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“It’s getting dark—we should head back.”
Her words hit a chord he never anticipated.
“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” He’d never forgive himself for the pained look in her eyes.
“Not at all, sweetheart. Not at all.” Darkness crept in and they were alone. He led her back down the Wish Alley, unable to appreciate the beauty of the lights that now glittered in the dusk.
Halfway through the alley, he pulled them to a stop.
“Juniper, I wouldn’t change a thing. Meeting you and your family has been the best thing to happen to me in a long time. I want you to know that.”
She didn’t say anything, only reached out and hugged him close.
“It was all worth it if those around us are safe. I understand. And if the magic of this place warmed you to enjoying life a little more, then that’s all I could ever hope for.”
JUNIPER GRABBED A TISSUE and dabbed at her eyes. After Marshall had dropped her off last night, she’d placed the final touches to her dress. It was more than a dream. White silk, delicate lace neckline that dipped to show a sexy hint of cleavage and intricate golden embroidery work around the hem.
Only two days until she slipped into the silky confines of the dress and walked down the aisle.
She’d spoken with her father over the phone and he’d vowed to be the one to walk her down the aisle.
Her phone buzzed from her desk and Jon’s name read across the screen.
“Hey Jon, did all the shipments come in this morning?” From Houston, she had mailed place settings, tablecloths, floral arrangements to be stored in refrigeration, and champagne betting on him saying yes to her request
Everything down to the tiniest of details like seating arrangements and a memento for the guests to take home—nothing was overlooked and she had Callie to thank for that.
“The cake is set to arrive in about an hour and Callie will be joining you for the final preparations. Marshall and I will drive up with the rest of the family tomorrow and then the big day.”
“Babe, take a breath before you faint and hit your head or something. Don’t worry, Gran, your mom and I have everything under control. I hired more staff for the event and they’re in decoration mode right now. I had no idea they made so many things in blue and white. Where did you get all this stuff on short notice anyway?”
She smirked even though her cousin couldn’t see it. “You doubt my abilities?”
“Not in the least after this.”
Juniper thought over Marshall’s similar words from the night before. Their time together had been bittersweet, and their conversation weighed heavily on her mind. She no longer held any doubt about their future together. He only wanted to save his family. Better to know this now rather than later, but that didn’t help ease the ache.
Hard lessons always came with strings. He was in it for his family, nothing else. She needed to follow suit. All the false emotions and feelings were just him being nice. And that was okay. That’s what she signed up for. Friends with benefits.
She slid the zipper to the garment bag that held her dress and draped it over her arm. Downstairs she laid it out on the front counter next to her binders and purse.
Callie walked up behind her with a fresh mug of dark roast and passed her one before rounding the reception desk.
“Will you be coming back to the city tonight?” Juniper tucked the phone between her shoulder and chin so she could balance everything she carried.
Callie made dreamy eyes at her and Juniper waved her away with a smile. She couldn’t even tell her best friend the truth.
Marshall was due this morning with the final check she would use to hand out bonuses for all the overtime, and then they were to join her family for a late brunch and a walk around a small-town square off the beaten path everyone else normally associated LA with where her neighbors gathered to celebrate summer. There would be food, drinks, music and fireworks.
“Sorry, someone has to be here to watch over your wedding.”
“Thanks for that. I really appreciate it.”
Talking with her cousin also helped alleviate the pressure and the pain in her chest. Her brain may know the truth, but her heart lagged behind in jumping on board. How in the world would she make it through this dry-eyed, she didn’t have a clue.
“Sorry about burying you in all those boxes and packages before I even asked if the resort was available. I kind of went into panic mode seeing the days roll by.”
“Not a problem.” She heard someone come up and speak to Jon in a low voice over the speaker.
