Page 16 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

Viola craned her neck to take in the steeply pitched gable roof, the multiple chimneys with decorative caps, and the balustraded terrace. She wondered how much Holly and Nick spent to have it as their wedding venue.

At the front center of the building was a wide, cream-colored marble stairway that led to a broad veranda with a wrought-iron railing. The expansive entryway was accentuated with ten-foot-tall, paned-glass double doors. Beside the doors stood an elegantly decorated Christmas tree. As they approached, one of the double doors opened, and a statuesque woman with flame-red hair greeted them with a smile.

“Hello, Ms. St. Ives.” The woman shook Holly’s hand before offering Viola a handshake. “You must be Ms. Carver. I’m Susan Stettly. Please, come inside. I’ll show you to the kitchen.”

Viola felt as if she’d just been transported to a palace when they entered the building. The curved staircase in the entrance hall drew attention to the high ceilings, all lit by an elegant chandelier. Viola trailed after Holly but was distracted by the shiny marble floors, the stylish sconces adorning the walls, and the expensive-looking furniture.

Viola’s hands tightened into fists as she blew out a long breath. The prospect of taking on the job already overwhelmed her, but now, seeing the enormity and sophistication of the building—no,mansion—it was hard not to feel small and in over her head.

Come on. Pull yourself together. You learned how to do this. Now’s your chance to show your skills.

“Ms. St. Ives, I once again sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by our former catering partner,” Susan said.

They followed her through an elaborate dining room. Round tables were adorned with pristine white tablecloths and tall crystal vases filled with pastel pink roses.

Susan glanced over her shoulder as they approached a set of swinging double doors. “I’m afraid the decision to part with them was unavoidable. The timing, of course, is extremely inconvenient. As a gesture of gratitude for understanding, we will grant you a ten percent discount on the venue’s price. The establishment’s owner is on the way to greet you and personally apologize for the hassle.”

“That’s very kind,” Holly replied. “Thank you.”

“This is the kitchen.” Susan held one of the doors open so they could enter. “I hope it suits your needs, Ms. Carver.”

Viola gaped at the immaculate kitchen, which measured roughly one thousand square feet and was filled with silver appliances. She counted five working areas, the most important being the cooking, washing, and storage sections. There was also a station of worktops for food preparation and doors that surely led to a pantry. Everything appeared brand new.

“Certainly.” Viola nodded. “It looks perfect.”

Susan pressed the folder she was carrying to her chest. “Well, it’s all yours. At least until the first week of January, when the chateau hosts another event. Unfortunately for us, two other events that were to occur between now and then were canceled because of the caterer situation. They couldn’t make it work.”

“Oh, that’s a shame,” Viola said.

“Yes, it’s a pity.” Susan tilted her head. “But that means you’ve got the kitchen to yourself, so feel free to schedule your deliveries and invoices here.”

“Wow.” Viola cleared her throat, telling herself to act more professional. “I mean, thank you. I’ll do that.”

Susan smiled at her and then faced Holly again. “I’ve got the paperwork here to amend the catering event, so we can start filling that out while we wait for Mr. Brickman.”

Viola stiffened, unable to catch her breath. She stared while Susan took papers out of the folder.

Brickman? What are the chances?

Holly signed the documents, and Susan closed the file.

“Mr. Brickman should be here shortly.” Susan propped the folder in her arm. “I’ll put this in its proper place, but if you need anything, you can find me in my office.”

“You okay, Viola?” Holly asked once they were alone. “You’ve gone pale.”

“Did she say Brickman?”

“Mm-hm, he’s the owner. Relatively new, I guess. Took over a year ago, I think.” Holly wrinkled her brow. “Why?”

It couldn’t be the same guy. Could it?

Viola shook her head. She wasn’t sure what to do with her hands other than clutch her notebook until her knuckles turned white. Her mouth was dry, and a muscle twitched near her eye.

Viola blew out a long breath at the sound of footsteps coming nearer in the hall. She wished her hands weren’t so clammy. If the owner turned out to be someone other than Jonas, she didn’t want to make a bad impression.

“A ten percent discount,” Holly whispered. “At least that’s something. I didn’t want to lose this venue. The ceremony is taking place in the enclosed winter garden—the one that leads out to the lake. It has a beautiful view of the mountains. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I can show it to you after we’ve spoken to Mr. Brickman.”

“You know Mr. Brickman was at The Gingerbread House the other day?” Viola asked. “At least, I assume it was the same Mr. Brickman.”

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