I squeezed my eyes closed, and the tears finally broke free and slid down my cheeks.
“I know we drive each other crazy sometimes and have our moments, but I really can’t imagine my life without you in it and I don’t want things to go back to the way they were before, even though we live far away now.”
Harmony sniffled. “We won’t let that happen.”
“Good.” I smiled and pulled out of her arms. Wiping my own eyes, I laughed softly. “I didn’t think this would be so hard.”
“Call me when you get home?” she asked.
“I will.”
She smiled wistfully. “Bye, Stace.”
“Goodbye, Harmony.”
We embraced once more, lingering a few more moments before I swung open the driver’s side door and climbed into the SUV. I backed down the drive and paused at the sidewalk, waving at Harmony before pulling away.
From the rear view mirror, I watched her wipe her eyes and then turn away to go back inside the manor.
She’d started her new life, and it was time for me to get back to Seattle and do the same.
Chapter Seventeen
The next six months passed by at top speed, spring blurring into summer and then melting into fall. Some days felt long, but the weeks flew by and before I knew it, I was hours away from my official debut as a wedding planner. Miraculously—with Aurelia’s help—I’d also managed to snag a booth at the haven’s annual wedding convention. It was held in San Francisco this year, and Caleb was attending the entire weekend, working as my honorary assistant for the event.
I’d booked a handful of clients and done two small weddings over the summer, enough to keep my condo and keep the lights on, but the convention was the first chance I’d get to make my debut splash and let the entire industry know I’d arrived.
Including Kait and Hyacinth.
In fact, the firm’s booth was kiddy-corner to mine, separated only by the wide aisle runner that marked the path through the event for attendees.
“Maybe a little to the left,” I said, considering the glossy banner. “And higher.”
Caleb grunted as he stretched up to adjust the clips fastening it to the poles of my indoor tent.
“There!”
Caleb fastened the sign tight and then lowered his arms and stepped back to consider his handiwork. “No way they’re going to miss it now.”
I smiled triumphantly and shot a look over my shoulder at the A Touch of Magic Events booth. “Nope!”
Caleb looped an arm around my waist and kissed the side of my head. “It looks great, love.”
“It really does,” I replied, more than a little awestruck as I breathed it all in.
* * *
Elegant Affairs by Anastasia
* * *
In the end, starting my own business was the best thing that could have happened to me. With some distance and time, the bitterness had faded—though, that didn’t stop me from wanting to catch the looks on Kait’s and Hyacinth’s faces when they saw me at the convention—and I realized that while it hadn’t maybe been the best timing, the decision was the right one.
“What time is Harmony getting here?” Caleb asked, glancing at his watch.
“I think three-thirty. Holly’s sneaking her through one of the SPA portals, so she didn’t have to fly.”
“She didn’t ask for permission?” Caleb cringed. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t tell me that part.”
I laughed. “Oops. Sometimes I forget I’m dating a cop.”
“Agent,” he corrected, a teasing grin pulling at his lips.
“Our reservations aren’t until eight-thirty,” I said, fiddling with the stack of business cards on my table. “That is, if I don’t pass out and spend the evening in the hospital.”
“You nervous?” Caleb asked.
I glanced up and found him watching me fidget with the cards. “A little.”
“You’re going to be great. Look at these pictures! Anyone who steps one foot in this booth is going to hire you on the spot. You should only be worried about finding time for them all.”
“Thanks.” I set the cards aside and drew in a deep breath. “There’s one contract I really am hoping to nab this weekend. Word on the street is that Darla Manuel and her newly minted fiancé, Rye Suarez are attending the convention. She’s originally from the Seattle Haven, and that’s where they’re planning on holding the wedding. They had a consultation with A Touch of Magic but they didn’t sign a contract yet.”
“How do you know that?” Caleb asked.
“I have my sources,” I said, wiggling my brows.
Caleb looked impressed. “Wow. I should recruit you to work for me.”
