Page 64 of Finding Chloe

“Okay. We’re done,” Tori said, her voice thick with tears.

“Don’t you start, or I’ll cry too.” Alex sniffed and stood. When she turned to face me, my breath caught. She was a dream in her gown, elegant and sexy. I couldn’t wait to see what everyone thought about her surprise reception dress.

“Knock, knock. Is everyone decent?”

I laughed as I made my way to the flap door to let Alex’s father in.

“You did good, girlie,” Dr. Brooks, the town’s former vet and Alex’s father, said as he gave me a hug.

“Thanks. And now I need to check on the guys.” I waved to Alex as I made my way to the other tent.

“Can I come in?”

Multiple voices yelled out yes.

“How are we all doing in here?” I went into the tent and stopped in my tracks. “Y’all are an incredibly handsome bunch. This should be illegal,” I said, circling my hand in the air to indicate the scene.

“Way to be professional. Is this how you’re going to act during all your events?” Stefan teased, stepping next to me.

“Eh, maybe,” I teased back.

The men chuckled. I quickly counted and made note of everyone here. “Does anyone need anything before I check on a few more things?”

Garrett held out his boutonniere with a sheepish expression on his face. “Chloe, will you do this before I bleed all over my tux?”

I grinned and attached it to Garrett’s lapel. “I can’t wait for you guys to see Alex. She looks amazing.” I smiled and waved to everyone after making sure once more I wasn’t needed. Now I just needed to make my rounds and ensure everything else was on schedule.

The hired team of photographers was scattered around. I checked in with the caterers and Oliver, then the officiants. The wedding was going to be made legal in both countries. One officiant would marry Alex to Thomas for the US license, and the other from Cosland would marry Declan and Thomas to Alex. They had worked together to make the ceremony seamless, and I nearly cried when they went through it all with me for my approval.

I stood in the middle, smiling. Every last thing was just right.

“Do you need anything?” Kyle’s breath tickled my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I glanced at my watch. “We need to make sure everyone gets to their seats. We should be starting soon.”

“On it.” He kissed my shoulder and disappeared.

My heart melted. All the guys from the ranch took on the various tasks I needed done. I watched as Kyle made his way to Matt and spoke to him, then they both went off and gathered the guys not assigned a duty. The next minute, all of them were rounding up guests and directing them to their seats.

I went to the other side of the line of trees where the personal tents were and found the mother and fathers of the groom.

“Oh, Chloe. You did a phenomenal job. If only you lived in Cosland. I’d hire you as my new event planner,” the duchess gushed.

“Thank you so much. That means a lot. I hope the rest of the night is to your liking as well. Now, if you will assume your positions, we are about to start.”

I held my arm out toward the big cottonwood tree. They made their way over, and the men emerged from their tent to join them. My smile stretched from cheek to cheek as I watched the duchess fuss over Declan’s bowtie, and I hoped one of the photographers was getting this.

The orchestra started up, and everyone took their places. Finally, it was time for the girls to walk down the aisle, followed by the beautiful bride. The wildflowers we substituted at the last minute fit so well. It reminded me to go outside my comfort zone and consider suggesting other variations when working with brides.

Just as the flower girl and ring bearer made it down the aisle, the music changed, and Alex stood at the end. Her breath hitched, and tears filled her eyes as she took in Thomas and Declan’s adoring gazes. Her dad whispered in her ear, and she let out a quiet laugh, which seemed to stop the tears.

I don’t think there was ever a prettier bride. Alex was a vision as she slowly walked down the runner. Every so often, she’d smile at a guest and her dad would have to remind her to keep going. Alex was loved by so many, and there wasn’t a dry eye by the end of the ceremony.

When the bride and grooms proceeded down the aisle toward me and guests cheered, I discreetly ushered them away from everyone and to the area for pictures. Kyle had been right about it being the best spot. I took a sneak peek at the photographer’s camera and gave her the thumbs-up. They looked amazing and so incredibly in love.

After I helped Alex change into her second dress, she smiled and twirled.

“You are gorgeous. You’ll knock them dead a second time today.”

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