Page 66 of Center Ice

She scrunched her nose. “No, that’s not really our style.”

“Do you have a date in mind?”

She looked past me and stepped closer. “Honestly? As soon as possible.”

I hid my surprise. “Budget?”

“Under ten thousand?” She cringed. “I have no idea if that’s high or low or even possible.”

“I can definitely put something together that will be beautiful and elegant without being over-the-top.” Honestly, a small beach ceremony would be perfect, but I doubted they wanted to get everyone to travel again. “I have to do some research on local venues and vendors, but I’ll have some quotes put together by the end of the week.”

Eli splashed his hands and squealed, making us both laugh. “He approves,” she said with a smile. “Thanks so much.”

“I’m happy to help.”

“Okay, next person!” she called and moved closer to the edge.

Elena and Amelia pushed each other, but Elena broke away first and dove into the water while Amelia glared at her.

“I won.” Elena smirked and turned toward me. “I have a special request.”

Her smile stayed in place, but she was talking quietly and her tone shifted.

“Okay.”

“Nikolai’s mom and sisters are going back to Russia at the end of the month, and we want to get married before they leave.”

I blinked. Two weeks? Well, I’d pulled off weddings in less time. “How many people?”

“We’ll keep it small. Like ten to twenty people.”

I fought the urge to cringe. That was much fewer people than the team and their wives. I didn’t want to think about how that would go over.

“Don’t worry. Nikolai is known as being ultra-private. No one will be offended if they aren’t invited.”

“But what about you? Don’t you want them there?” I had to ask. She was the bride and should have equal say.

“I just want him to be my husband. No offense, but I’ve never been the type to dream about my wedding. I cared more about the marriage.”

“No offense taken. That is the most important part.” I smiled. “I’ll start looking for venues right away.”

I should’ve been getting out of the pool and starting right then, but I still had her sister and Lucy to talk to.

“Thank you, and don’t worry about a budget. Just whatever you can put together in the time limit will be perfect.”

I usually liked to hear there was no budget, but with a wedding this small and quick, I wouldn’t get to have too much fun. “Got it.”

“Alright, sis. Come on.”

Amelia hurried into the water. “I want the big wedding.”

Music to my ears.

“And I want to take the time needed to plan it properly.”

I could have hugged her. No rush or impossible demands. Yet.

“Derek doesn't care as long as the wedding colors aren’t ultra-feminine. He likes the more neutral pallets, like lots of greenery and tan suits. I’m fine with that too. Maybe just white flowers with eucalyptus and lamb’s ear. We want to invite all of the team and their families, plus his friends from past teams. Oh, and our families, of course. I think it will be between a hundred-and-fifty to two-hundred guests. I really like the idea of an outdoor wedding in the spring, maybe even in the mountains.”