Page 43 of Passing Ships

“Now, let’s talk bouquets. I know the color scheme is sangria and rose gold. What flowers are we thinking?”

“I’d like my bouquet to be white tulips and maybe purple dahlias,” Avie says.

“Oh, purple dahlias would match the sangria color of the bridesmaid dresses perfectly,” Naomie agrees as she writes in her planner.

“And the girls’ bouquets can be the same, but it’s fine if they use white roses for those, if that’s cheaper than tulips,” Avie continues.

“You don’t like roses?” Milly asks.

Avie shakes her head. “I’m allergic.”

“Not allergic, sweetie. Their aroma just makes you nauseous,” Naomie corrects.

“Really?” Sabel asks.

“Yes, they always have. It’s the darnedest thing,” Naomie says. “Now, what are we thinking for the centerpieces? Did you look at the photos I sent you?”

Avie nods.

Naomie pulls her phone out and turns it so we can all have a look. “We can do these branches and have them sprayed gold and wrap them with flowers and hanging crystals.”

I lean in and narrow my eyes at the photo. “Wow, a tree for a centerpiece. Seems practical,” I mumble.

“I really liked the mason jars with the sand and seashells and the green and teal hydrangeas,” Avie says.

Naomie’s lips turn down, but she tucks the disappointment in quickly. “How about white and purple hydrangeas? I can have a rose-gold ribbon glued around the top,” she suggests.

Avie nods. “Yeah, that sounds pretty, Mom.”

“And you’re okay with the hydrangea and eucalyptus drape for the bride and groom table?” she asks hopefully.

“Yes.”

Naomie beams at her as she shuts the book. “All right. I think we’ve got it.”

“Hallelujah!” I shout as I raise my mimosa to the center of the table.

That was fairly painless.

Everyone picks theirs up and toasts with me.

Avie is all smiles.

“What about the bridal luncheon?” Lisa, Avie’s cousin, asks.

“That’s planned for the Wednesday before the big day. I’ll text everyone the details soon,” Avie replies.

“And the bachelorette party?” Savannah asks.

“I’m taking care of those plans,” I say.

Avie’s eyes cut to me.

“We’ll talk about it later,” I mutter under my breath.

I turn my attention back to Lisa and Savannah.

“I’m still hammering out the details, but I’ll let you know something at dinner.”

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