of the Hills and tour the space first.”
“You’re right.” Grace would need to get Max’s contact information from Xander. Then she would give him a call first thing tomorrow morning.
“No worries,” Xander said. “I told Max we would come out on Friday at eleven.”
“We?” Grace asked.
Xander faced her and lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “Yes, we.”
Grace put her hands on her hips. “Why would we need to go out to the vineyard?”
“Because we are the one with the personal contact. It’s appropriate for me to go.”
Amelia tried to interject but Grace and Xander were on a roll.
“Yes, but you are not planning the wedding. That’s my job. I’ve been on plenty of site visits and I think I’m perfectly capable of orchestrating this meeting.”
He stepped toward her. Against her will, her eyes flicked down to take in his lips. Lips that only a couple of hours ago had been plastered on hers. She thought she heard his intake of breath. Was he thinking about their kiss, too? Was it having the same effect on him as it was on her? Or was she simply another set of lips for him to kiss and walk away from?
“Would you stop being so stubborn, Grace?”
“Only if you stop being so pushy.”
Jack shimmied his body in between the two of them. What had happened to all the space between them? she wondered.
Standing between them to keep them apart, Jack whistled. “Time-out, you two. We really need to stay focused here.”
Grace flushed. Jack was right. They were awfully short on time, and she really would have to be on her game to pull off the best wedding ever for her best friend.
Maybe she was being a bit ridiculous. After all, Xander had gone to the trouble of getting the most incredible venue—and the most unattainable one!—booked. If he insisted on coming for a tour, then so be it. She would be way too busy concentrating on all of the other details to notice him, anyway.
Grace swallowed her pride. “Are you sure you can take the time away from your job?” she asked Xander.
“I’ll make it work.”
She nodded. “Jack, Em, does Friday work for you guys?”
“Absolutely,” Emerson said, tucking her hand into her fiancé’s.
Grace nodded again. “Then it looks like we’ll be going together.”
Everyone began talking excitedly. Mrs. Dewitt and Amelia were eagerly discussing the bridesmaid dresses they had in the store’s inventory. Emerson hugged her dad. Jack offered to go to the kitchen and grab drinks for everyone to toast the saving of the wedding.
Grace hung back in a corner of the living room, her mind spinning with lists and agendas. The next three weeks were going to be brutal. No way around that. But at least her best friend was happy and that made Grace ecstatic.
Plus, throwing a wedding together in three weeks’ time would really prove that she was an above-average wedding planner. She desperately wanted to excel.
“You sure you can handle this?” Xander asked quietly.
Her first inclination was to snap at him. But Grace reined in her temper. Adding to her stress was the thought that Xander was going to be an apparent constant presence in her life. Especially after that kiss.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I want us to be fine, too,” he said earnestly.
She searched his face for signs of sarcasm but found nothing but a stoic man waiting for her answer. “Of course,” she said quietly.
“Truce?” he asked, sticking his hand out.
She eyed his hand for a moment as if it would jump up and bite her. Finally, she acquiesced and slipped her hand into his. Something electric traveled up her arm and over her body.
She swallowed deeply. “Truce.”
Somehow, she suspected this truce wouldn’t last long. Or maybe she was afraid of what would happen if it did.
Chapter Eight
Grace arrived at Hart of the Hills fifteen minutes early. She’d sampled their wine before, but never been to the actual location where it was made. Even from her seat in the car, she could tell that it was an absolutely stunning venue. The rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley served as the backdrop, while rows of grapevines surrounded the main building. At the end of the large parking area was a flower-lined path that wove its way up to a two-story wooden house with a wraparound porch that overlooked the vineyards. It had large windows and a welcoming blue door.
“Gorgeous,” she said into the quiet of her car. Emerson and Jack were going to love this place.
While she waited for the bride and groom, she took a few moments to go through emails and voice mails in her car. When she was done with that, she tucked her iPad and phone into her tote bag and double-checked her makeup and hair in the rearview mirror.
She’d decided on her favorite pair of wide-legged black trousers and a fitted pink blouse that had an attached belt that closed into a large bow at her side. She’d kept her makeup light, just a light rose-gold shadow and her favorite blush-colored gloss on her lips—perfect for meeting the winery owners. Part of her hair was braided across the crown of her head, disappearing into the waterfall of the rest of her long tresses.
Perhaps she’d put a little more time and thought into today’s ensemble. She only wanted to look good since they were on a site visit. It had nothing to do with the fact that Xander would be there. Nothing at all.
A few minutes later, Jack’s truck pulled into the spot next to her car, and she waved through the window at Em and Jack. They all got out and greeted each other.
“Oh, my god,” Emerson said excitedly. “Look at this place.”
“It’s amazing, right?” Grace said.
