Page 21 of All I've Waited For

Foolish—and dangerous.

She reached out and squeezed Bella’s arm. “We are so glad you’re becoming an official part of the family. I just hope you can handle all of us Bakers since we’re kind of a package deal. And crazy. Right, Shan?”

Shannon laughed. “You couldn’t escape us even if you wanted to. We kind of overrun the town if you hadn’t noticed.”

Bella let loose a chuckle. “Even if you all were horrible people, Ben would be worth it. I’m just grateful the whole lot of you is amazing.”

“I’m partial, of course, but I think we’re pretty great.” Ashley’s phone beeped at her—a calendar reminder. She checked it. “Sorry, guys. I’ve got to go to another client meeting.” Thankfully not with Derek this time. Just a last-minute appointment to finalize details for the Dreyfusses’ twenty-fifth wedding anniversary next Sunday.

“Not so fast.” Shannon lifted an eyebrow. “It hasn’t escaped the notice of the town gossips that you were seen in the company of Derek Campbell Wednesday night. And yet, you haven’t responded to any of my texts about seeing him again. How was it? How are you?”

Her cousin had skipped the family dinner on Sunday due to a migraine. So while she knew the basics—Derek was engaged—Ashley had yet to tell her that she was the one coordinating the wedding. And somehow, the town gossips must not have relayedthatjuicy tidbit.

Ashley straightened. “I’m fine.”

Bella folded her arms across her chest. “Derek. Ben’s friend?” At Shannon’s nod, Bella turned to Ashley. “Why is it a big deal that you were together? And why wouldn’t you be fine?”

“Because …” Shannon bit her lip.

Her cousin clearly didn’t want to betray Ashley’s confidence, but Ashley wasn’t going to keep secrets from Bella. They were almost sisters, after all. Besides, if Ben were to be believed, Ashley’s affection had once been obvious to the entire town. “Because I used to be in love with him.”

She tried—hard—to emphasizeused to be.

If only she could convince herself.

“Oh. Wow.” Bella frowned. “I’m sorry.”

Ashley gave a half-hearted shrug. “Like I said … I’m fine.” Oy, that attempt at nonchalance had certainly fallen flat. “I have to be. I’m his and Claire’s wedding planner.”

Both Bella and Shannon sucked in air.

“How can you be fine with that?” Bella’s direct gaze bore into Ashley.

“I don’t think sheisfine,” Shannon said, turning her attention back to Ashley. “You can’t be.”

“All right. It stinks. Happy? Now I’ve really got to go.” Before she was forced to endure any more of the pity in their eyes, Ashley stood. “Bella, let’s figure out another time this week to meet. Text me, okay? I’ll start working on this stuff ASAP.”

Protests ringing in her ears, she sprinted to her car, already regretting her sarcastic tone. Bella wouldn’t care but Shannon was a sensitive soul. Somehow Ashley would have to carve out time to talk—really talk—to her cousin. Soon.

But for now, it was on to the next thing. She drove to the Whimsical Weddings office. It was dark inside—Kyle must be working from home today—and she quickly flipped on the lights, lit a freesia-scented candle, and tidied up as she waited for Mrs. Dreyfuss to arrive.

After ten minutes, she frowned. Hmm. The woman was normally extremely punctual. Maybe she’d texted. But a quick glance at Ashley’s phone didn’t reveal anything, so she headed to her back office and picked up Claire’s binder. Might as well get some other work done while she waited.

An hour later, she’d managed to make a list of requests Claire had—some big, some small—and couldn’t help but wonder what it said about her and Derek as a couple. The kind of wedding she’d have imagined for Derek was anything but fancy. He was a simple, straightforward guy who didn’t care about the frills, so the fact they wanted a hanging flower installation over the dance floor and a nine-layer cake didn’t jibe.

Maybe he was telling the truth, just letting the bride decide everything. But most brides and grooms hadsomedetails that were significant to them as a couple. So far, she’d yet to see a single one.

The bell jangled over the front door. “Ashley?”

Guess Kyle had decided to come into work after all.

“Back here!” She closed the binder and stretched her back.

Her boss appeared in her doorway, a look of concern on his face. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

She moved papers around on her desk, but her phone wasn’t anywhere to be found. “I must have left it out front. I’m fine, though.”

“Then why did you miss the meeting?”

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