Page 69 of Faking I Do
“That’s okay. I was just looking through some of our options.” I turned the photo album toward him so he could see. “I think I’m leaning toward the heart-shaped wreath with the ‘Holding You in Our Hearts’ banner.”
Bodie’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“No, not really. But Suzy hasn’t ever done a wedding, just a corsage or boutonniere for a dance or two so she doesn’t haveany pictures to look at.” Without thinking I set my hand on top of his in an effort to ease his concern.
“And you’re sure you don’t want to find a florist in Swynton or bring in someone else?”
I let my hand drop from his and leaned back in my chair. “If we’re going to be wedding central, we need to be able to offer all the services a bride will need. Besides, Adeline booked everyone else for the same date. She’s still mad at me about ruining her party. Suzy can handle it, I’m sure.”
Speaking of Suzy, the front doors opened and the woman rushed in amid a whirlwind of flowers, papers, and bright red hair. Bodie and I both made a move to help. Bodie grabbed a large wire easel dragging behind her while I bent to pick up the papers strewn across the floor.
“I’m so sorry I’m late.” Suzy bustled over to the coffee table and dumped the contents of her arms on the sparkling glass top. “I had a woodchuck to finish up.”
Bodie tilted his head toward me, a question in his eyes.
“Suzy works full-time for the taxidermist out on Highway 87.” I set the papers I’d gathered on the table before taking my seat again.
“How interesting,” Bodie said. He moved the easel holding a wreath of fake orange roses closer to where we sat.
“I usually only do flowers when someone dies,” Suzy twittered. “My husband says I just can’t get enough of being around stiffs.”
My gaze flew to Bodie, who bit back a laugh. “Thanks so much for meeting with us.”
“What’s the occasion?” Suzy asked. “Are we talking cremation, closed casket or open? Jacinda does a great job on lips if you need someone to do the makeup. So lifelike, you’d hardly know they were dead.”
“Um, we have another kind of event in mind,” I said. “We’re not ready to go public quite yet,”—I reached for Bodie’s hand—“but Bodie and I are engaged.”
Suzy stood stock-still, her mouth agape. For a split second I wondered if my news had given the poor woman a heart attack.
“We were hoping you’d be able to do flowers for the wedding.” Bodie squeezed my hand, infusing me with a jolt of confidence.
“Suzy?” I prodded.
“Well, hell’s bells. A wedding. The two of you?” Suzy moved her pointer finger from me to Bodie and back again.
“Yes.” I cleared my throat and summoned a smile. Breaking the news wasn’t quite as hard as I thought it would be. At least this time. “We’re planning a wedding for the middle of May at the Phillips House. I’m sure you’ve heard it’s being restored and reopening as an event center?”
Suzy laced her hands over her belly and giggled. “I sure did. What a crackpot idea.”
My pulse twinged against my temple. “Since the import business closed its doors, we’re hoping the event center will create jobs for all the workers who have been displaced.”
“Oh.” A slight burp escaped through Suzy’s orange-painted lips. “Excuse me.”
“Will you help us?” Bodie leaned in. “With the flowers? Lacey’s trying to build up the town, put us on the map, and give everyone something to work toward together.”
“I see.” Suzy flipped through the stack of papers on the table. “I haven’t done a wedding before. Closest thing I’ve ever done was a double funeral for a couple of married teacup poodles. I have pictures here somewhere.”
Bodie scooted forward in his chair. “Did you just say married pood?—”
“We’d love to see them,” I interrupted.
While Suzy searched for the photos, Bodie cleared his throat. “We’re trying to keep this quiet for now so we’d appreciate your discretion.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about that.” Suzy waved a hand in the air as she set a color-printed sheet on top of the stack. A small bouquet sat on top of a tiny casket. Miniature white roses were strewn around the edges, caught up with clusters of ribbons and netting. “They were so small they put them in one together.”
“That’s just lovely.” I gave Bodie’s hand a squeeze. “Isn’t it lovely, sugar bum?”
“Sure is. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
