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“Yes. If you love it as much as I do, then yes.”
She shines, she sparkles, her natural beauty only enhanced by the dress. “Alright.” She turns to the saleswoman. “We’ll take it.”
They make plans for one slight alteration in the otherwise perfect dress: room for my growing baby.
The saleswoman gives a satisfied nod. “I’ll have it altered, steamed, and sent to your address.”
We move on to the bakery, feeding one another bites of different flavors of cakes. We both like the plainest one best. Now, it’s time to talk to Ashely.
We head home. The breeze from the boat ride whips Charlie’s hair around her smiling face. I keep my arm around her shoulders, wanting to block the wind and keep her warm.
Ashely’s waiting for us in the library with a roaring fire and a hot coffee for me, a hot chocolate for Charlie. She sits across from us in a chair she’s pulled over. Folding her hands in her lap demurely, she says, “What did you two want to talk to me about?”
“We need a miracle,” I say. “And I think you’re the only person who can make it happen.”
“Oookay…” she says slowly. “And just what is this miracle?”
“We need our wedding planned,” Charlie says.
At the word wedding, Ashely’s eyes instantly glow with excitement.
“In four weeks,” I add.
“Oh. Oookay.” She nods, taking a minute to absorb the idea. “Okay.” She gives a more definitive nod. “We can do this. We can do this. I can do this.”
Her eyes lock on mine, her gaze as serious as a military leader preparing their next battle move. “What are you thinking for location? Here at the castle? The Village? The Parrish?”
We both say, “Here. The castle,” at the same time.
“Jinx!” Charlie laughs. “I’m so happy we are on the same page. I couldn’t imagine us getting married anywhere else.”
“Me either.”
“Okay, that’s done.” Ashely nods with relief. “And the reception, what are you thinking of for the reception? Morning? Evening? Indoor, outdoor with heaters?”
“The reception?” Charlie rubs her growing belly. “I think I’d like to be surprised.”
Ashely’s perfectly shaped brows knit. “You mean… like… I would pick out… everything?”
“I’m just having so much fun prepping for the baby. Planning a reception seems like a lot of work.” She realizes how much she’s asking for and quickly adds in, “Only if you’re up for it, of course. I mean, it’s asking a lot—”
“Oh, no.” Ashely shakes her head, her blonde hair shining. “No. No. No.”
“No?” Charlie’s face drops.
“I mean, no, it wouldn’t be a problem. My answer is yes!” Ashely leans forward, putting a hand over Charlie’s. “It’s an event planner’s dream come true. Truly. What makes us so great at our job is how much we love having control over everything, so to get to be the one to pick it all out, dream it all up?” Her eyes light with excitement, plans already churning in her mind. “I’m thrilled.”
“If you’re sure,” Charlie says. “I’d love that. If it’s okay with you, of course?” Charlie looks at me.
I give a nod and a grunt.
Ashely says, “I know Nikolaos’s taste very well by now. And I feel like I’ve gotten to know yours. I’ll come to you if there’re any questions I have, or if I’m on the fence about something, but other than that, you’d like it to be a surprise? You don’t want me to run everything by you first?”
“No. I trust you completely.” She looks at me to be sure I’m on board. “I think a surprise would be nice. Are you really okay with that?”
I guess a grunt is not enough of a response to reassure her I like the idea too. I lean down, kissing her belly, then look back up at her. “I want whatever makes you happiest.”
Charlie gives me a look of love. “I’d like the surprise. Thank you so much, Ashely. I’m so happy you’re excited.”