I laughed. “I’ll plan the annual picnic and Yule parties, but I think I’ll leave chasing the bad guys to you and your team.”
“Deal.” He chuckled. “As to the happy couple, I’d say you’ve got this in the bag.”
“Thanks. I really hope you’re right. A contract like that could open a ton of doors for me.”
Caleb leaned in and stole a quick kiss. “Then it’s a good thing I’m always right, huh?”
I rolled my eyes but laughed along with him. “I’m not going to argue, but only because I don’t want to jinx myself.”
“We wouldn’t want to do that,” Caleb agreed, still grinning.
The loudspeaker crackled to life, and someone announced the doors would be opening in five minutes. A quiver of anxiety slid down my spine and it took all my concentration to keep my legs from collapsing.
“This is it,” I breathed.
No sooner than the words left my lips, two pencil-skirt clad figures marched around the corner and stepped into the A Touch of Magic booth. My stomach twisted. Hyacinth and Kait. Even though I’d known they would be there representing the company, the sight of them still made me nervous. What would they say when they saw me and my booth? Would they laugh and jeer? Would they sling insults about my cheaply printed materials? Or would they silently fume whilst spreading rumors about me to anyone willing to listen?
I wasn’t sure which scenario would be worse.
Caleb placed a reassuring hand on my lower back. Hyacinth stepped to the counter of their booth, her cold eyes considering every detail from their glossy brochures and embossed business cards, to the magically branded company pens. A mountain of flashy gift bags was stacked to one side, traditionally handed out to each visitor that stopped by the booth.
“Now, remember, if you see Darla or Rye, you’re to come and get me,” she snapped.
“Yes, Hya—”
Kait sputtered to a stop, her eyes locking on me. Wordlessly, she tapped Hyacinth on the shoulder.
My spine straightened.
Both women turned to look at my booth. Hyacinth’s thin lips jerked into a not-quite-concealed snarl. Kait’s mouth remained open as she read, and then re-read, my banner. With a blink of her eyes, Hyacinth rearranged her expression into a placid smile before sauntering across the wide aisle way.
“So, the rumors were true, then?” she said, flashing a disapproving look at my brochures. “I didn’t think you’d have it in you.”
“Why not? I’m qualified, I have industry experience, a strong network of partnering vendors, and most of all, I don’t come tethered to a bloated firm that’s riddled with unnecessary service fees and the pressure to up-sell. I offer a boutique service without nickel-and-diming my clients.”
Hyacinth’s cheeks reddened, sending a little flurry of pride through me.
Okay, so I might have practiced my opening line in the mirror once or twice.
“I see.”
Kait sidled up to her boss, still looking shell-shocked. “You’re really doing this?”
“Yes, Kait. I am. And I’ve never been happier.” I thrust my shoulders back and held my chin high. “I’ve already done a few small weddings over the summer, but this convention marks my official grand opening.”
“You’ll never be able to compete with us
,” Hyacinth said, her eyes frosted over. “The big fish expect a team of professionals, not one wedding planner working out of her kitchen. Do you even have an office?”
“I don’t need one,” I replied, keeping my tone matter-of-fact.
Kait scoffed. “So, wait, if Darla Manuel and Rye Suarez stop by and ask for a consultation, you’d what … invite them to meet you at a coffee shop?”
I shrugged. “Sure. Or a swanky martini bar. Whatever would make them most comfortable. Because, at least for me and my business, that’s what really matters.”
Hyacinth clicked her tongue. “I see.” A slow smile melted across her face, though it did nothing to take the frostbite edge from her eyes. “Well, Anastasia, I wish you the best.”
They turned away and I heard Kait mutter, “She’s gonna need it,” under her breath.
I exhaled when they were safely ensconced in their own booth.
“You were great!” Caleb exclaimed, careful not to appear too excited.
We’d agreed to play it cool all weekend, no matter what Hyacinth and her little stooge tried to do to rattle our cages.
“Now, we just need to land Darla and Rye.”
