Page 46 of I Loved You First

“It was truly my pleasure.”

“Seattle’s event scene is certainly lucky to have you. But they can’t have you back yet.”

She grinned. “Not for a few more weeks.”

“You’re causing quite a buzz right here in Maple Ridge. I’m hearing nothing but good things about your talents. Kelsey’s been gushing about her baby shower, and Marielle can’t stop talking about Bob’s retirement party.”

“Aw, that’s great to hear.” Because helping her clients plan their simpler events had been a welcome change. For the first time in a long time, she’d had the opportunity to make balloon garlands and actually shop for the parties on her books instead of passing off the list to Paul or Paisley so she could move on to her next meeting. “I have a couple more events in the works.”

“Feel free to use the office for as long as you want.”

Fiona nodded. “I’ll definitely take you up on that.”

“Good. Now, I want you to remember to enjoy yourself tonight. You’re a guest, too.”

Fiona nodded again. “I will.”

The photographer came over. “How about a shot of the three of you?”

Fiona stood with Ellie and Danny, smiling for the picture.

“Looks great,” the man said as the chef stopped next to their small group, politely nodding at Danny and Ellie. “Welcome, folks.” He zeroed his attention on Fiona. “If I could steal you away for a minute.”

“Of course.” She looked at Danny and Ellie. “Have a wonderful time, and let me know if you need anything.”

“We will, honey.”

Still in professional mode, Fi snagged her iPad on the way to the kitchen, ready to see what needed to be done.

Cam held Brady’s hand as they walked into the hopping event space. One of Grandpa’s favorite Lady A songs played through the speakers while people mingled—probably at least sixty guests already. He took it all in—the beautiful flowers and candlelight, the insane spread of all kinds of food. Fi had done a hell of a job.

“Look at the cake,” Brady said as he pulled away, heading for the cake table.

Cam quickly followed, making sure his son remembered that sampling was forbidden for the time being.

Brady licked his lips as he eyed their dessert. “The cupcakes look yummy, too.”

“I’m pretty sure Fiona ordered those just for you. They’re gluten-free.”

Brady beamed. “Can I have one?”

Cam grinned as he shook his head. “Not yet. But I see lots of other food we can have. There’s ham and roast beef at the carving station. And I see shrimp cocktail and plenty of vegetables and fruit. The sign says the crackers are gluten-free.”

Brady nodded again as he rubbed his belly. “My tummy wants me to eat a lot.”

Cam’s smile returned. “Just make sure you and your tummy don’t eat so much that you make yourself sick.” He fixed the collar on Brady’s shirt, estimating that ditching the tie would be their next conversation.

Brady had been thrilled at the idea of matching outfits—navy-blue slacks, white button-down shirts, and striped olive-green ties. But the second Cam knotted the accessory around Brady’s neck, his son had started tugging at it.

“Okay, Dad.”

Cam opened his mouth to say something else as he looked across the room and managed “holy shit” under his breath while he stared at Fiona.

She’d pulled off professional and sexy-as-hell in a snug knee-length black dress that hugged every glorious curve. The spaghetti straps and scoop neck accentuated delicate shoulders and a tempting tease of cleavage. When she turned to look at something with the events manager, Cam’s gaze trailed up the majority of her naked back.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she faced forward again. She’d done something to her hair, pulling it up in a fancy do while leaving several dark-brown locks loose to frame her stunning face. And her makeup was different. Her eyes were more defined, yet she still looked flawless and natural.

“There’s Fiona!” Brady took off across the room.