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“I’m there to make sure everything goes smoothly. Gia had a family thing.” Gia was the owner and wedding planner at Happily Ever Afters. She’d hired an extra planner, Aria, to help Ireland out when there was a big wedding, or when Gia had a conflict, or when we had two weddings scheduled at the same time.
I wasn’t there when she first introduced her, but Gia said the thing that made her want to bring her on board was her love for all things weddings. Aria brought a portfolio to show her wedding ideas, and Gia thought they were unique. Apparently, Aria was a romantic, and Gia hoped the brides would love her enthusiasm.
“Did you create the invitations for this one?” Harrison asked as the eggs slid from the pan onto the plates he’d set on the counter for us, along with a slice of wheat toast and avocado.
“Yep. I framed their invitation for them, too. It’s something I want to offer in the future, but we’re using this one as a gift.”
Harrison’s eyes widened. “That’s a great idea. Can I see it?”
“I haven’t wrapped it yet. Let me grab it.” I kept my invitation and art supplies in the spare room, which Harrison and Wren had taken to calling my office. I retrieved the frame and the wrapping paper and returned to the kitchen.
I set it on the counter while Harrison was shoveling his eggs into his mouth. When he saw it, he lowered the plate to the counter. “This is fabulous. I’ve never been married, but I could see how a couple would love to have this to remember their day.”
“It’s not a photograph or anything.” That was probably the best memory. “Or dried wedding flowers.”
Harrison touched my shoulder, the heat of his palm searing my skin. “Don’t cut yourself short. This is just as important as a photograph or the flower arrangement.”
“Thank you.” When my dad left, my mom became depressed and couldn’t muster up enthusiasm for much of anything. I even stopped bringing graded tests or awards to her. She’d gotten better over the years, but I didn’t expect any praise or encouragement.
I soaked up Harrison’s praise.
Harrison smiled. “You’re so talented. I’m jealous.”
“Why would you be jealous? You single-handedly run your own business.” I was continually impressed with his courage.
Harrison shrugged. “I rent tables and linens. I’m not creating anything.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist, settling my cheek on the soft cotton of his T-shirt. “I’m impressed. I work the front desk at a doctor’s office.”
When I pulled back, he picked up his plate. “Not for long. Your invitations are beautiful and one of a kind. And if you can offer more things like this, you’ll be too busy with your invitation business to stay with your current job.”
“You think I could quit my office job?” I asked, sitting on the stool at the counter to eat my breakfast.
“Gia’s bringing in business for all of us. It’s steady, and it’s only going to increase.”
“You don’t think we need to worry about competition with Silas’s Chesapeake Resort?”
“Silas’s resort appeals to someone who wants a destination wedding. Kind of like going to an all-you-can-eat resort. The couple doesn’t want to worry about the arrangements and the linens. They want someone to create a package and tell them which one to buy.”
Gia offered packages, but there was the option for custom, too. Gia made sure she charged what that was worth because anything tailor-made to the bride and groom’s specifications was time-consuming. “That makes sense, but Gia’s still concerned.”
“I don’t know Silas well. He’s a few years older than me, but I think her brothers are friends with him. So maybe it’s some holdover from childhood.”
“Maybe.”
“Personally, I think there’s something else there, but what do I know?” Harrison shrugged and rinsed off his plate before putting it into the dishwasher.
“What do you mean?” I asked, taking another bite of my omelet.
Harrison leaned on the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “I think there’s some attraction there.”
My head snapped up at that. “That would be awkward if he’s her brothers’ friend. They’re protective of her.”
Harrison chuckled. “I remember that from high school. Her brothers made it clear she was off-limits.”
“I bet that was irritating.” But it sent a surge of jealousy through me. To be the youngest sibling of overprotective brothers was unimaginable to me.
Harrison’s expression slipped slightly. “I’m sure they thought they were helping.”
