Page 23 of A Little Bit Engaged
“Nice.” Brody stood in front of a bay window. “Cara mentioned a garden wedding.”
Sariah regarded her with interest. “Garden weddings are one of our specialties. We offer indoor and outdoor options for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception.”
Tight knots formed at the back of Cara’s neck as she wiped her palms on her skirt again. She needed to say something. “I attended a lovely garden wedding here last summer, but the most important requirement for us is privacy. I… We’d prefer a small gathering. The guest list will be limited.”
Nonexistent.
“I understand,” Sariah said. “We have ways to ensure your privacy inside and out. I’ll show you our portfolio. This room may feel too spacious, but you’d be amazed what columns or a gazebo can do to make the setting feel more intimate.”
Cara cleared her dry throat. “An indoor gazebo is one way to have a garden wedding without being outside.”
“No worries about weather,” Brody said.
“We have a contingency plan for Mother Nature.” Sariah didn’t hesitate with her reply. She must hear the same questions from every couple. “She can be fickle.”
The sunlight streaming in the windows cast a glow around Brody’s head, making him look as if he were wearing a halo. He was a great guy, but angelic wasn’t an adjective Cara would use to describe him. “The paparazzi would have a harder time if everything was held inside.”
“Indoors or outside, we’ll do everything to ensure this is a private event.” Sariah sounded competent and knowledgeable. “No wedding crashers inside the main gate, high-powered lenses through the hedges, or helicopters overhead allowed.”
“You’ve been through this before,” Brody said.
“Yes.” The fact Sariah didn’t offer more information or drop names were good signs she protected her clients’ privacy. “The Bay View House strives to give each couple a special day to cherish. No two weddings are the same. We endeavor to provide a ceremony and reception that caters to a bride and groom’s individual needs and is uniquely theirs.”
In Brody and Cara’s case, the Bay View House’s effort would be for nothing.
Cara’s stomach hurt, an ache that made her feel icky and dirty, even though she’d showered earlier. Brody had better give the Bay View House a massive tip and offer a client testimonial.
“Let me show you another area.”
Sariah led the way to a room with white molding near the ceiling that provided additional character to the space. “This room is smaller but can accommodate sit-down meals as well as cocktails or a buffet.”
As Cara spun to take in the entire space, a feeling of anticipation built.
Colors flashed in her brain. White. Pink. Not bright. A pale blush. Twinkling lights and tulle hung on the wall. A string quartet played. White linen cloths topped with pink runners covered round tables. Centerpieces overflowed with white and pink roses, and votive candles flickered.
As if the pictures in her mind were real, a sweetly floral scent tickled her nose. The sound of a bow against cello strings stirred her heart. The reception played in her mind like a movie.
Cara could barely breathe, overwhelmed by the images running through her mind and engaging her five senses. She placed her hand over her heart. The pounding matched her rapid pulse. Her throat squeezed shut.
This was the wedding of her dreams, the one of her heart. But she couldn’t plan it now. Not like this. Not with…
Brody touched her shoulder.
She jumped.
He gave a reassuring squeeze, but having him closer made this worse. Because another image came to mind—of him as her groom. No other man would do.
She gulped.
Bad. Bad. Bad.
“What do you think?” he asked.
Perfect. But she couldn’t say that or tell him to stop touching her so her brain would function again. She wanted to throw one of Caitlin’s infamous tantrums, call off the fake wedding, and run far, far away so Cara could find a groom of her own—someone who happened to be a Brody Simmons clone.
She couldn’t do any of those things because this was his way out—hers, too—from being under Caitlin’s thumb. Cara wouldn’t leave him to deal with this on his own. Not after being friends since they were little kids.
Remembering times from their childhood gave her an idea. She surveyed the room once more, trying to force the images and her desire for a Pinterest-worthy reception from her mind. “Lovely room, but I think it might be too nice for a picnic.”
