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Everything down to the tiniest of details like seating arrangements and a memento for the guests to take home—nothing was overlooked and she had Callie to thank for that.
“The cake is set to arrive in about an hour and Callie will be joining you for the final preparations. Marshall and I will drive up with the rest of the family tomorrow and then the big day.”
“Babe, take a breath before you faint and hit your head or something. Don’t worry, Gran, your mom and I have everything under control. I hired more staff for the event and they’re in decoration mode right now. I had no idea they made so many things in blue and white. Where did you get all this stuff on short notice anyway?”
She smirked even though her cousin couldn’t see it. “You doubt my abilities?”
“Not in the least after this.”
Juniper thought over Marshall’s similar words from the night before. Their time together had been bittersweet, and their conversation weighed heavily on her mind. She no longer held any doubt about their future together. He only wanted to save his family. Better to know this now rather than later, but that didn’t help ease the ache.
Hard lessons always came with strings. He was in it for his family, nothing else. She needed to follow suit. All the false emotions and feelings were just him being nice. And that was okay. That’s what she signed up for. Friends with benefits.
She slid the zipper to the garment bag that held her dress and draped it over her arm. Downstairs she laid it out on the front counter next to her binders and purse.
Callie walked up behind her with a fresh mug of dark roast and passed her one before rounding the reception desk.
“Will you be coming back to the city tonight?” Juniper tucked the phone between her shoulder and chin so she could balance everything she carried.
Callie made dreamy eyes at her and Juniper waved her away with a smile. She couldn’t even tell her best friend the truth.
Marshall was due this morning with the final check she would use to hand out bonuses for all the overtime, and then they were to join her family for a late brunch and a walk around a small town square off the beaten path everyone else normally associated LA with where her neighbors gathered to celebrate summer. There would be food, drinks, music and fireworks.
“Sorry, someone has to be here to watch over your wedding.”
“Thanks for that. I really appreciate it.”
Talking with her cousin also helped alleviate the pressure and the pain in her chest. Her brain may know the truth, but her heart lagged behind in jumping on board. How in the world would she make it through this dry-eyed, she didn’t have a clue.
“Sorry about burying you in all those boxes and packages before I even asked if the resort was available. I kind of went into panic mode seeing the days roll by.”
“Not a problem.” She heard someone come up and speak to Jon in a low voice over the speaker.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes, just some worry over the roses wilting before they can be moved into refrigeration.”
“Oh, they were specially ordered. They can’t die. Please tell everyone there thank you for watching out for them.” When Marshall had peeked over her shoulder at the novelty blue-tipped white roses she didn’t dare order for the price tag, he’d hit the order button himself.
“I better go tend to that.”
A ding sounded, signaling an email.
“Thanks a million!”
She ended the call and thumbed over to the email.
Dearest Juniper,
Why did she get a sinking feeling all of a sudden?
I must apologize and break away from our engagement today. I truly lament having to miss your summer fest. I had to return to Houston late last night due to an emergency. Thank you for yesterday and all that you have done. It was a pleasure to meet your family. –Marshall
Notlove Marshalllike last time. She felt the cold tone as she read the words again.
They had a finality to them that left a sour taste in the back of her throat.
Outside she caught sight of a long black limo slowly gliding to a stop outside her shop. Juniper’s jaw dropped at the sight that emerged as the driver held the door open.
