Page 24 of Kiss the Bride

Ryan launched into a well-rehearsed spiel. “The ballroom accommodates up to two hundred guests, plus staff. For larger parties, floor-to-ceiling sliders open along the harbor side, giving access to the deck and the dock beyond.” He noted the sparkle of interest in Brianna’s eyes before he pointed to the ceiling. “Those chandeliers once hung in the Promontory.” He’d picked them up for a song at an antique shop where they’d ended up after the Newport mansion, unlike the Captain’s Cottage, had failed to stand the test of time. Answering questions and highlighting the features of the space, he showed them the side rooms, which could be used in various ways. When he sensed Brianna and Daniel had seen enough, he guided them to the spacious kitchen, which had been outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances. “Several of our best local chefs contributed to this room’s design.” He made sure to mention the immense Aga gas stove, the walk-in freezer, and a Subzero refrigerator that met catering specifications.

“This is all so perfect!” Brianna exclaimed when they’d moved on to the bride’s dressing area, where cream-colored chairs and tables dotted the hardwood floor. A sofa at one end and several comfortable chairs provided additional seating.

Across the hall, the groom’s room featured similar seating, but there, he’d decorated the space with darker, more masculine colors that earned Daniel’s approval.

“That view, man,” Daniel observed when they’d returned to the main room. “It’s priceless. Did you say the deck outside is yours as well?” When Ryan nodded, Daniel’s head bobbed. “I’m sold.” He turned to Brianna. “Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think we’d have a chance to get married in a place like this? There’s nothing like it back home, for sure.”

Ryan waited with bated breath for the bride’s answer. Before she had a chance to say a word, Evelyn cleared her throat. “Don’t forget,” she reminded the young couple, “we’re headed to the Captain’s Cottage next. In the meantime, I’m supposed to remind you to keep your choices under wraps until Saturday.”

He pressed his fingertips together. Brianna had been on the brink of committing to Harbor View. He was certain of it.

Evelyn handed the keys of her car to the waiting valet and hurried up the wide steps to the Captain’s Cottage. Reaching the top, she concentrated on seeing the front lawn through fresh eyes. In the distance, one of the landscaping team rode back and forth across the thick green grass. His machine created an interesting patchwork design as he mowed. Another worker trimmed the arborvitae, the precise snick-snick of his sheers maintaining a top so level she could use the hedge as a tea table. Water babbled over the rocks of a small creek that flowed under the weeping willows. She drank in a calming breath. The air carried a hint of fresh-cut grass mingled with the sweet scent of flowers. She especially loved the Cottage in the summer and made a point of stepping out onto the veranda or standing on the front steps several times a day. The sights, the sounds, the smells normally soothed her.

But not today.

Today, her shoulders were so tight, they ached. Thanks to Ryan Court and his Boat Works. Or should she call it Harbor View? As wedding venues went, the place was absolutely gorgeous. Ryan had wisely divided the floor space, providing roomy dressing areas for the bride and groom while maintaining a spacious hall that could accommodate all but the largest of weddings. Every inch of the woodwork reflected superb craftsmanship and attention to detail. He’d spared no expense when it came to furniture and appliances, either. She crossed her fingers and prayed Connie never stepped foot inside Harbor View’s kitchen. If that ever happened, the Captain’s Cottage might be looking for a new head chef. Throw in the spectacular views, and Ryan’s building became a serious contender for first place among the Heart’s Landing venues.

Which meant she’d have to redouble her efforts if she had any hope of convincing Brianna and Daniel to hold their ceremony and reception at the Cottage. She drew in another breath and flung open the front door. One look at her great-great-great-grandfather’s portrait strengthened her resolve. She blew him her usual kiss and marched down the hall.

Her footsteps faltered outside the dining room. She gritted her teeth. Just inside the door, crumbs and discarded napkins dotted the otherwise empty tables. On the buffet, the morning’s sweet rolls had been picked over. Bits of egg and cheese clung to the sides of a nearly empty casserole dish. A lone slice of bacon sat in a tray beneath a heat lamp. She scooped up the trash and ducked into the service closet for a cleaning rag. Her feet skidded to a stop when she spotted Joelle, a new addition to the kitchen staff, at the long counter. The girl rolled silverware into cloth napkins.

With all this mess, that’s what she chose to do? She fought a rising temper. Struggling to keep her voice even, she pointed out the obvious. “The dining room needs some attention.”

She must’ve spoken more sharply than she’d intended, because silverware clattered to the countertop from the startled girl’s hands.

“I’ll get it, Miss Evelyn.” Joelle glanced over her shoulder as she started for the door. “I was just taking advantage of the lull to—”

She held up a hand. “The egg dishes need to be replenished. Tell the kitchen to send up a fresh tray of breakfast meats,” she ordered, running down her list. She studied the front room. Was it her imagination, or did the flowers on each table look a little droopy? Of all the times to skimp on details, this wasn’t it. “Call the greenhouse. Have them replace the flowers.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll get right on it, but …” Her hands shaking, the young woman grabbed a bottle of cleanser from the cupboard.

“What is it?”

“Well, it’s almost time for lunch. Connie and Fiona are on their way up with the sandwiches and desserts.”

Evelyn felt her face heat. In her haste to make sure every detail was perfect for Daniel and Brianna’s arrival, she’d forgotten the time. She checked her watch. In exactly ten minutes, housekeepers would descend on the dining room. With their usual clocklike precision, they’d sweep the floors, scour the tables and, yes, even replenish the floral arrangements while the cooks removed the breakfast items and arranged the day’s lunch offerings. She took a breath. “Okay. Forget what I said about the food. But if you could tidy up out there …”

“I’m on it.” Joelle grabbed a fresh cleaning rag.

Evelyn wheeled. She race-walked to the Green Room. One look inside stopped her cold. Her mouth dropped open. When she’d left the house this morning, the ballroom had been empty. Now, rose-colored linens spilled from large tubs scattered about the room. A crew of young people moved between rows of half-dressed tables and chairs. She put a hand to her head. “No, no, no,” she moaned.

She’d deliberately avoided scheduling any events in their largest hall in order to show off the wainscoting and crown molding during Brianna and Daniel’s visit. The prep work ruined the effect.

“You there.” She pointed at a pair of teens who were lugging an eight-top from built-in storage closets at the back of the room. “Put that back.” The arm she swept through the air encompassed the entire space. “Take all this down, right away.”

A young woman who’d just tied the bow on the back of a chair frowned. “Ms. Jenny told us to—”

“I’ll call her right now. In the meantime, stop whatever you’re doing.” She tugged her cell phone from her skirt pocket.

Jenny answered on the first ring.

“We have an emergency,” Evelyn said, trying not to hyperventilate. “You need to get the Green Room cleared right away. Please tell the staff to get all this stuff out of here immediately.”

She disconnected. Forcing her back ramrod straight, she headed for the bridal suites. The housekeepers had worked their magic in those rooms only yesterday. They’d sailed through her white glove test this morning, but after what she’d discovered so far, she had to double-check. Her heels beat a staccato against the floor. She made it halfway down the corridor when Jenny fell in beside her.

“What’s going on?” the woman murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I just saw the Boat Works. Ryan renamed it Harbor View Weddings. Have you been there?”

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