Page 4 of Talk About… Secrets
“We have a family reunion scheduled, but there are several rooms available still. I can have your planner here, a conference room ready, and we’d be happy to help do what we can,” she assured us with a friendly smile.
“I’m sure I can make it work,” I found myself saying, cringing internally. The last thing I wanted to do was spend a weekend worrying if I was following her plans properly.
Again, I couldn’t say no either way. The way she lit up was everything. She deserved this on her own terms and her moving it up, kicked my mom and aunt right out of being able to take over planning.
“Perfect, penciling you in and we can work out a contract before you leave. We have a whole team of planners to assist you in any way we can. Our chef will handle the food and cake as long as we have your suggestions.”
Just like that it was a whirlwind of plans being solidified on a whim. My sister had never done anything spontaneous in her life and I loved that she was taking what she wanted.
I could easily work my ass off and clear that weekend and week of work, take a vacation, and make sure she had the best damn wedding of her life.
As we were walking out to the car with a whole folder in hand of information, she was practically glowing.
“This is perfect.”
She was right, I’d make damn sure it was perfect. It was time for me to stop being a quiet omega who was too much of a people pleaser.
Operation: Wedding was the first step in using my backbone and taking what I wanted from life.
Starting with making sure nothing could go wrong.
Grace
Ihadn't even made it to the front desk of the venue and I was already sweating, over-caffeinated, and on the verge of murdering a mason jar centerpiece.
The drive from Rockwood Valley to Sterling was long, and it was boring as hell and rained nearly the whole way. My small car was jampacked with mason jars for my sister Hailey’s centerpieces, and they clinked together the entire way just to drive me crazy and make me freak out thinking that they were about to break.
I could have taken a quick plane ride, but I opted to drive so I could drop off these cursed jars.
Why I let Hailey’s future husband pack them up was beyond me.
Hell, maybe I was crazy. I did agree to meet his best man at the venue for the weekend to scout it out and put the last few things together.
Pre-wedding prep, Hailey had called it. For me, it was just an excuse to have a weekend away.
If all weddings were this stressful, I wanted no part of that. Then again, I didn’t have to worry about that considering I had no pack and no prospects.
My phone dinged as I stood outside my small, black Ford Focus. I took a breath, knowing it was my sister texting already. She’d gone from relaxed to overbearing in the span of a few months.
Not quite a bridezilla, but our family was about to drive her to that point.
I wouldn’t tell her that, though.
When I didn’t check the phone fast enough, a call started ringing. The theme song ofThe Officeplayed.
“I just pulled in, Hailey,” I teased as I answered. My sister let out a little huff, but chuckled softly.
“I’m sorry. I don't know why I’m so freaking stressed,” she sighed. “Even one of the doctors at work asked if I was alright.”
“It doesn’t have to be like this. I’m taking a break from design work, so let me help,” I urged her. “You trust me. I know your vision and style. You’re not alone.”
She could take my offer, good or bad, and I held my breath as I waited for her response.
“You know what… yes. You’re already there checking it out, see if there’s anything you guys can do ahead of time. Beck will be there soon and I bet he’s willing to help. I’ll go ask Nolan.”
Then she hung up without a goodbye, rushing off to ask her fiance. Meaning she was leaving the wedding in my capable hands, but also the hands of her future brother-in-law.
Should I be concerned? That went a bittooeasily.
