Page 15 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

Holly squeezed Nick’s hand with both of hers. The situation seemed to be spiraling out of control, and she had no idea how to get a hold of it. Nick looked deeply into her eyes as if trying to convince her everything would be fine.

“They, uh, asked me to be the backup. Like, months ago.” Viola visibly swallowed. “Because I went to culinary school. Now that the first caterer backed out, I’m catering the wedding.”

“You are?” Holly could only stare at her, unsure of how she felt.

Viola widened her eyes for a second, her jaw clenched. It was apparent she was aiming to send Holly a signal.I’m here to save you, Viola’s look seemed to relay.

“Youare,” Holly finally said. “Yes, um, right.” She turned to Mrs. Miranelli. “Yeah, it totally slipped my mind that we asked Viola to be our backup. She, uh, went to culinary school.”

Holly glanced at Nick, who nodded.

“Absolutely. She was at the top of her class.” Nick patted Viola on the back. “We’re lucky to have such a skilled chef catering our wedding. You’ve tasted her delicious pecan sticky cookies and her lemon bars. If you think about it, it all worked out for the best.”

Mrs. Miranelli’s eyes darted between them, her shoulders hunching slightly. “True, true. She does make an excellent lemon bar. Oh, all right. As long as you’ve got things squared away. But if you need any assistance, dear, I’m available.”

Vivian placed a hand on Mrs. Miranelli’s wrist. “That’s so kind of you to offer, Janice. I’m certain these kids have got it all under control.”

Mrs. Miranelli put on a smile so big Holly wondered if it was genuine. “Of course, you’re right. They’re all grown up, after all.”

“So, Viola.” Nick scratched the back of his neck. “Can we speak to you for a moment in the back?”

“Of course.” Viola wrung her hands as she marched into the back room.

Holly whispered to her mother that they would be back shortly. Her heart was thumping so hard she believed everyone in the shop could hear it.

Once they were all out of earshot, Nick, Holly, and Viola spoke in hushed voices.

“What just happened?” Holly held the sides of her face.

“I don’t know.” Viola shook her head. “I panicked. It’s like the words just flew out of my mouth.”

“That’s understandable.” Nick paced the length of the small back room. “It was a good call not to allow Mrs. Miranelli to bake or cook anything for the wedding.”

“Viola, can you really cater the event?” Holly asked. “I don’t want to underestimate your skills, but I also don’t want you to be overwhelmed.”

Viola’s eyes darted between Nick and Holly. Her breaths were shallow, and she was still wringing her hands. Holly and Nick kept silent as they waited.

“Definitely,” Viola finally said. “I can do it. I’ve drawn up catering plans in culinary school. I worked a few jobs, and theoretically, I know what has to be done.I just have to find a crew to help in the kitchen and some catering waiters who can be available on New Year’s Eve. Piece of cake, right?”

“Piece of wedding cake, if we’re lucky.” Nick snickered, but he sobered when the others kept straight faces. “Sorry.”

“And as long as I can be more flexible with my hours here—” Viola began.

“Sure, of course.” Nick waved a dismissive hand. “Anything you need, you’ve got it.”

“Okay.” Holly couldn’t stop nodding. It was as if every nod would convince her more and more that it would all work out. “Okay. We can pull this off. Yes. Let’s do it. We can give you the deposit when we get the refund from the first caterer.”

“No, no. I can pay you upfront,” Nick insisted. “I want you to be able to get everything you need sooner rather than later.”

Viola visibly swallowed. “Great. Thank you.”

“Thankyou, Viola. We’ll send you all the information you need. And you can come with me to the venue to get acquainted with the kitchen.” Holly put a hand on Nick’s arm. “We better get back to my mom before she thinks we eloped.”

Chapter Six

Viola had only been to Lakeside Chateau for a birthday party as a kid. Everyone at that party had spent the entire afternoon ice skating. There would be no skating today, however. A good portion of the lake was blocked off with signs warning that the ice was too thin.

Viola followed Holly toward the massive building where the wedding and reception would occur. Somehow, the chateau appeared much bigger now, and Viola wondered if the owners had added a wing or two since her last visit. Snow covered the manicured hedges and shrubs, and the bare trees on the lawn were strewn with fairy lights.

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