Page 110 of The Backup Bride Proposal

“Wow, this place is beautiful,” Everly said.

“Yeah, it’s very cool. We’ll film some scenes in the barn and over at the arbor where they perform weddings.”

“I can’t wait.”

Mae came out and didn’t even pause when she saw Everly sitting in the front seat. She smiled, waved, then got into the back seat.

“I hope everyone is as hungry as I am,” Everly said.

“I’m always hungry,” Mae said.

Everly laughed. “You and I are going to be best friends.”

“What are you in the mood to eat, Everly?” Mae asked.

“Oh, I don’t know. I like everything. And nothing fancy. Low profile suits me best.”

“Perfect. How about burgers and beer in a very nondescript location?”

“That sounds ideal.”

Mae directed Kane to a place called the Garage, where there were all kinds of burgers, including vegetarian. They ordered their beers and burgers and grabbed a table. There were TVs placed all around, and even better—sports. Kane could eat here every day. Hopefully the food was good.

“I can’t believe you never brought me here before,” he said to Mae.

She shrugged. “We’ve eaten lots of places. I was getting around to it.”

“You two have gone out a lot?” Everly asked as she took a sip of her beer.

He could tell Mae was going to defer to Kane, who nodded. “Yeah, she’s been putting up with me.”

Everly laughed. “He’s a hardship. I know. But he needs friends, so you’re a real sport.”

“Mmm.” Mae nodded, taking a drink of beer. “He did look like a lonely kid in a corner. I took pity on him.”

“Hey, now,” Kane said. “I can go sit at another table.”

“But then you’d miss out on the company of two beautiful women,” Everly said. “And you wouldn’t want to do that, would you?”

He shrugged. “I guess not.”

Mae laughed, then engaged in conversation with Everly about her films and where she traveled. Kane sat back, sipped his beer and focused on the sports update on the TV until their burgers arrived. He took a bite of the juicy burger, then shoved fries in his mouth, nodding.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “These are good burgers.”

“Right?” Mae asked. “Kind of perfect.”

“This veggie burger is tasty,” Everly said. “And the spicy sweet potato fries are to die for. Good choice, Mae.”

“I’m so glad you like it.”

After she finished her burger, Everly wiped her hands with the napkin, then took a long swallow of beer. “So, Mae, tell me about yourself. Have you always been in the wedding business?”

“Not always. I got involved with the Bellinis a couple of years ago. Before that I was in marketing and management for a bridal dress company.”

“Ooh. That sounds fun.”

“It was. But the owner and I had different ideas on how to promote the company and we clashed—often. When Honor Bellini asked me to come on board and help them manage their wedding business, I jumped at the opportunity. The three sisters along with their parents have a beautiful wedding and winery operation, and I knew my style and theirs would mesh.”

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