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The smell of the flowers in my car adds to my excitement as I pull into the gorgeous winery, following the directions from Megan about where she told me to park so I can unload everything. She told me I would have someone to help me unload and help with a few other things, but she never told me a name, and I’m not about to text her now and ask who I should be looking for. It’s her wedding day, she has plenty of other things to think about.
It’s after ten, so thankfully, I have plenty of time. I’m practically tingling with anticipation, and I can’t help but smile as I slide my car into park. My phone bings with a new text message, and I automatically smile when Tessa’s name is on the screen.
Tessa
Good luck today! You’re going to kill it, and everyone will love what you do!
Me
Thank you! I’m anxious, but excited. I’ll update you later!
Perfect, I need to give you some news anyway!
Can’t wait!
I slide my phone into my pocket, putting it on silent. I vaguely wonder what her news might be, but I have other things to think about today.
There are people walking around everywhere. Guys dressed in shirts and shorts are setting up chairs over on the concrete slab, and there’s a beautiful arch set up with shimmering dusty pink fabric draped on the sides.
I can only imagine how gorgeous things will be once everything is set up and ready. The background boasts picturesque woods, with evergreen trees and wildflowers growing in the distance. To my left, there are rows and rows of grapevines. I let out a wistful sigh, just imagining how beautifully my arrangements and design plans will look at this venue. It’s really everything I’d hoped for.
A man crosses the front of my car, pulling me out of my daydream. I’m stunned by how charmingly handsome he is. Brown hair, shaved close on the sides, with natural waves and mussed curls on top, as if he’s run his hand through his hair a few times this morning. A single curl hangs over his forehead into his eyes, and I immediately want to push it back. The thought shocks me, it’s not something I would normally do, but yet my fingers itch to touch the soft curl.
His cheeks are flushed, as if he’s been exerting himself, and I can’t help but stare at him. Muscular, but not overtly so. It makes me wonder what he does for a living. I get the feeling he works with his hands.
He rounds the front of my vehicle, and when he sees me in the driver seat, he gives me a bright smile. The look of exertion previously on him fades as he waves at me. The man looks almost giddy to see me, though I’ve never met him.
I roll down the window, and he leans down, resting his arms on the car. His smile stays on his face, as he speaks. “Let me guess, Josie?”
I nod, my tongue twisted and dry, rendering me unable to speak for a moment. I swallow the lump down. “Um, yeah. I’m the florist,” I finally croak. “Am I in the right spot?”
“Yep,” he says, offering me his hand. His hands are rough and dry. “I’m Andrew. The best man. I’ll be helping you out this morning. You tell me what to do. I’m your lackey.” The warmth of his hand reverberates through my body, all the way from my head to my toes. I have never had this sort of reaction toward a man before, and I don’t quite know what to think of it. I banish the reaction and chalk it up to nerves from doing my first wedding.
I chuckle awkwardly, taking my hand back as he releases it. I turn my car off, and he steps back from the open window as I climb out. “Right, okay. First, can you show me where I can get the bouquets and boutonnieres set up?”
“You got it.” He gestures to my car. “Should we grab the stuff, so we don’t have to take as many trips?”
“Right, yes. That’s a good idea.” I head to the back, opening the hatchback, and start handing things to Andrew. He takes the box of bouquets in one hand, an empty bucket in the other. I grab the box of boutonnieres and the bucket with my scissors and other supplies. Andrew tips his chin in the direction we need to go, and I follow as he leads me into the winery. My eyes adjust to the warm light inside, and I suck in a surprised gasp. Though I had looked up photos of the venue, there's something about seeing it all setup with tables, decor, and twinkly lights for a wedding. All that’s missing is the flowers.
“Wow,” I mutter. “This place is incredible.”
Andrew turns, his chocolate brown eyes gazing at me. A smile ticks at the corner of his lips. “Yeah, it is. I always forget that people aren’t as used to its beauty as I am, especially if they’ve never been here.”
My gaze wanders, taking in the dark cherry wood ceilings, and the large wooden beams that cross it. The room would be too dark, but a twinkling chandelier and huge windows exposing the beautiful view fill the space with a golden light. The walls are lined with wooden barrels, adding to the all over charm of the winery.
“Do you work here?”
Andrew shakes his head, a smile tugging on his lips. “Nope. Isaac’s family owns it, and he’s my best friend. We spent a lot of time here growing up.”
I nod, still dumbstruck by the regal beauty of this place. It’s the perfect mix of classy and elegant, while also not being too formal. It’s incredible. “Wow,” I repeat.
Andrew chuckles. “Come on, I’ll show you where you can set up.”
He guides me down a hall to a large room that appears to be some sort of conference room, and sets down the box on the table. I do the same, setting my things next to where he placed his box on the table. “I have a few more things I need for here, then if you have time, I’d love help with unloading the outside stuff.”
“I’m yours for the next hour,” Andrew says. “I am to be of assistance in any way possible—bride’s orders.” He cracks that giddy smile again.
“Great. I really just need help unloading, and then you’re free,” I reply. Andrew shrugs, and leads me out to where my vehicle is.
