Page 19 of Snowbound Hearts
I shake my head, “I need a huge favor.”
“Name it.” Joan says as she places her cards face down on the table. “It looks serious.”
“Well, it is. The baker is snowed in and can’t get here in time with the cake and Franco’s staff have all called in because of thestorm. Well, all but one. Anyways, I need a cake for the wedding and I’ve got no one to make it.”
Gladys, Betty, and Joan all stand up. “Say no more. My grandson will have a wedding cake at his wedding come hell or high water,” Gladys says.
“So you’ll do it? Franco says he has all the ingredients, but not enough time to do the cake and the food for the reception.”
I watch as all four ladies put their sweaters on as I follow them out the door. “Of course we’ll do it, Sydney. We’re grandmas. It’s what we do.”
With the ladies helping Franco, my next task is finding someone to perform the wedding. Holding it via video call is my absolute last resort. I wouldn’t want to be married by someone on a phone screen… I’m sure my clients don’t want to be either.
As I’m thumbing through my phone looking for someone, anyone, in the area that can perform a wedding last minute, I can feel Mason enter the room. He’s probably pissed I left this morning, but I’ve got shit to do and the walls are caving in on me.
“Hi.” He says with his warm, sexy voice that goes straight to my core. “How’s it going?”
Okay, so we’re going with awkward. Got it. “Okay. And by okay, I mean there’s not going to be a wedding if I can’t find someone to officiate it.”
“What happened to Pastor Graham?” Mason leans against the counter next to me and crosses his arms across his chest.
“He can’t get out of his driveway.”
Mason nods but is silent for a few minutes. I just keep thumbing through my phone.
“I’m glad you’re still here,” he says.
I look up at him like he’s an idiot. “Of course I’m still here. I’ve got a wedding to put on.”
He pushes off the counter, takes my phone out of my hands, and boxes me against the counter with his arms. “You know what I mean, Sydney Winters. I’m glad that you’re still here,” he repeats.
I do know what he means, but I tease him anyways. “Where else would I go, Mason Donovan? We’re kind of snowed in here.” We are face to face, mere inches separate our lips and I want to taste him again with everything in my being.
He leans his forehead against mine. “Talk to me, baby. Are you okay?”
I nod which makes both of our heads bob. “That mountain lion wasn’t that scary.” I lie right through my teeth. I was, and still am, terrified. Not too sure how I’m going to get to my car tomorrow morning since I don’t plan to ever go outside again, but that’s tomorrow’s problem.
“Don’t do that.” He whispers. “Tell me.”
I know what he’s asking me. Am I okay with what we did last night and it’s a question I’ve been asking myself all day. I look up at him, directly in the eyes and nod. “Yeah. I’m okay. Really okay,” I smile.
His smile is immediate and as bright as the mound of snow outside. “Me too.” He leans in and his lips softly touch mine. He pulls back too soon, and I want more. A lot more.
“Hate to interrupt, but I need Sydney for a moment.” Emily says from the other side of the counter.
Mason growls loudly as I giggle. “I’m all yours, Emily,”
“Ah, not from this vantage point you’re not.” She laughs as I blush.
I pull away from Mason and round the counter. “What’s up?”
“Well, I’ve called everyone I know but no one can get through the snow in time to perform the wedding. Have you had any luck?”
“I can do it,” Mason says and both Emily and I turn to him.
“No you can’t,” Emily dismisses him.
“Yes, I can. It’s state law. Anyone can perform the ceremony as long as the bride and groom have the license.” He starts fidgeting with his phone and then shows it to the both of us. “See?”
