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Just after we arrive, other vendors come pouring in behind us. Sound equipment, tables, chairs, food and drinks, and a team of five photographers.
“Okay, since the tent is up, let’s start with the vine borders around it, just like I sketched out.”
“We’ve got it,” Ida says with a nod, and we get to work, all of us with specific tasks that I outlined well before today.
I enjoy the hive of activity bustling around us, and as the morning progresses, more and more bodies appear, as if from thin air. The air practically hums with energy and excitement, all of us excited to be pulling together to make something magical.
Before long, I realize that it’s not just vendors roaming around, but family members, as well.
“This is Summer, my extraordinary florist and friend,” Erin says, gesturing to me. I’m embarrassed as hell because I’m sweaty, with my hair pulled up, no makeup, and in just a T-shirt with my logo and denim shorts, but I smile. “Summer, this is my mom, Megan, and some of my aunts, Alecia, Natalie, Nic, and Stacy.”
“Hello.” I nod to them all. Jesus, every single one of them is absolutely gorgeous. “I take it everyone arrived safely, then?”
“We did, the entire brood,” Natalie confirms. “It took four planes, but we did it. We’ve also taken over the entire town, I’m afraid.”
“I don’t think anyone is complaining,” I reply with a laugh. “Your family might single-handedly boost Bitterroot Valley’s economy this weekend.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Alecia asks, her eyes roaming over everything with interest. “I used to be an event planner, and I can do just about anything.”
“You’re a guest,” I remind her kindly. “Not that I don’t appreciate it, but I promise you, we have it all handled. It’s going to be an amazing couple of days.”
“I had no idea how absolutely gorgeous it is here,” Nic says, turning in a circle. “I mean, we’ve seen photos, and I know you’ve told us, Erin, but nothing does it justice.”
“I know,” Erin says with a little happy dance. “And I get to live here.”
“Mom!” We all turn as a little girl, Holly, comes running our way. “You forgot me, Mom!”
“No way,” Erin says as she scoops Holly into her arms and kisses her cheek. “You were still asleep when we left. How did you get out here?”
“I brought her.” A devastatingly handsome man joins us. He has a quick, charming smile, bright blue eyes, and shaggy dark-blond hair that just begs for a woman’s fingers. He turns that smile onto me. “Hey, I’m Hudson, Erin’s favorite cousin.”
“Don’t let the others hear you say that,” Natalie says with a laugh. “Come on, I want to see everything.”
“It’s going to look completely different tomorrow,” Erin informs them as they walk toward the tents.
“You know,” Hudson says, smiling after his family, “Erin insisted that she wanted a simple, small wedding. I think it’s blown up a bit beyond that.”
“It’s the biggest project I’ve ever taken on,” I agree, nodding as I resume sorting some vines. “But it’s going to be gorgeous. What do you think of Bitterroot Valley, Hudson?”
“I think it’s amazing. Views everywhere you look, nice people, good food.”
“Where did you eat?”
“We hit up a BBQ place last night.”
“Oh, sure, Rocky Mountain Smokehouse, right?”
“That’s it. Freaking amazing ribs.” He reaches down to help me straighten out a vine that’s decided to fight me.
“Is this your first visit here?”
“Nah, we came skiing last winter. That’s when Erin decided to stay, and I can’t say that I blame her. How long have you lived here?”
“About five years.” I stand and find Hudson smiling down at me. “What?”
“You sure are pretty, Summer Quinn.”
Just then, strong arms circle my shoulders from behind, and a face nuzzles my neck.
