Page 5 of Icing on the Cake

“That’s very generous of you, but it’s really okay.” My eyes wander to the best man and bridesmaid huddled in the corner having a private moment. Looks like someone’s sleeping on a cold sofa for the foreseeable future. “Your friend should have it. Maybe it’ll help smooth over the...um...situation.”

Grace follows my gaze and frowns, her soft eyes filling with compassion. My heart goes out to the poor girl. Disappointment and betrayal are the universal language of understanding among women. We’ve all had our hearts trampled unexpectedly by the careless words or actions of a loved one. We’ve seen, felt, and lived it ourselves and through our friends.

“Do you believe in kismet or fate, Eisley?” Grace places her hands around mine at the bouquet’s base. Her hands are warm and steady despite the whirlwind day she’s been through. And when she speaks, it’s with the wisdom of an old soul. “Today’s my wedding day, not the time to tempt fate and disregard tradition. I insist you keep this. I believe this bouquet is truly meant for you. Only you.”

A lump forms in my throat. What if what Grace says is true? Did unforeseen forces bring me here for another chance meeting with Beau? A flicker of hope whispers softly to my soul. Is my heart ready to be heard?

“If we want to stay on schedule, we need to start the garter toss with the groomsman.” The wedding planner interrupts our brief exchange with her clipboard and pen at the ready. “This way.”

Grace nods to the woman. “Excuse me, Eisley, but duty calls.” She releases my hand, giving me a warm, cheerful smile. “Thanks for saving the day. The cake’s everything I imagined it would be. Stick around if you’d like. Eat, dance, enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you.” I squeeze the bouquet stem a little tighter, knowing if nothing else, I’ll have it as a memento of the moment Beau held me in his arms and swept me off my feet.

Grace gathers her dress, and the wedding planner escorts her to an area a little further away from the cake table this time. I take a moment to collect myself, allowing the significance of catching the bouquet to sink in. It symbolizes so much more than Grace and Tom’s marriage. It embodies love, happiness, and the possibility I, too, might find the same one day. It’s also a reminder that love and romance have thus far eluded me. Yet, the promise of something new and exciting lingers in the air. I won’t give up hope in what’s to come.

I steal one more glance at Beau, watching him interact with his friends across the room. There’s no denying the spark between us and the longing in my heart for more. Perhaps something even more unexpected lingers on the horizon. Only time and fate can tell.

I round up my frosting tips and tools, ensuring everything’s tidy, then slip into the kitchen. As lovely as it is for Grace to invite me to stay, I shouldn’t. It wouldn’t be professional. I’ve already imposed too much on her day. As soon as my tools are washed and packed, I’ll be on my way.

***

Beau

I line up with the rest of the unmarried groomsmen, including Kent, who’s down in the mouth with his hands shoved deep into his pants pockets. Kylie’s taken refuge with the bridesmaids, clearly perturbed with Kent’s behavior. But she’s being a good sport about it, finishing her bridal party duties with the rest of us.

Tom slips the garter from Grace’s thigh to the tittering giggles and cheers of onlookers. He waggles his brows at Grace, then leans in to whisper something in her ear. Grace’s cheeks redden. She playfully smacks his arm, which only deepens his Cheshire Cat grin. The crowd erupts in spontaneous laughter and applause.

“Tradition has it that the man who catches this is the next to find his bride.” Tom waves the garter, then glances back at Grace. “Like I’ve found mine, the love of my life.”

Audible sighs carry through the crowd. I can’t help but feel a twinge of loneliness pinch my heart. Tom and Grace’s love and happiness are contagious, leaving me longing for the same.

“Who’s next?” Tom teases as he shoots us a mischievous grin.

Kent winces as if impending doom awaits. Another screwup, and Kylie will hand him his ass on a platter. He’ll figure out soon enough that she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Like Tom, he’ll know when the time is right.

“Toss it. Toss it,” guests chant as Tom loops the lacy garter around his forefinger, preparing to flip it.

Tom pulls the garter’s elastic band taut and aims, and with a flick of the wrist, the garter launches into the air. I throw myself into fray, vying for the best vantage point. The garter arcs directly above me and lands squarely in my outstretched hand.

Kent pats me on the back, congratulating me on the catch. The sweat on his brow gives away his temporary relief. The crowd cheers, Tom and Grace the loudest of all. For a moment, I wonder if his aim was directed at me or if the whole thing was random, a force of nature.

“You know what to do with that, right?” Tom grips my shoulder, still wearing a mischievous grin. “Go on. Go get her.”

That’s when I know there’s no such thing as random, only fate. It doesn’t matter if the garter fell from the sky or if Tom placed it in my hand. There’s only one thing to do. Seize the moment.

“Be right back.” I return his grin and high-tail it across the reception hall, irresistibly drawn to the woman who’d captured more than my attention.

Eisley’s stolen my heart.

CHAPTER 4

***

Beau

My heart pounds with anticipation and nervous excitement as I duck through the kitchen doors. I can’t resist the chance to sweep Eisley off her feet and onto the dance floor. It’ll give me an opportunity to get to know a little about her. So far, the mere thought and sight of her makes my heart race and my palms sweat. She’s dopamine for my restless soul, and I desperately need another hit.

I find Eisley in the kitchen up to her elbows in sudsy water. She chatters effortlessly with the catering staff as if she’s known everyone for years. How could I not know her? I make the rounds, checking in with local business owners and establishments like mine. It’s difficult enough to run a successful restaurant with corporate competition, high overhead costs, and the constant battle with legislation and mandates. There’s strength in numbers. Together, our voices are heard.

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