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Bile rises in my throat.
“Anyhow, I was just curious about your thoughts. What was it you wanted to chat about?”
“Nothing.” For now. “Nothing at all. Just wanted to check in.”
“Oh. All right. Well, if there isn’t anything else, then I’ll head out. Supposed to chat with Lauren in five.”
“Have fun, mate. Enjoy that almost wedded bliss. She still doesn’t know the wedding got moved up, does she?”
He laughs. “Thanks. And no, she thinks they’re going back to Hallmark Beach for a girls’ weekend related to Shelby’s wedding.”
“Perfect.”
We hang up and I set my head against the glass. Ugh. Perfect. Yeah, right. Chloe’s going to murder me for not telling Topher. She thinks it has something to do with me doubting us, but that’s not completely accurate. I know what I want, and I’m willing to fight for it—so long as it’s whatshewants. And maybe she needs time to make sure that’s really coming back to Kentonia with me.
I’m about to head inside when my protective agent senses go haywire. I glance up to find someone running toward the wedding shop, but as she gets closer, I see that it’s not a stranger. It’s Kelsey Loveland.
When she gets here, she pitches forward, hands on her knees and breathing hard. “Where’s Chloe?”
“Inside.” I move to open the door and allow her through.
The women all glance up and throw hellos to Kelsey as we both move through the room toward the group.
Chloe looks at me with lifted brows, and she doesn’t have to say it. She wants to know if I told Topher. I press my lips into a tight line and shake my head.
Her expression falls, but then her attention turns to Kelsey. “You all right, birdie?
“Yeah, Kels, you don’t look so hot,” Elisse says, sitting up as she studies her sister.
“Actually, you lookoverheated.” Marilee pats the spot on her other side. “Come sit and cool off.”
“I’m fine, guys. Chloe.” She pauses and waves both hands at her red face. “I found you a venue.”
“What? Where?”
Kelsey’s gaze slides to Elisse, then back to the couch where Chloe, Lucy, and Marilee are all sitting on the edge of their seats—quite literally. “The vineyard.”
Chloe’s hand flies to her mouth. “That’s … perfect. But I thought you guys didn’t do events?”
“Yeah, Kels.” Elisse launches one eyebrow upward. “Dad hates outsiders on our property. Did you get his approval?”
“I got Mom’s, and she convinced him.”
“Seriously?” A long whistle from Elisse. “That’s quite a feat, sis.”
Kelsey sticks her hands into the back pockets of her trousers. “It’s not that big of a deal.”
“Are you kidding?” Chloe leaps to her feet, her hair falling around her shoulders in perfect waves. Sakes, that woman is beautiful. And with her eyes lit up like that? Pure enchantment. “You just saved my brother’s wedding. I’m pretty sure that’s a big deal.”
“It’s not saved just yet,” Kelsey says. “Any event with more than thirty people requires a town permit.”
“Really?” I butt into the conversation. “That didn’t seem to be an issue with the Graber house.”
“I guess Greta has a year-round permit. The winery doesn’t.” Kelsey blows out a breath.
“Okay, so we get a permit.” Chloe shrugs. “How difficult can it be?”
Kelsey winces. “The only way to get one is via the town council.”