Caleb chuckled. “I still can’t believe that’s his name. It just makes me want a sandwich.”
“Hey, his name could be Pumpernickel and I’d still bend over backward to get his business. They both come from exceedingly wealthy backgrounds. Rumor has it their guest list will be over five hundred. I’d need to hire an entire horde of assistants, but the commission check would probably be enough to cover all my bills for the next two years!”
Caleb held up one hand, his fingers crossed.
The day flew by, a blur of chaos and so much small talk and sales pitches that I wondered if I’d have a voice left the next morning. By three-thirty, I’d added six consultations to my planner and had another dozen that wanted me to call them in the next weeks to follow up. If even half of those turned into consultations, I was looking at a very busy autumn and winter.
Even with the wins of the day, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed when the announcer came over the loudspeaker to inform the attendees and vendors that the annual wedding gown fashion show would be starting soon.
“You sad you’re going to miss the show?” Caleb asked when the voice faded. “I could watch the booth, if you want to sneak over.”
I placed a hand on his chest and smiled up at him. “That’s very sweet, but no, I think I’ll stay. I’m just bummed we didn’t see Darla and Rye. It appears my source was misinformed.” I chewed my lower lip, scanning the stragglers passing by. Most of the attendees would go to the fashion show and then exit the convention. It officially had an hour left, but the fashion show was the pinnacle event, and most people left afterward.
“Go on,” Caleb said. “Take a ten-minute break. See part of the show, get something to drink. I’ve got this.”
“You’re sure?”
In reply, he placed both hands on my hips and steered me to the side of the booth. Laughing, I let him propel me forward and then spun around to give him a quick kiss before leaving. “All right, all right, I’m going.”
Snaking around to avoid walking in front of Hyacinth and Kait, I skirted the outside edge, taking a leisurely pace as I admired the various booths. It was funny to think that a year had passed since I’d attended the show when it had been hosted in Seattle. Caleb had tagged along, just so we could see each other that week. I’d still been working for A Touch of Magic, and with his caseload, we’d never had any time together.
So much had changed and it had happened so quickly, my brain was having a hard time keeping track of it all.
I supposed all that really mattered was that I was happier and healthier than the year before, and while the road from point A to B had been rocky and full of potholes, in the end, it had led me to a pretty sweet destination.
I caught the tail end of the fashion show just in time to see Aurelia’s show-stopper walk the runway. She’d outdone herself. Again. The model wore a strapless ivory gown that twinkled with thousands of pearls and beads. On its own, the gown was stunning. Buttery smooth silk with a slight sheen that highlighted the intricate beadwork. The magic started when the model reached the end of the catwalk and did a twirl. The skirt expanded, going from a trumpet silhouette to a full Disney princess skirt, then changed from ivory to a soft blush pink. The model twirled again and the dress morphed again, this time going glacial white as it reduced to a simple sheath silhouette with a lace overlay.
Smiling, I shook my head. “For the bride who can’t make up her mind,” I said softly, adding my applause to the roar of the crowd.
As the models took their final lap, I slipped away, wanting to get back to the booth before I got caught in the crush heading for the exits. The aisles were wide, but things tended to get gridlocked anyway.
I stopped short of the booth, stunned to see Caleb speaking with a pair of attendees.
Not just any attendees. The attendees. The ones I’d waited for all day: Rye and Darla.
Caleb glanced up and flashed a smile. He waved me over, and it was all I could do to keep from tripping over my own feet. “Here she is,” he said as I joined him at the counter. “I’ve been over here singing your praises.”
“Darla, Rye, it’s so nice to meet you,” I said, offering each of them my hand in turn.
They were so perfect together, like something straight from a romance novel. Rye was stocky and a few inches taller than his bride-to-be. Their dark eyes radiated love and excitement as they looked over the collection of photos I had on display, showcasing past weddings I’d coordinated.
“We actually came here today to see you,” Darla said.
I clenched my jaw to keep it from falling open.
