So I do what I do best, and shove all my issues into a nice, neat box, and get to work.
The ceremony is flawless, the bride and groom exchange vows near the vineyard while their guests watch with misty eyes.
Last spring, I had roses planted between the rows of vines that backdrop the ceremony space, and now that spring is in bloom, the roses beautifully color the space, adding a layer of romanticism to the ambiance.
After the ceremony, I assign Paisley, Faith, and Ben to handle the finishing touches in the ballroom while I monitor cocktail hour in the tasting room.
By the time we transition to the reception, I feel like I’ve been running on empty for hours. The band plays a soft, melodic tune as guests drift toward the dance floor, their laughter and conversation filling the air.
I’m busy double-checking the seating chart when Dominic appears beside me. He’s been hanging back the last few hours, giving me space to work.
He doesn’t say anything at first, just watches me.
“What?” I ask, feeling my cheeks heat. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
He shrugs, smiling. A real smile this time. “I’m just impressed, that’s all.”
I laugh. “Impressed about what?”
He comes closer, resting his hand on the small of my back. The contact sends a tingle up my spine. “You, querida mía.” His eyes roam the ballroom and then come back to meet mine. “When I first moved back, I kind of wondered why you became a wedding planner. I just assumed it was because it allowed you to work with your family. But now I get it.”
“Get what?”
“You’re magic.” His voice is hushed, but he sounds almost amazed, in disbelief. “I don’t know how you took all these blank walls and turned it into something out of a movie. I always knew you were creative, but this is a whole other level of talent.”
I’m used to being complimented by my clients, but very rarely do I hear it from anyone else.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“Seriously,” he continues. “I’m not sure why I’m so surprised when it makes perfect sense—the way you take care of everyone, and notice all the little details—you were meant to do this. I’m just glad I got to witness you in action.”
“You’re making it very hard to stay mad at you right now,” I tell him, biting my smile.
His hand trails up my spine, rubbing soothingly. “I know we need to talk, but right now let’s take a pause on the anger and the stress and the world crumbling around us—and let’s dance.”
My head is already shaking before I can get the words out. “Oh, yeah, no. I don’t dance at my weddings. I’m the behind the scenes person, I’m supposed to be invisible.”
His head dips, hovering over my ear. “Nothing about you could ever be invisible. It doesn’t matter what room you walk into, you’re the center of it.”
Pieces of my heart warm like dominoes falling, until eventually my entire heart is warmer and fuller than I thought possible.
“Dance with me. I need everyone to know the wedding planner is taken. Can’t have any of these guests thinking you’re single.”
I laugh despite myself, and let Dominic lead me out onto the dance floor.
His hands rest on my lower waist, mine crossing around his neck, and together we sway to the music like teenagers.
His breath is warm on my neck as I let my head rest on his chest, finally giving myself permission to let go of some of the weight on my shoulders.
“I know you want us to go slow and I want to go at lightening speed.” He chuckles. “But there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, and I’ve been wanting to say it from the moment I first saw you after I moved back. I don’t think I can keep it to myself anymore.”
I angle my head to meet his gaze. “What is it?”
“I love you.” His voice is barely above a whisper, but unmistakably clear. “I never stopped. I’ve loved you since before I knew what it really meant, and I’ll love you into the afterlife.”
I stay quiet, my bottom lip trembling as I stare into his eyes.
“After we broke up, I used to tell myself,maybe in another life. Maybe in the next one, we’d get it right. And somehow, that thought made it easier—that somewhere out there, some version of me didn’t lose you.”
