Page 35 of Forever and Other Lies

Working on this wedding might not be so bad after all.

Chapter 15

Working on this wedding wasn’t so bad. Jayna was checking items off her extensive list. She’d found place settings for the reception dinner by rummaging through Jamie’s dinnerware section. It would be very eclectic with the mismatched antique China and would perfectly suit the rustic setting of the Old Mill.

Next on the list were linens. She drove to the outlet mall on the outskirts of the nearest city and cleaned out the Pottery Barn of all its neutral linens and blush-toned napkins. The third item was a little more challenging: bridesmaids and dresses for them. There were three groomsmen, and it was a given that Leighton would be maid of honor. Jayna didn’t know any of Piper’s friends and couldn’t afford to waste time. So, she recruited herself and voluntold Jessica that she would be a bridesmaid. Beside the Pottery Barn was a women’s boutique that carried formal wear. She found three identical chiffon dresses in plum. Jessica and Leighton were close to her size, and the dress fit her nicely. Sold.

Item number four, decorate the venue the night before. She could only pray that Derek did indeed hand off his list to Ben because it conflicted directly with item number one on her personal list; don’t spend a minute longer than necessary with the Neanderthal.

Readjusting the garment bag on her arm, Jayna pushed open the door to Notion for Lotion. The delicate chime of a bell announced her while the soothing scents immediately wrapped around her. She inhaled deeply. Rows of beautifully displayed products caught her eye—luxurious creams and fragrant oils in colored bottles, handmade soaps, and candles.

Jayna surveyed the store with a mixture of awe and irritation. She didn’t want to like anything about Leighton, least of all her incredible store.

Leighton glanced up, smiling, from behind the checkout counter. “Hi, Jayna.”

Jayna nodded curtly, trying to resist the enchanting ambiance of the store. She wanted to peruse the candle selection, and her fingers itched to pick up the handmade lavender soap. The calming scent called to her. Of course, this woman who was so close to perfection would own a store that smelled like heaven.

She walked toward the counter. Despite her resistance, she couldn’t stop herself from picking up a jar of whipped body butter, captivated by the blue sea glass with a wooden lid.

“That body butter is a customer favorite. The scent is a blend of lemon and lavender. It’s very moisturizing and invigorating.”

Jayna popped the lid and sniffed. “Hmm, well, I guess I’ve smelled worse.”

Leighton raised an eyebrow. “You’re one tough customer.”

“I’m not here as a customer,” Jayna stepped back and unzipped the dress bag. “I found three matching bridesmaid dresses in plum, which should go well with the neutral and blush color palette. I signed myself and Jessica up as bridesmaids and you, of course, as maid of honor.”

She pulled the dress out of the bag.

“Oh, Jayna, it’s beautiful! The color is perfect.”

Jayna couldn’t help but crack a small smile at Leighton’s enthusiasm, but then recalled that she didn’t like the woman and stiffened. “I’m just doing what I was asked.”

Leighton touched the soft fabric, running it between her fingers. “I appreciate your help, Jayna. It means a lot to me, and I know Piper will love your choice.”

Jayna looked away. It was impossible to maintain her dislike for Leighton when she was being so nice. “I just want everything to be perfect. Piper deserves to have the wedding of her dreams. I borrowed vintage dinnerware from Jamie’s store and picked up the table linens.”

“It’s wonderful you thought of the surprise wedding. Piper will be shocked and so happy. You’re right she does deserve this.”

Jayna reluctantly met Leighton’s gaze and found a warmth in her eyes that she hadn’t noticed before. “I guessed your size. I can exchange it if it doesn’t fit. But we’re in a time crunch. Can you try it on right now? I have exactly one hour to exchange it.”

Leighton glanced around the store.

“I’ll hold down the fort while you try it on.”

“Thanks. Ben and Derek will be by any minute for those boxes.” Leighton took the dress and pointed to stacked boxes behind the counter.

Just her luck.

“Hurry up,” she grumbled, and instantly felt bad at the hurt expression on Leighton’s face. “I would prefer not to run into Derek. Unless, of course, it’s with my truck.”

Leighton hurried into the back room. Once she was out of sight, Jayna opened the lid on the cream again. She dipped her fingertip and spread it on her hand. Silky smooth. She needed this. And a candle. And shampoo. Jamie was raving over the shampoo she’d bought here.

What the hell? The dress had cost over three hundred dollars. She’d take it out in trade. Swallowing her pride, she grabbed a basket and started filling it. In the candle section, she chose a lavender-scented one and added two more. Moving on to the shampoo aisle, she picked up a bottle, flipping the lid. Coconut, vanilla, and pineapple—it reminded her of a Piña Colada. This one was definitely going in her basket. She frequently switched up shampoo scents. The smell of freshly washed hair was one of her favorite things, especially in the emergency department, where the smells weren’t always fresh.

“What do you think?”

Jayna spun around. What did she think? She didn’t want to be standing beside Leighton wearing the same dress. THAT’S what she thought. The chiffon hugged the woman’s curves, and the plum shade complemented her sun-kissed skin. Leighton was simply stunning, and the green-eyed monster from Jayna’s teen years reared its’ ugly head.

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