“Yes, I am, but I’m also an owner of the resort,” Miles said.
The silence was deafening, and Kelly was just about to stand up to insert herself when the woman spoke again.
“As long as there aren’t children serving at the wedding.”
“There won’t be,” Miles said stiffly. “I’ll go get those samples.” Then he turned and walked away, his eye catching Kelly’s. Just before he rounded the corner, she knew he was simmering with irritation over the reaction to his daughter. She only hoped she conveyed the same irritation in her own look.
Emma reappeared at their table, but this time her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I forgot to take your order.”
Kelly set a hand on hers. “It’s okay, sweetie. You are really busy.”
Emma heaved a sigh. “Yeah.”
Another server bustled by, and Kelly watched her carrying a tray of food, delivering it to a table before rushing back toward the kitchen.
“That’s Savannah,” Emma said. “She’s really busy too.”
“I can see that,” Kelly said.
Miles rounded the corner a moment later with a platter containing different cake slices. They looked absolutely delicious. He set them down at the table and told the women to enjoy. Then said he would return in a bit to discuss their favorites.
When he stopped at their table, Kelly gave him a small smile. He looked as exhausted as Emma. “Is Emma getting you all squared away?”
“She is,” Ava said. “She was just taking our order.”
He looked down at his daughter affectionately. “This isn’t normally how we do business. We’re just short-staffed at the moment.”
“Is there any way we can help?” Kelly asked.
Miles leaned in closer and whispered. “Unless you’re a wedding planner, I think we are good.”
Kelly and Ava exchanged looks.
“Well…” Kelly said.
Ava smiled brightly. “Kelly would love to help!”
Miles’s eyes met Kelly’s, and a hopeful look bloomed across his face. “Really?”
“I’m not exactly a wedding planner, but I’m an event planner.”
“I’ll take it,” Miles said.
“Don’t you need to discuss it with anyone else?”
Miles shook his head, and his voice lowered. “Honestly, no. Half our staff is out with the flu. We are so short-staffed, I’m honestly getting worried. This happens every year, but we always make it through. Yet, right now, I’m not sure how we will.” His eyes shifted to the bench in the booth, and a small smile crossed his face. Kelly’s eyes followed and found Emma fast asleep lying next to Ava. “Even Emma is worn out from going to school and then coming here to help.”
Kelly’s eyes roamed over the little girl. She knew how it was when flu season wiped out the staff at the same time, but their little bookstore and cafe was so small compared to this large resort.
“I’ll help in any way I can.”
Miles breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. You’re a lifesaver. Can we meet for a late dinner tonight to go over everything?” Then he looked around. “Actually, you’re here to eat dinner, but I’ll have more dinner ready tonight in case you’re hungry.”
Kelly giggled, and her stomach did a little flip-flop. It was purely work-related, but the thought of meeting up with him for dinner still did things to her.
“Yes, that works.”
Miles peered over at the other booth where the women were trying the cake. “Thank you. Now let me take your order. It’s on me.”
