Two hours later, exhaustion rode along every one of my nerves, and it was only nine thirty. I had pretty much run myself ragged keeping up with the caterer, the florist, the live band, and the few press people allowed in, not to mention mentally checking off my list a hundred times. The send-off for the new couple was scheduled for ten. Brock was surprising Natalie with honeymoon plans. I didn’t even know what continent they were headed to, and I was glad. Hopefully they would have time to themselves.
I stopped at the refreshment table and downed two bottles of exotic spring water before sampling one of Valerie’s concoctions. Platters of cream cheese-stuffed strawberries alternated with dainty butter cookies in the shape of flowers. I wanted to eat more than one of the melt-in-your-mouth sweets, but I needed to prepare for the send-off.
Someone tapped my shoulder. “You must be the wedding planner.”
I looked into the smiling face of a beautiful dark-haired young woman. Brushing the crumbs off my fingers, I extended my hand. “Yes, I’m Adrielle Pyper.”
She gave me a firm handshake. “I’m so happy to meet you. My name is Malia Wright, and I just got engaged last week.” A rather large ring balanced on her slender finger.
“Congratulations,” I said, and I meant it. The glow in her face was evident, and I couldn’t help smiling back at her perma-grin. Her eyes were a deep blue, lined by heavy lashes that I figured were false, in defense of my own puny eyelashes.
“After I saw Natalie’s wedding, I told my fiancé that this—” She motioned to the elaborate decorations and gauzy tent covering with sparkling starlight—“is exactly what I want.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it.” I studied her closer now: a prospective client. My mom said I had a gift because I could get a vibe from someone in just a five-minute conversation that was usually pretty accurate. Malia seemed nice. I’d probably compare everyone to Sylvia for the rest of my career. As long as they weren’t up to her level of snobbishness, I would consider them.
Malia smiled at me and continued. “But I want this—my wedding—in Hawaii, and I want you there to make my dreams come true.”
I struggled to keep my mouth from falling open. “Hawaii?”
“Of course. February is just too cold here in Sun Valley. So what do you think?” She took a step closer, and I could see the flawless creamy texture of her skin and subtle auburn highlights in her hair.
Think? I couldn’t think. I’d always wanted to go to Hawaii—who doesn’t? But a destination wedding with barely six months lead time? I wasn’t sure if it would be too big a commitment on the heels of my hectic summer. I grinned at Malia, resisting the urge to chew on my bottom lip as my brain whirred around the proposal she’d just given me.
“Oh, I’m sorry. You need a reference, I’m sure. You’ll probably be swamped with requests. I have a few, but the most important . . .” She stopped and dug through her sequined purse for a moment before pulling out a business card with a flourish. “Here you are.”
I read the card and my eyes widened.
Luke Stetson, Attorney at Law
Serving your needs in Sun Valley, Idaho
Scrawled underneath in a blue ball-point pen, Luke had added: Specializing in Divorce!
“Did Luke put you up to this?”
Malia laughed. “No, Luke is my cousin. He’s not keen on weddings, but he said he might come if I got you to be my wedding planner.” She glanced at the card and back at me. “So what do you think?”
I looked past her to a tall, dark-haired man leaning casually against a tree. He lifted his head slightly. When our eyes met, his face broke into a wide grin. I studied him for a moment and then returned my attention to Malia. Hawaii was the dream destination for weddings. Lorea would flip. “I think we should make an appointment and see if I might be the right person to help make your dreams come true.”
Malia grinned and hugged me. She handed me a green index card with her name and number written on it. “Is it all right if I call you Monday?”
I nodded and glanced at Luke, still leaning against the tree. He straightened and gave me a thumbs-up sign. I laughed as Malia turned and caught his eye. She waved at Luke, and as he made his way toward us, I said, “You really think it’s a good idea to invite a divorce lawyer to your wedding?”
“Oh, Luke is doing our prenup, and he’s such a great guy. He probably has you fooled, just like everyone else, but once you get past his prickly cover, he’s a blast.”
“He’s making progress.” I said, “He came to Brock’s wedding.”
“Two weddings in six months.” Malia whistled. “Maybe you’ll be next, Luke?”
“In your dreams.” Luke tugged on one of Malia’s curls. “Or one of those books that end with ‘happily ever after.’ ”
“But that’s what I specialize in, right, Malia?” I handed Luke one of my business cards and said, “Pyper’s Dream Weddings, where happily ever after is your destination.”
He laughed as he read the card and then lifted his blue eyes to mine. “Guess you have your work cut out for you.” He elbowed Malia and held the card toward her. She took it, and her eyes lit up as she broke into another mega-watt grin.
“Adri, we need to get ready for the send-off.” Lorea tugged on my arm, and I took a step back. “Is it all right if I steal her away?” she asked.
Malia nodded. “Sure, as long as you convince her to plan my wedding.”
“It was nice meeting you, Malia. Talk to you soon.” I waved as Lorea pulled me along.
At first I thought Luke was referring to Malia when he said I had my work cut out for me, but as I followed Lorea, I turned back to catch him
