Page 51 of Love Letter Lost
“Good idea.” David joined in my laughter for a moment before another screech from Livvy grabbed our attention. “I should check on her.”
David took off in the direction of the kitchen, and I headed out to the car to see how Ridge was doing unloading everything. I probably should have stuck around to help him, but my frustration with him still festered. When I got outside, the car was empty and Ridge was nowhere in sight. Heading back into the church, I found our bags stacked against a wall and Ridge helping set up tables. I claimed a table and started unpacking everything.
Another exclamation from Livvy followed by a calming murmur from David had me shaking my head as I worked. David would be good for Livvy. If they could make it through today, the two of them could do anything.
“What are you laughing at?” Ridge asked, coming up beside me. His words were hesitant.
“Just realizing how incredibly lucky Livvy and David are to have found each other.” I shrugged. “Is this everything?” I motioned to the supplies in front of me.
“It should be.” Ridge rolled his shoulders and stretched for a moment. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing me along to act as muscle. Had I known, I would have warmed up first.”
I shook my head. “Of course, you’re the muscle in this duo. I’ve got the brains and the looks. I can’t provide everything.”
“Hey, now. I have lots more to offer this partnership than just muscle.”
“That’s true.” I nodded. “You’ve also got a car.” Our joking felt stilted and forced. We stood for a moment, watching everyone work.
“If we’re going to finish before the rehearsal dinner tonight, we’d better get moving.” I stepped to the table, ready to assemble the centerpieces. Maybe work would distract me from the strain between us.
Ridge helped me finish unpacking without comment before he left to help Kyle and Uncle Ben.
“Mallory.”
I turned to see Aunt Jenna, her hair falling out of its bun, making her way over to me.
“Livvy mentioned you were here. The tablecloths haven’t been delivered yet, so you’ve got a bit of time before we need you.”
“Is there anything I can help with?” I gestured to the chaos around me.
“Not unless you have a magic wand that can transform a Pinterest board into reality.” She gave a helpless smile and shrugged.
“I wish. That would have made this last week easier.”
“You’ve helped so much.”
“I’m glad to do it,” I promised, thinking of the time it had given me to spend with Ridge. Despite my recent frustration with him, I’d enjoyed it for the most part. “Are you sure there’s nothing else I can do?”
Aunt Jenna thought for a moment and then smiled. “There is one thing.”
“Name it.” I hoped to find something to distract me from my attractive, infuriating, unavailable assistant.
She reached into her purse, digging around for a moment before pulling out some money and handing it to me. “You can go and take that young man,” she gestured to Ridge, “to get ice cream. My treat.”
My mind scrambled for a way out. “Are you sure? There’s so much to do. You guys clearly need—”
She cut me off. “We clearly need for you to take a break so you can come back here and put together some amazing centerpieces. You’ve done so much for Livvy this week. Take a break. You deserve it.” She patted my arm and walked away, leaving me holding the money.
“What was that about?” Ridge asked as he walked over carrying a bundle of tulle.
“I think we just got kicked out until later.” I continued to stare into space for a moment before snapping myself back into reality. “Aunt Jenna gave me money for ice cream and said not to come back until they’re ready for us to do the centerpieces.”
Ridge forced a smile. “I don’t know. It looks like they could really use the help.” He gestured to the gym in its state of disrepair.
“That’s what I said. Maybe we should—”
“Mallory Ann Roberts, why are you still here?” Aunt Jenna called from across the gym where she stood, directing table placement. “Go! Before I tell your mother you missed out on a perfectly good opportunity to get ice cream with a boy.”
“But—”
