Page 246 of Castleton Hearts Boxed Set

“It’s so nice to have you here,” Alivia said, giving Linley a hug and shaking Gray’s hand. I didn’t know what to do, so I just kept clutching the notebook and pen, so she ended up nodding at me and then turning to all-business.

She took us through the inn and out back.

The couple for the wedding today was getting married at the lighthouse in Castleton and would be having the reception here. To keep things simple, Linley was doing the whole shebang at the inn, including having most of the out-of-town guests stay here. The Honeysuckle Inn was a one-stop shop.

“Let’s look at the tent,” Alivia said, taking us out to the back and onto the lawn that was dominated by a huge white tent. To the right of the tent was a small pond with a bridge across it to use for pictures, as well as a gazebo and a small garden that buzzed with bees and butterflies. They’d really catered this place to people wanting to have weddings.

“I wanted you to see this, because even though your colors are a little different, you’re both having a similar size reception, so you can really see what it will look like on your day,” Alivia said.

The inn had its own sets of tables and chairs, which cut down on having to deal with a rental company.

“Now, what do you think about the table spacing?” Alivia asked.

“I think it’s a little tight?” Linley said. “We don’t want people bumping into each other.

“No problem, we can spread out a little bit. What about the dance floor?”

Linley bustled around with Alivia, Gray adding his input when asked, and me taking notes as well as Alivia on her phone, so we could make sure we were following Linley’s wishes. While we went around, bartenders were setting up, the caterers were busy, and other people rushed here and there to get everything perfect before the couple arrived for the afternoon reception.

Linley had already scoped out locations with her photographer, a friend of her mother’s, but Alivia also showed us where some spots were to get good shots, depending on where the sun was in the sky.

“Do you feel confident?” Alivia asked Linley. She nodded.

“Yes, I feel like we’re good, if we can just make those tweaks. Anything you have to add?” She turned to Gray, who shook his head.

“No, it’s going to be absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to marry you,” he said, and shared a sweet kiss with Linley.

Alivia watched them with a wistful smile on her face.

“Well, I’m so sorry to cut this short, but I have to go check with the chef and make sure that everything is in place for the reception today. If you want to go ahead and have brunch, feel free to head in and let them know your names, I already informed the staff that you get a free meal if you want,” she said.

She really was pulling out all the stops for us, and I wondered if it had anything to do with me. Probably not. She’d offered us free food last time too. It was in her best financial interest to make brides as happy as they could be. It only made sense.

“Thank you so much for everything. You’re a lifesaver,” Linley said, giving Alivia another hug.

“That’s what I’m here for,” she said, and then someone in a Honeysuckle Inn polo came over and started speaking with her.

“Excuse me,” she said, and walked off with the employee.

She didn’t say goodbye to me, and I was trying not to take it personally.

We decided that we couldn’t turn down a free brunch this time, so we headed inside and found the hostess, who sat us down at a table with a beautiful view of the ocean.

“I’m so glad we decided to just do everything here,” Linley said.

“Me too. Much less stress on you,” Gray said.

A server came over and handed us menus and said whatever we wanted was on the house.

I thought about taking advantage but didn’t. The lobster Benedict sounded incredible, but I settled on a garden vegetable frittata (made with tomatoes from the inn’s own garden), and a fresh fruit plate.

Linley got an omelet and Gray went for the French toast.

“Hopefully someday we can get our bread in here,” Linley said.

“How is that going?” I hadn’t heard any more news from my aunt or uncle.

“Well, they’re finally working with someone at the bank, so that’s good. Mom called in a favor.” Martha could do things like that. I had no doubt that they were going to be getting their own place sooner rather than later.

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