“As soon as Rye proposed,” she said, pausing to grin up at her fiancé, “I knew Aurelia had to do my dress. One of my mom’s friends has a connection and put us in touch. She said we simply had to hire you to plan the wedding. So, I guess all we need to know is where do we sign?”
“S—sign?” I repeated.
Caleb placed a pen in my hand.
“We’d like to lock in our date. We’re more than happy to pay any kind of retainer or down payment,” Rye said, reaching for his pocket.
“Do you have June twenty-first available?” Darla asked nervously.
“I do now!” I burst out.
Oops. Did that sound too eager?
Oh, who the hex cares! I was booking Rye and Darla. And the sweetest part? It was all happening in full view of Hyacinth and Kait.
The conversation lasted another ten minutes, and when the pair walked off hand-in-hand, I had a signed contract and a large—very large—check tucked into my purse.
I watched Darla and Rye melt into the crowd, my heart still pounding like crazy. When I lost sight of them, I turned to Caleb and smacked a hand against his chest. “Did you—can you—I can’t believe they just—” I stopped and raked my hands through my hair. “Is this really happening? Did that really just happen?!”
Caleb chuckled, captured my hand, and kissed my knuckles. “I’d say you’re officially in business, baby.”
I laughed, still shaking my head in disbelief as I stared at the signed contract.
Glancing up, my eyes went wide as I realized the couple had been sucked into A Touch of Magic Event’s booth and they were both speaking with Hyacinth, Kait at her side like a proper lap dog. Rye gestured at my booth and time froze. Hyacinth’s polished smile melted like burnt plastic and Kait gasped—actually gasped!—out loud before slapping a hand over her own mouth. Their faces were perfectly framed by the couple’s shoulders and I locked away the snapshot in time, to be forever cherished like liquid gold.
Smiling, I held up the contract, waving it like a victorious flag.
“That’s right, ladies,” I muttered. “Eat my pixie dust!”
Chapter Eighteen
“Good evening, cariña,” Marco Dupree greeted as I st
epped inside Luna. He was behind the host station, wearing a double-breasted suit and a jovial smile. “You’re stunning tonight!”
I smiled. I felt stunning, wrapped in a midnight blue silk tulle gown that hugged my body in all the right places before puddling at my feet in a small train. Thousands of crystals glittered along the bodice and skirt of the gown. I’d told Aurelia the gown was overkill for an intimate dinner party of eight, but she’d insisted, reminding me that it wasn’t just a dinner party. It was a celebration of my new business venture. She hadn’t let me pay for the gown either.
Beside me, Caleb wore a dark suit and a crisp white shirt. I’d seen him dressed up before, but tonight he had an extra air about him that made him irresistible.
“Agent McCord,” Marco said, offering a respectful nod. “I’ve made the preparations, just as you asked. Let me escort you back to the private dining room.”
Caleb patted the back of my hand that was looped through his arm. “Thank you, Marco.”
“Private dining room?” I asked, glancing at Caleb. “There’s only eight of us.”
Luna’s banquet room was usually reserved for large gatherings and had a lengthy waiting list. How far in advance had Caleb made the plans for this dinner?
“Tonight isn’t just any ordinary dinner,” Caleb explained, guiding me in Marco’s wake, “it’s your grand opening, so to speak. You deserve something special.”
Marco opened the doors to the private room and I gasped. Luna was always an experience, with the dark velvet walls and pinpoints of light making the entire restaurant feel like you were dining among the stars, but the interior of the banquet room was breathtaking. What had to be at least a hundred roses filled the space, engulfing the room with their luxurious fragrance. They poured out of crystal vases in front of each place setting, and a huge arrangement with lush greens dominated the center of the table. Orbs of soft light hovered along the ceiling, casting soft pools of light across the dark walnut table, offset by creamy white linens and the gorgeous flowers.
Witchy Weddings: A Magic Witch Mystery Series: The complete Touch of Magic series Page 43