“I guess I’m going to have to continue giving Xander freebies at the bar,” Jack said with a laugh. “He’s really saving us here.”
Speaking of, where was the savior? She checked the time on her phone. They still had a few minutes. Emerson was practically dancing around the parking lot. Grace laughed and pulled her by the hand.
“Come on. Xander can meet us inside. Let’s go check this place out.”
The three of them walked along the path. Emerson stopped to admire the different colored mums that lined the walkway. They climbed the two stairs to the large porch and pushed their way into the building. A jingle sounded as they crossed the threshold.
“Hello there. You must be here for the wedding.” A woman who appeared to be in her early fifties greeted them. She wore a casual, but neat, outfit of khaki pants and a plum sweater set. “My name is Olivia. I’m Max’s assistant.”
“She’s my assistant, taskmaster, right-hand man and personal lifesaver.”
Grace had seen Maxwell Hart’s photo when she’d researched the vineyard’s website. But he was much more handsome in person—tall and distinguished-looking with dark hair that was graying at the temples and a tanned face with deep smile lines. He removed his glasses and she was sure she saw a twinkle in his light blue eyes.
“Max Hart,” he said, extending his hand to each of them in turn.
After introductions were made, they talked briefly about the specifics of the wed
ding ceremony and reception. The guest list was under one hundred. Max nodded as Grace explained the details and Olivia took notes.
“I have a couple ideas in mind for specific points around the site that might work best for you,” Max said.
“We’re just so happy that you’re able to help,” Emerson said. “Truly. Thank you so much.”
“No problem. I’m happy to help. I feel horrible about the flooding that happened in the other section of the valley. A lot of those winemakers are good friends of ours. I hate to see them struggling. Plus, any friend of Xander’s is okay by me. That boy really helped me out of a tough situation a few years ago. I owe him so much.”
Interesting, Grace thought. She knew Xander handled Max’s divorce. She couldn’t miss the expression of gratitude in Max’s eyes.
“Speaking of, where is Xander?” Max asked.
That’s what she’d like to know. Once again, Grace checked her phone. He was now officially late.
“You’ll probably want to hold everything inside this building, but I’d still like to give you a tour of the grounds and vineyard.”
“That would be great,” Grace said. “We can get some ideas for the photographs.”
“Afterward, we’ve set up a lunch and wine tasting for you,” Olivia said with a smile. “We want to make sure you like our product.”
“That’s so sweet.” Grace beamed. “I can tell you right now that I already love your reds.”
“Smart woman,” Max said on a jovial laugh.
They continued to talk as Max showed them a large tasting room. There was a huge wooden bar and tables throughout the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows presented the deck and grounds beyond that. In the back of the building was a fabulous space that would work perfectly for the reception. It was a banquet room with an entire wall of doors that opened onto a brick patio. Lights had been strung across a pergola and Grace could envision how romantic and magical it would look at night.
“It gets cold out at night but we have space heaters and the firepits to keep everyone warm.”
“This is so perfect,” Emerson said dreamily, squeezing Jack’s hand. Jack leaned down to place a soft kiss on her head.
Grace checked her phone again. Where the heck was Xander?
“I can’t wait to see the rest of the grounds,” Jack said.
Grace couldn’t miss the excitement on his face. Emerson also seemed to be eager to go on the tour. She bit her lip and considered.
“Listen, why don’t you guys start the tour and I’ll wait for Xander.”
“Are you sure?” But Emerson and Jack were already following Max toward the door.
“As soon as Xander shows up, just grab Olivia and she’ll bring you out to us in the second Jeep. Her office is right through that door.” Max pointed at a hallway full of doors.
“Sounds good.”
Grace watched as her best friend walked off hand in hand with her fiancé. She couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. To have a man look at her the way Jack gazed at Emerson, with love and a sense of...almost wonder at times... Funny how she could plan so many weddings, and be around so many happy couples, and usually she was able to keep that little green monster at bay.
But Emerson was so much more than the ordinary bride. She was her best friend. It was...personal. Seeing her this happy was forcing Grace to face the fact that she was lonely. More than that, she was ready for an epic, out-of-this-world, fairy-tale romance with a Prince Charming of her own.
An image of Xander flashed into her mind so forcefully she almost fell over. She wanted to snort. Xander may have saved this wedding, and he was definitely attractive. And okay, he could kiss like no one else she’d ever met. But he wasn’t the type of man who could provide her with the happily-ever-after she so desperately craved.
Mainly because he didn’t believe in the concept himself.
Just as she was about to check the time again, Xander came bounding up the front steps and practically threw open the doors. He was moving at record speed and he almost ran right into her.
“Whoa, slow down, cowboy.”
“Grace. I’m so sorry I’m late. I got caught up in a deposition and then hit a traffic snarl on Sixty-six.”
