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“Of course. Do you already have a plan?”
He sighed. “Not really, no. I figured I’d just walk in, but then I got here and felt like that was kinda lame.”
“Hey, walking in would be great, but you’re right. I’m sure we can come up with something a little more creative. Lemme think.” I scanned the event space, looking for ideas. Then I grinned. “Okay, I think I’ve got something.”
“Lay it on me.”
“What if we stage some kind of problem that she has to take care of and then it turns out to be you standing there? Like maybe you can go up to the door, and we’ll have them tell her someone is trying to get in without a reservation and won’t take no for an answer.”
“I like it. But she hasn’t hired any new bouncers since I’ve been gone, has she? The regular guys know me, but I don’t want to have to deal with some jerk on a power trip. It’s been a long day.”
I laughed. “No, it’s the usual guys. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s Chad at the door. You know him, right?”
“Yeah. I don’t like him, but I know him. He won’t bounce me.”
“Good.”
“Oh, and Lyndi?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think you can tell them to set up a table for us? I know she’s working and the event is sold out, but maybe under the circumstances …”
“Will, duh. I’ll tell them to figure it out. You guys deserve it, and we’ll take care of everything at the event so she can have dinner with you. Don’t forget, I helped her cover a wedding so she could sneak off with you once.”
He let out a relieved sigh. “You’re the best, thanks.”
“No problem. I’ll tell everyone up front what’s going on, then I’ll have one of them go get her so I’m in a good position to take photos when she sees you.”
“Sounds good. Text me when you’re ready for me to come in.”
We got off the phone and I put it in my back pocket this time so I’d have it handy. Then I zipped over to Jo and Trevor’s table. I’d die if he decided to sneak off and propose to her while I was busy photographing adifferentmajor life event.
“Guys,” I said as I approached, keeping my voice low, “Aria’s husband is back from his deployment early, and he’s about to surprise her. Don’t say anything to anyone, but I just wanted to let you know I’d be tied up with that for a bit. You know, in case you wanted me to take your photos over dessert or something.”
I gave Trevor a meaningful look, and he nodded in understanding. “That’s awesome, good for them.”
Jo’s face melted into a dreamy stare, and she put her hands over her heart. “Ah, would it be weird for me to watch? That’ssocute.”
“No, I’m sure it’s fine,” I told her. “But go now, so it doesn’t tip her off. Just stand in the lobby somewhere.”
Jo and Trevor got up and headed for the back doors, so I made a beeline for Layla’s table. If Jo wanted to watch, chances were good Layla would want to, as well. I explained the situation, then watched our backs as we went inside, making sure Aria didn’t see us.
After I left our group in a good spot to watch, I told the employees at the front what was going on and gave them their instructions. Then I stepped onto the front porch and shot Will a text that it was time for him to head up to the doors.
“Hey,” he said as he approached, looking incredibly dashing in a military dress uniform. It wasn’t as fancy as the blues he’d worn to his wedding, but it would definitely have the same effect on his wife. “Thanks for helping with this.”
“My pleasure,” I replied, giving him a quick hug. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks.” He hugged a few of the other long-time employees of his wife’s, then put his hand on his chest and took a deep breath. “Man, I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be. This is a good surprise, and she’s not close enough to delivery for her water to break or anything. So you’re good.”
He laughed and looked up at the sky. “I can’t wait to see her with the baby bump. She’s sent me pictures, but it’ll be wild to see the real thing.”
“Let’s make it happen, then. Here, stand off to the side so she doesn’t see you until she’s closer. I’ll nod when you should step out.”
He did as instructed, and I positioned myself in the right spot to capture her reaction when she came through the back doors. A few seconds later, Aria clipped up the back steps in her favorite pair of Louboutins, her face professional yet prepared for a squabble with a potential dinner-crasher.
