Page 84 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Chapter Sixteen

Callie stood toward the back of the crowd at the Inn, smiling as she watched the bride and groom slow dancing to their first song in the middle of the dining room. So far the day had been perfect, going off without a hitch even after Gwen had called to cancel with symptoms of a mild stomach bug. The small, beautiful ceremony had started on time, Molly’s stunning cake had been a hit, and it didn’t hurt that Callie had heard more than a few compliments about the centerpieces and flower arrangements she’d woken at dawn to create.

It felt good being here—to get dressed up in heels, tailored black slacks, and her favorite red faux-wrap top for a special occasion. Throughout the day she’d been stepping in wherever she’d been needed—table decorator, car parker, makeup fixer, storybook reader to bored children, cake server, and occasional coffee pourer. Somehow this had become her life. Six weeks ago, she never would have pictured herself a co–wedding coordinator, but here she was, loving every second of it. The more she dug in, the more she couldn’t imagine going back to New York.

“Excuse me.” Evan Sanderson touched Callie’s arm.

“Hello.” She smiled at the youngest of the Sanderson brothers she’d met just before the ceremony began.

“I was going to pour myself a cup of coffee.” He gestured to the coffee station Callie was standing in front of.

“Of course.” She moved out of the way, studying him as he grabbed a fresh cup and saucer—early fifties and by far the most handsome of the four older Sanderson men. In his heyday, women had most likely considered him a hottie. “Are you having a good time?”

“I am. It’s always great to get back home to the island—even if it’s for a wedding for Boston friends.”

Callie laughed. “It’s absolutely beautiful here.”

Evan nodded. “There’s no place like it.”

Callie grinned. “I agree.”

“You know”—Evan cleared his throat—“my wife, Lily, is a huge fan of yours.”

Callie looked out into the crowd, spotting the pretty, petite brown-haired woman chatting with a group of people, flashing her friendly smile. “I’m so glad she enjoys art.”

“Last night when Mini mentioned that you and Nate were dating, I thought I was going to have to pick Lily up off the floor.”

Callie laughed again. “Nate’s a gorgeous, sweet guy—funny too. It shouldn’t be that shocking that I was smart enough to scoop him up.”

Evan laughed. “That’s not quite what I meant. I was referring more to the fact that you’re staying in Sanderson.”

Callie winked as she grinned. “I know.”

Evan shook his head. “Talented, beautiful, and a sense of humor. Our Nate’s a lucky boy.”

“Thank you.”

He cleared his throat again. “I was hoping I might—I saw the candleholder Mini made at the class you taught. Lily went wild over it.”

Callie nodded. “Mini and Leah both did an excellent job.”

“You wouldn’t happen to be working here on the island—making more of your stained glass?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m mostly on vacation.”

Evan nodded. “Vacation.”

“Why do you ask?” She could tell that he was trying to get at something.

He shrugged. “Our anniversary’s coming up, and I thought it would be fun to surprise Lily with something extra special.”

Callie nibbled her lip, wanting to find a way to help Evan out. Lily was lovely, and Nate thought of the Sandersons as family. “I still have the sample candleholder from the class. It’s out at Nate’s.”

Evan paused with the carafe in his hand. “Really?”

She nodded. “It’s certainly not much.”

He set the carafe down without pouring. “No, that would be perfect. I have my checkbook back at the house. I’ll happily pay you the going rate—whatever you think it’s worth.”