Page 69 of Unforgiven in Cheshire Bay

“God, Erin, every time I see you, you look all lit up inside.” My sister beamed and jumped up to hug me. I swore, it never got old.

Zachary rose and also greeted me with a hug.

“Thanks,” I said, tossing a grin toward David, who shook Zachary’s hand. “I’m – we’re – very happy. Vera is too.”

“Sorry I’m late,” Summer announced as she bounced into the bakery, and untying her scarf, flopped down in the seat next to me. “Your brother…” She flipped a stern expression to me and Mia. “Was being a major pain in the ass, and… well, I’m sorry. Did I miss anything?”

Mia shook her head. “We were just about to get started.”

“Perfect.” Summer leaned back against her chair.

“So the wedding date has been quietly announced, and there’s a lot of hushed whispers as to the reason for such a rushed event.”

“I think it’s because she’s pregnant.” Summer had a smug little smile.

“Do you know something we don’t?” I asked.

“No, I’m just saying, it sounds like it would be something fitting with both of their characters. They wouldn’t want a baby without their union being official.” She shrugged.

“People get married for other reasons other than pregnancy.” I cocked my brow.

“Anyway.” Mia cleared her throat. “Planning a wedding for six weeks from now doesn’t give us a lot of time to work with.” Mia opened her portfolio. “Zachary is scouting out last-minute reception locations, and I’m putting together places of interest for a photo shoot.”

“That’s great, but I’m not sure why I’m here? I have nothing to contribute to her wedding.” I rested my hand on David’s strong thigh and leaned back against his wall of chest.

As epic as the wedding was going to be, I had zero experience with it all. Summer and Adam weren’t even close to thinking about marriage, Mia said she wanted to wait even though they’d been together for a couple of years, and Francesca? Hell would freeze over first, leaving me the next to possibly consider tying the knot, however, David and I hadn’t yet discussed anything – it was way too soon, although, secretly, I had already said yes in my head. How could I not? He was calm, organized, and enjoyed being around my daughter. Plus, he accepted me for all that I am. David made my heart soar, and in his presence, I felt a lightness I never knew I needed. As corny as it sounded, he was the missing piece to my puzzle.

Summer leaned closer. “Amber wants you to design the centerpieces. She’ll pay you, of course, but she really wants something amazing, and her first thought naturally was you.”

“Me?” I pointed at my chest and blinked at the thought. “How many pieces are we talking about?”

Summer and Mia shared a smile; they clearly knew more than they were letting on. “Likely a dozen.”

I exhaled, figuring it was going to be way more than that. After all, Amber was well known in this town and any wedding of hers would be a huge, spectacular affair.

“Well, that I can do. Wait, why isn’t she here? Shouldn’t I be discussing any ideas with her?”

“Since she’s overseas for a while, she’s put me in charge,” Mia spoke and wiggled with radiance in her seat. “I’ve sort of become the makeshift wedding planner, since I know everyone and everything in this town inside out and backwards.”

“Tell her the date so she can agree or disagree.” Zachary nudged Mia. “She’ll need time to create her art.”

David and I leaned closer when Mia signaled us to. “The date hasn’t been made public yet.” She scanned the area to make sure we weren’t being overheard and then dropped her voice to a barely audible level. “But she really wants an epic New Year’s Eve wedding.”

My eyes widened as I leaned back. “You’re right, that doesn’t give us a lot of time.”

“It doesn’t, but do you think you can do something wonderful?”

“Of course, she can.” Both David and Summer answered at the same time.

The love of my life gazed into my eyes. “You work better under pressure.”

“Maybe.” I shifted in my seat, wondering if that’s how he truly saw it.

“And don’t forget about the Christmas market,” Summer added. “That event will be even bigger.”

Even bigger. Which reminded me of all the things I was working on for it – several layered ornaments, frames, door stackers. Now to add a dozen centerpieces to my list? Where was I going to conjure up the time?

Mia reached across the table. “Send me your ideas and the cost, and I’ll have Amber approve it. She’s got a pretty healthy budget.”

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