Page 80 of To Have and to Scold

“Can I help with anything? Consider me another version of Mary right now.” Just as I say that, I catch a glimpse of Mary, like a crossing guard and drill sergeant dressed in her Sunday best, directing people to the covered patio for music and drinks while the photos are being taken.

“The caterers have just arrived, so I’ll get them squared away.” Dallas’s forehead is bunched up and she worries her lip.

I only nod and follow her inside as she greets the manager and crew of the catering company and gets them set up. I work alongside her for a while, moving tables and chairs to just the right spot.

It’s nice to be in here, where we’ve worked so hard. The mansion turned out even better than I imagined. Maybe this will be a steppingstone to Leo and his friends getting the YMCA wing of their dreams.

Finally, with the caterers all set up and starting their prep, I grab Dallas’s hand and lead her to the new bathroom. Not the most romantic of locations, but it’s quiet. And it’s a really nice bathroom now.

“Hey, you okay?” I tenderly tuck back a lock of hair with one hand and wrap another hand around her shoulder.

“Welcome to the wedding life, Beck.” Her gaze darts to the floor.

“Is this normal wedding stress, or is there something else?”

“Uh. Well. I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Instead of making a joke about her obsession with footwear, I wait for her to continue. She sighs. “The only thing bad that’s happened is a missing pair of earrings, Beck. And I’m just wondering if that’s enough or if there’s more. There’s always something bad in every wedding. I can’t shake that something else is going to happen.”

“Have you checked the cake?” I deadpan.

She makes a sound of disgust, but smiles. “I triple checked that thing. It’s the right one, I promise.”

“Well, that’s good. Sweetheart, you have so much on your shoulders right now. And you’re doing amazing. Whatever happens, good or bad, I’m here, okay?”

Tears fill her eyes, and she sniffs, running the tip of her finger under her eyes.

“I sorta like that you called me sweetheart.”

“I did, didn’t I? It’s true. You’re sweet and you have my heart.”

“Oh, Beck. You’re making me think I can actually pull this off.”

I press a light kiss to her forehead. “It’s an amazing wedding.”

“And you’re here,” she says.

I gather her in my arms and breathe in her sweet scent.

“As much as I’d love to kiss you right now, I know you’ve got a lot to do.”

Mary’s voice comes through the headset and I’m close enough to hear that it sounds mildly urgent. Although with Mary, you never know.

“I’m on my way,” Dallas says into her headset. Her gaze rakes over me and without warning, she presses against me and closes her mouth over mine. I’m lost, freefalling for a moment, and then she spins us both around so that I’m up against the wall.Hello!The soap dispenser might have even fallen to the floor with her enthusiasm.

“Wow,” I say against her mouth. “That’s it. I’m coming to every wedding you do.”

“You’d better,” she says, challenging me, as she kisses me again.

As quickly as it began, it ends, Dallas breathing heavy, her eyes lidded.

“Wow,” I say again.

One side of her mouth tips up in a smile.

“You got this, Dallas. I’m here all night, okay?”

The other side of her mouth goes up, but then her gaze darts to the floor. “Wait.” She gasps. “What is that?”

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