Page 69 of Once Upon a Holidate
Wynn smiled and returned her attention to the phone. “We are on our way. See you in a few.”
She hung up. “Let’s go see what the miracle workers at Weddings Out of the Box have to say about all this.” She grabbed a pad of paper and a pen, passing both to Joylyn.
They walked to Wynn’s car and drove the short distance to Weddings Out of the Box. The large location had different facades on each side, ample parking and a big outdoor area. Wynn led the way inside.
Renee was waiting for them in the large foyer.
“A wedding,” she said, hugging them both. “I love a wedding. Tell me everything.”
Joylyn explained about the proposal and the quick time line.
Renee, perfectly dressed in a tailored navy suit, with her long red hair pulled back in a ponytail, pressed her hands to her chest.
“So romantic. I think we can work something out for two soldiers in love.”
“Oh, they’re not soldiers,” Joylyn said quickly. “They’re Marines. A Marine is a Marine.”
Renee laughed. “Lesson learned. Come on to the conference room and we’ll talk.”
Renee motioned for them to sit on either side of the table. She sat next to Joylyn and set a tablet in front of her. After she touched a few buttons, the screen on the wall lit up and a chart appeared.
“Weddings are all variations on a theme,” Renee said. “You have the wedding couple, the person marrying them and guests. There is a ceremony and a reception. What you do with those elements determines the personality and expense of the wedding.”
She pushed a button and another chart popped up. “Usually we like about a year to plan everything, but we can work a quicker time line.”
The chart was replaced by a calendar of the month of December. “No pressure, but we have a cancellation for the eighteenth of December.”
Joylyn looked from the screen to Renee. “I don’t understand. You’re saying Holly and Rex could get married here?”
“If they wanted to. Unless it’s too far.”
“They’re in San Diego. They could make the drive. What would be involved and what would it cost?” She hesitated. “Neither of them have any family or money. Just what they make from their jobs.”
“So here’s the thing,” Renee told her. “The wedding that was scheduled for that day didn’t cancel very long ago. That means some items are already purchased and paid for. If Holly doesn’t mind not having a lot of choices, we can use what’s been arranged. I can pull together some numbers, if you’d like.”
“Yes, please.”
“What’s the theme?” Wynn asked.
“Theme?”
Renee smiled. “We do theme weddings here. Luckily for your friend, this one isn’t space aliens or apples. It was going to be a Christmas wedding. Very traditional. I have all the decorations and linens already. Tables and chairs are no problem. I’ll ask the caterer what’s been ordered and get her costs to move forward. Oh, I’ll need the number of guests.”
“It won’t be very many. Like I said, they don’t have family. But I’ll ask her.”
“Great, and I’ll get you my information by this time tomorrow.”
Joylyn felt the familiar burn of tears. “You’re being so nice. Thank you. This could be amazing for her and Rex.”
“I hope so. We don’t get many military weddings. This would be really fun for all of us to give them the wedding of their dreams.” She smiled. “In three weeks or less.”
“I’ll text her as soon as I get home.” She turned to Wynn. “Thank you so much for helping me.”
“I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Chapter Twelve
After work Garrick drove up the mountain to Jasper’s house. About once a month the guys liked to get together to watch a game. They’d stolen the idea from the women in town who had biweekly girlfriend lunches. They rotated locations, and the host provided food. While the women had fancy things like dips and salads, the guys preferred an easier menu, often with a barbecue or smoker involved.