His hair was neatly combed and he was clean-shaven. The scent of his aftershave teased her senses on the afternoon breeze. He was wearing a tailored black suit that fit his body perfectly. Breaking up the formality was a purple tie and she thought she caught a glimpse of matching purple socks.
She held her hands up in front of her. “It’s okay.”
The expression of shock on his face was actually comical.
“It is?”
She let out a huff of a laugh. “Yes. It’s not the end of the world.”
He rocked back on his heels and gave her a long once-over. “Every time I think I have you figured out, you do or say something to surprise me.”
She waved away his praise with a flip of her hand. “I’m a wedding planner. The majority of my job is dealing with hitches and snafus.”
His eyes roamed over her and then his face broke out into a smile. “You look really pretty.”
She made a big show of glancing down at her outfit and running a hand over the top of her pant leg. “Oh, this thing? It’s just one of my work outfits.”
His eyes lingered a little longer and he wore an expression that said he knew exactly whom she had dressed for. Finally, he glanced around the foyer and down the hallway. “Where is everyone?”
“Max is giving Jack and Emerson a tour of the grounds. We’re going to meet them. We just have to grab Olivia.” Grace turned to the hallway and froze. She couldn’t remember which door led to Olivia’s office.
“Problem?” Xander asked.
“No... Yes. I can’t remember where her office is.”
They stepped into the hallway and Grace looked to the right and then left. “I think it’s this one.”
She rapped lightly on the door, then turned the knob and pushed it open. Xander was right on her heels. It only took a second to register that they were definitely not in Olivia’s office. In fact, they were in what appeared to be a large storage closet. Then, Xander shut the door.
Plunged into darkness, Grace felt around the wall for a light until her finger came across a little switch. It wasn’t very powerful, but at least she knew they were definitely in a storage room now.
“Oops,” Xander said. He fiddled with the doorknob and then slowly turned around to face her. “It’s, uh, locked.”
“What?” She pushed by him and tried for herself. When the doorknob came off in her hand, she knew it was official. They were locked in the room.
Xander blew out a long breath. “What were you saying about glitches and snafus?”
Well...damn.
* * *
Xander held his breath and waited for Grace to tear into him. After all, if he hadn’t been late, they’d never have ended up in a locked storage closet.
Once again, she surprised him. Grace began laughing.
“I’m happy you see the humor in this,” he said slowly.
She shook her head. “Is there anything else to do? What is it about the two of us? Whenever we’re together things just seem to go wrong.”
One thing that wasn’t going wrong was the way she looked. Xander couldn’t help but take in that outfit, which somehow managed to be both professional and sexy at the same time. It showed off her ample curves and his eye was drawn to the big pink bow at her waist. His fingers itched to pull at it. She was like a decadent present waiting for him to unwrap.
“Xander?”
“Huh?” The sound of her voice pulled him out of what could have been a pretty heady daydream.
“I asked if you were okay? Your face is a little flushed. Are you claustrophobic?”
“No, I’m not. Sorry, long morni
ng.”
He took a moment to familiarize himself with the setting. There were extra tables and chairs piled up, a ton of boxes against one wall, shelves with supplies against the other. An old desk that had definitely seen better days was right in the middle of the closet. Grace put her large tote bag on it.
“I’ll search for more light and you call Emerson. If she’s with Max, then he’ll know what to do. Or you can call the winery’s main number to get Olivia.”
“Good idea,” she said. She dug through her bag and pulled out her phone.
Xander found another light in the form of a tiny lamp. But it gave off barely more illumination than a child’s night-light. Still, he placed it in the middle of the desk. That’s when he noticed that Grace was staring at her phone. She held it up above her head and then walked toward the door.
“I don’t have service.” She pressed on a couple of buttons, held the phone to her ear and then sighed. “Nothing. What about you?”
He pulled his phone from his pocket and went through the same production. “It’s always been spotty up here,” he said.
Her head dropped. “What are we going to do?”
“What people did before cell phones.” He began banging on the door and shouting for help. After a few moments of that approach, he turned to face her. Grace was biting her lip and he could tell she was trying not to laugh.
“How’d that turn out for us?” she asked cheekily.
The door was thick, and silence engulfed them from the outside. “I’m guessing we’re stuck in here.”
She jumped up to sit on the desk. “Well, not forever. When Em, Jack and Max return, they’ll see our cars in the parking lot and know we’re here somewhere. We just have to wait them out.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and eyed her. “I’m impressed with how you’re handling this situation.”
“Well, it’s not my first time getting stuck in a storage closet.”
“Really?” he asked.
She laughed. “Really. One of my first weddings at my last job was this swanky country-club affair. My boss sent me to the storage room to do an inventory on extra chairs for the cocktail hour. Next thing I knew, I was stuck and I didn’t have my phone on me.”
The Wedding Truce Page 9
