Page 59 of Casey's Hero

The receptionist asked her to hold.

Casey checked her planner as she waited for the woman to come back on the line.

“Miss Wesson, I’m sorry, but that time will not work for our stylist and makeup artists. Eleven is the only time they can make it. If you can’t work with that time, I’m afraid you’ll have to find someone else.”

Casey straightened, her pulse pounding, her stress kicking up a notch. “Do you have anyone else?”

“I’m sorry. Everyone else is booked along with your original artist,” the receptionist said. “Do you want to cancel?”

Having promised Kalea she could sleep in, Casey hated to go back on her word, but the time just wouldn’t work. “Yes. Cancel my appointment.” She ended the call and tapped her cell phone against her chin.

A knock on the door made her jump.

Jacob poked his head in. “Everything all right?”

Casey’s lips pressed together. “Mostly.”

“Anything I can help you with?” He stepped into the bathroom, wearing only a pair of jeans with the button hanging loose.

“Mmm. Can you do hair and makeup?” Casey asked.

He crossed to her and pulled her into his arms.

She rested her cheek against his naked chest and inhaled the scent of him, relaxing a little.

“I can’t, but what about Camila’s cousin?”

Casey’s head came up, and she smiled. “Mina Perez. That’s a great idea.” She turned away from Jacob, pulled Mina’s card out of her tote and dialed the number.

While the phone rang on the other end, Jacob slipped his arms around her waist, pulled her back against his front and nuzzled her neck with his lips.

“Clips Ahoy,” a familiar voice answered.

“Mina, Casey Wesson here.”

“Oh, Casey, I’m so very glad to hear from you,” Mina said. “Rumor has it the family had a bit of a clash last night on Kauai. I hope you weren’t in the middle of all that.”

“As a matter of fact, we were. But that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. What can I do to help?”

“Are you busy around three this afternoon? I need someone to do a bride’s hair and makeup.”

“If I was booked, I’d reschedule. I’d love to help you out. Maybe it will make up for my idiotic family. I swear, I’m going to change my name to Smith and move to the Midwest, someplacemy relatives would never think to look for me.” She sighed. “All I need is an address. I’ll be there.”

“Bring a dress. I’m sure Kalea would like you to stay for the wedding—unless you have other plans.”

Mina snorted. “Seriously, I’d do the bride’s hair for free. Yours is the best offer I’ve had in a long time. I’ll be there fifteen minutes before three to set up. Tell your bride I’m in, and I’ll even help at the reception.”

“You’re a lifesaver. Thank you so much.” Casey gave her the chapel address and ended the call. Immediately following, she ordered food to be delivered to Kalea’s room to keep the bride’s strength up.

“What else can I help you with?” Jacob turned her in his arms and nibbled on her ear.

“I need to double-check with the bakery providing the cake and also with the florist, caterer, and DJ.” Her eyes widened. “Right now, someone needs to find her father and make sure he’s okay—and not a word to him about what happened last night. He’ll pack up Kalea and take her right back to the Big Island in an instant.”

“I’ll take care of her father. What do you want me to tell him about why Kalea isn’t up and getting ready?”

“I don’t know. You can come up with something.” She leaned up on her toes. “I’ll need a ride to my SUV. I have some decorations I need to deliver to the reception hall.”

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