Page 4 of All I've Waited For

Kyle glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s about time for our appointment. We’ll have to continue this conversation later.” He gathered his planner, then paused. His lips twisted to the side. “You know, this couple has asked for a very quick turnaround. They want to be married Memorial Day weekend.”

Ashley’s jaw fell. “That’s only six weeks away.”

“I know, but they were desperate and didn’t blink at the premium I quoted for the rush. And Moonstone Lodge happens to be available on the date in question.”

“Wow, really?” She straightened. Where was he going with this? “Okay.”

“You asked how you can prove yourself to me. Take on this wedding all by yourself. I’ll stay completely out of it. You run the show. If you can pull it off with everything else you have going on, you’ll demonstrate that this is important enough to you. We’ll work out the other ownership details later if it goes well. How does that sound?”

Ashley squealed and leaped from her seat, rounding the desk and throwing her arms around Kyle’s neck. “I say you’ve got yourself a deal.”

“Settle down or our clients will think we’re hiding a pig back here.”

Laughing, Ashley kissed him on the cheek and stole his planner from him. “I’ll take that. You just stay here and relax. Or better yet, go out and enjoy the sunshine.”

“Maybe I will.”

With pep in her step, Ashley closed his door behind her and paused, adrenaline working its way through her whole system. As she entered the showroom, she caught sight of a tall brunette perusing the photo wall. The woman looked up, and Ashley was struck by her large blue eyes.

She held out her hand. “Hi, there. I’m Ashley Baker, your wedding planner.”

The woman, who wore a couture black-and-white tie-neck blouse and pencil skirt, returned her shake. “Claire Boivin. My fiancé will be here in a moment. He’s parking the car.”

“You have a lovely accent.” Ashley smiled warmly. “Do you live nearby?”

“Non, I’m from France. My fiancé lives here, though.” Claire arched an eyebrow. “I believe I spoke with a man on the phone,oui?” She walked toward the silk flower display and began flipping through the book of photos.

From her movements to her dainty nose, thin lips, and smooth pale skin, this woman oozed elegance and grace. In Ashley’s experience, brides like her were typically high maintenance with unrealistic expectations, but that didn’t fit with someone whose planning timetable was so short. Or Ashley hoped so, anyway. It would be challenging enough to pull together something small and simple, but if the woman desired a blowout bash, well … Ashley wasn’t going to sleep for the next six weeks.

Still, it would be worth it to finally own the business of her dreams.

She followed Claire to the display. “Yes, that was my boss, Kyle. He’s appointed me as the lead planner, and I’m very excited to make your dreams come true.”

Claire nodded, apparently satisfied.

They both turned as the bell chimed. Ashley’s eyes widened at the tall man with broad shoulders who entered.

Derek had finally come to see her.

She rushed toward him, trying to still her shaking hands. Oh man, he looked good, better than she remembered. His brown hair was swept back in an Elvis cut, and his skin had bronzed, probably from so much time in the French vineyards. He’d grown a beard, and though Ashley wasn’t normally one for facial hair, it suited him.

“Hi. It’s so good to see you.” She lowered her voice. “I’m with a client right now, but I’d love to catch up. Can I meet you for coffee in about an hour?”

Derek stared at Ashley as if he’d never seen her before, his deep brown eyes crinkling at the corners. “Ashley? What are you doing here?”

As if he’d slapped her, she took a step back. “What do you m—”

“Derek? Do you two know each other?”

Ashley froze. Her eyes moved from Derek to Claire, blinking rapidly. Understanding dawned as Claire joined them, each click of her heels on tile punctuating the truth.

Derek wasn’t here to see Ashley.

Well, he was. Just not in the way she’d dreamed about.

“You’re …” She cleared her throat. “You’re the groom?”

He averted his eyes, swinging his head toward Claire, who smiled at him. “I am.”

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