Page 26 of Kiss the Bride

Veering from the script, she worked hard to mask her surprise. “You know a little bit about pianos, do you?”

“My dad plays. He’s always wanted a grand piano. He used to drag us to tag sales every weekend, hoping to find one he could afford. He never did, but someday—when I have a little money set aside—I’m going to buy him one.”

“That’s so sweet,” she said, her respect for the young groom growing. She ran her fingers lightly over the Steinway’s rich patina. “This particular piano has been in the Heart family since the 1800s. According to the ship’s logbooks, the Mary S. was attacked by pirates on a return trip from London one fall. Captain Thaddeus and his crew returned fire, severely damaging their attacker. The pirates abandoned their sinking ship, which Captain Thaddeus and his men quickly boarded. They liberated several hostages the pirates had been holding for ransom. One of them turned out to be the son of a wealthy New York merchant who was so overjoyed at his son’s rescue that he commissioned this piano as a gift.”

“That’s some story.” Daniel’s brow furrowed. “It’s true?”

“Every word,” she assured him. Tara had unearthed records of the event while she’d searched the ship’s logbooks for reasons that hadn’t been entirely clear at the time. Leaving Daniel to dream of adventures at sea, Evelyn turned to Brianna. Her heart ached for the young woman who’d lost so much already. Wanting to give her a perfect wedding, she said, “Personally, I love the Conservatory for intimate ceremonies. How many guests do you expect?”

Brianna’s cheeks dimpled. “We’re thinking somewhere around fifty or so. There’s my aunt,” she said, keeping count on her fingers. “She’ll give me away. Her daughters, Ann and Lynn, are flying up with her on Friday. They’ll both be in the wedding party. Daniel’s parents will be here. His two brothers—Enoch and David—and their wives—Sissy and Melanie—are coming. A half-dozen of the guys he went to boot camp with and their dates. A bunch of our friends were planning to drive up, but I’m not sure how many of them will actually make it. It’s a long way from Central Florida.”

“Weddings Today will probably send a few people. Right, Curtis?” Evelyn turned to the photographer, who’d been quietly snapping pictures from various points in the room.

Curtis lowered his camera. “Probably a staff writer. And Regina Charm, for sure. She’s in charge of the Wedding-in-a-Week contest. She’ll bring a date.”

Evelyn nodded. Alicia and Regina had worked together on all the arrangements. “Let’s say another six from the magazine, just to be on the safe side.” She gave the young couple a long, appraising glance. “The shop owners and prominent citizens of Heart’s Landing would love to help you celebrate your special day, too. It’s customary to invite them to attend. If you don’t mind, that is. If you’d prefer a smaller gathering …” In the end, only the bride and groom could make that decision.

“The more, the merrier,” Daniel said, hugging his fiancée close.

Brianna’s dimples deepened. “Sounds like fun!”

“I’ll let Alicia know. She’ll spread the word.” Evelyn tipped her head. “That means, though, you’ll need a larger space than the Conservatory. Fortunately, we’re just getting started. C’mon,” she said, moving toward the door. “You’re going to love this next spot.”

A short walk down the hall took the party to the side porch, where greenery wrapped tall columns above white railings and blossoms filled the air with a heady scent. “I especially love it out here when the roses are in bloom like they are now. Many of our brides and grooms choose to marry on the veranda. Or serve cocktails here and hold their ceremony and reception somewhere else on the property.”

Or not, she thought, when someone behind her issued a series of rapid-fire sneezes. She turned to see which of the group had a problem and nearly ran into Daniel.

“Oh, gosh. Roses.” A look of pure dismay crossed his face. He turned to Brianna, who’d yet to step onto the porch. “Duck back inside, honey.” After his bride disappeared into the house, he explained, “She’s allergic.”

“That rules out the veranda.” Evelyn ushered everyone back indoors and firmly closed the door. Concern swelled in her chest. “Will she be okay?”

Daniel stared down the hall at the door that had closed quietly behind his fiancée. “As long as she doesn’t touch them, she’s usually fine. But direct contact? That’s when things get serious.”

“Good to know.” Evelyn pulled out her phone. “If you’ll excuse me for just a sec.” She bent over the small screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she sent an urgent text to Alicia. Satisfied the news would get passed along to the rest of the Wedding-in-a-Week participants, she looked up just as Brianna emerged from the powder room. She scanned the girl’s face for signs of distress, but Daniel’s bride-to-be glowed with the same excitement she’d shown the moment she’d stepped from the Town Car. Nonetheless, Evelyn asked, “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Right as rain. See?” To prove her point, Brianna inhaled smoothly.

She eyed the young blonde. No blotches marred her clear complexion, and the girl didn’t sound the slightest bit stuffy or wheezy. She certainly looked all right, but Evelyn knew her limits. She wasn’t a doctor. She had to at least offer medical care. “I’d be glad to take you to the ER, if you’d like. Or the Heart’s Landing Walk-In Clinic. It’s just a few streets over on Boutonniere Drive.”

“And miss out on all this?” Brianna whirled in a circle. “Not on your life. There’s absolutely no need to fuss. I carry an antihistamine with me and an EpiPen for emergencies. I didn’t have to use either. I’m fine.”

Evelyn sought confirmation with Daniel, who said, “It’s up to Brianna,” and Curtis, who simply shrugged his approval. “Okay, then. We’ll move on.” Giving herself a special reminder to check on the bride frequently, she chose a roundabout path to the stairs. On the way to the bridal suites on the second floor, they lingered in the library, poked their heads into the dining room, and forged past both ballrooms, which were hidden behind closed doors as she’d requested.

As they mounted the wide staircase, Evelyn trailed her fingers along the sturdy banister. “My cousin and I used to slide down this when we were kids. It gave my mother fits. I don’t think she ever realized my dad and uncle taught us how to hold on. Just like their fathers probably taught them.”

“I guess it’s kind of a family tradition, then.” Daniel grinned. “We had a few in ours, too. Jumping into the quarry on the first day of summer break. Floating down the Ichetucknee on inner tubes.”

Brianna chimed in. “Banana splits on report card day.” She turned to Daniel and they finished in unison, “Only for all A’s and B’s.”

Evelyn laughed at their joke despite feeling a little envious. Daniel and Brianna were obviously in love, and the memories they shared made their relationship extra special. What would that be like? She’d never know. She’d known Ryan forever, of course, but they didn’t have that kind of relationship.

But could they?

She shook her head. She didn’t have time for a trip down Wishful Thinking Lane. Not now. Not when she was in the middle of proving the Captain’s Cottage was the best place for this year’s Wedding-in-a-Week couple. Squaring her shoulders as they reached the top of the staircase, she brought the little party to a halt outside the Stargazer Suite.

“Each of these rooms is reserved for a bride on her wedding day.” She smiled at Daniel. “We don’t want our grooms to spoil the wedding by running into the bride, so we have accommodations for the men on the other side of the house.”

The door opened into a sumptuously outfitted sitting area done up in pink and mauve tones. A bouquet of the suite’s namesake lilies on the dresser perfumed the air.

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