Page 78 of To Have and to Scold

“How can I help you?” I ask softly once we’re inside.

She juts out her chin. “First of all, I want you to know that I heard about the incident involving Valentina Rice.”

“Oh.”

“That you and Beck allowed minors into the wedding venue that I own, without my knowledge or permission, and then proceeded to leave them unsupervised for over forty-five minutes, is not acceptable.”

I nod, a lump growing in my throat. She’s right. I just wasn’t aware she hadn’t given her permission.

“Dallas, Valentina Rice’s father is on the YMCA board. I don’t think I need to explain why that’s problematic.”

“You’re right. I am so sorry.” I take in a deep breath, ready to keep apologizing further, when she interrupts me.

“We have a more pressing matter, though. Lila’s father and I were going to surprise her with her grandmother’s teardrop pearl earrings, but they’re nowhere to be found. I kept thinking they’d turn up as we got her dressed and ready, but so far, there’s no sign of them.”

“Oh no. You say ‘surprise.’ So she doesn’t know about them yet, correct?”

The mayor nods.

“Let’s keep it that way for now. I can stall things for a few minutes longer.” I brighten in a smile. “Where did you see them last?”

“I don’t know. I thought I just put them in one of my bags, but I’ve dumped them all out and nothing. I wanted her to walk down the aisle in them. Her grandmother passed away a couple of years ago, and she would have loved to have been here.” Martha’s eyes glitter with tears again.

“If Lila’s all ready, let’s have her move to the top of the grand staircase and my assistant and I can go in the dressing room and look one more time.” I take in a slow breath, nodding so the mayor follows my lead and breathes, too. “It’s going to be a really good day. What a beautiful moment in your family’s history taking place in an actual piece of your family’s history.”

Her eyes blink rapidly, and she gives a brave smile before leaving the hut.

I turn to the DJ. “Are you married?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Good. Keep it that way,” I say with a smile and a laugh.

I’m kidding.

Mostly.

A flash of me having to take down Lila and Ryan’s invitation from my board has me feeling dizzy. What is wrong with me? I’m already wondering if they’re not going to make it?

Come on, Dallas! Don’t torture yourself.

I find Mary, who’s tightening the satin ties hanging from the sweeping hanging lights and recruit her to help. This delay will only be five minutes. That does not warrant an announcement to the attendees. If it stretches into ten, then maybe.

She and I search the bride’s room, checking the various shelves and baskets of supplies. Eight minutes in, and there’s no sign of the earrings. I meet Lila’s mom’s eyes at the top of the stairs and shake my head in empathy. She lowers hers in defeat. I reach Lila and grab her hand.

“Gorgeous!” I say brightly. “You are glowing, Lila.” I reach up to her earrings, diamond studs in a cushion cut. “And I love your earrings.”

She touches her right ear. “Thanks. So, can I get married now?”

The rest of the wedding party laughs. “Yes, you can,” I say. “If everyone’s ready, I’ll let downstairs know it’s time to start.”

After enthusiastic yesses, I speak into my headset to Mary to let her know the wedding is a go.

The photographer takes pictures of everyone descending the staircase while I whisper to the mayor that we’ll continue looking for the earrings in a moment. After I’ve ushered the whole party to the back door, we wait until we hear the music. The flower girl and ring bearer step through the doors and onto the carpeted walkway across the sand. The audience turns to look in anticipation.

The music floats above the sound of the waves. Finally, Lila, flanked on either side by her parents, steps out into the sun. It’s my favorite part of any wedding, the moment the groom sees the bride and their eyes meet. It’s the only part where I allow myselfto feel anything besides anticipation for the next thing I need to do.

And Ryan’s gaze does not disappoint. His eyes soften, his mouth drops open, and his breath is shaky. Even though Lila’s back is to me, I feel the same reaction from her.

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