“Well, we’ve got several weddings coming up this weekend, but the next two days are open if you’re looking for something that soon.”
“Absolutely,” he replied.
“Do you already have your marriage license?”
Before he left to pick up Lynn that morning, Rita had handed him an envelope with the necessary paperwork, telling him that she had already prepared the online pre-application for a marriage license. Now, he patted his pocket and said, “No, but I have everything we need.”
Junelle’s smile widened even more. “Perfect. Then we can pick out everything that you need and you can go by the Gatlinburg registry after you leave here.” Reaching across the desk, she tapped her long, ruby-tipped fingernail on top of a thick notebook. “We’ll take a look at everything we offer, and you can decide what you want. Our weddings can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like.”
“Well, I think simple would be—” Lynn began.
“Simple, yes, but cost doesn’t matter. It might just be us, but we want it to be beautiful,” Nolan pronounced. His words had the desired effect as Junelle’s smile widened to an impossible stretch, and she nodded so emphatically he wondered how her tall, teased hair stayed in place on her head.
“Simple can be so beautiful and elegant. I sometimes think that’s the best. And we have everything to make it just as memorable as you would like. Let me get one of my other books.”
As she stood and moved to the other side of the room, he caught Lynn’s wide-eyed questioning expression. Leaning in as though he was kissing her cheek, he whispered, “We want to keep her happy and relaxed. We can do that by spending a little money. Remember, it’s not our money. The owner is paying for this.” He felt some of her tension ebb away with his words, and without thinking, his lips moved over her cheek, kissing her lightly.
“This is why I love my job! I get to see people as they get ready for one of the happiest days of their lives!” Junelle’s tinkling, wind-chime laughter sounded out in the room again. She moved back to her desk, beaming at them as she plopped a large binder in front of them. “We’re going to take a look at flowers, decorations, the ceremony, cake, everything!”
Nolan had walked into the wedding chapel ready to take on the mission, but the next thirty minutes stretched his patience. Thank God Lynn perked up, seeming to get over her nerves. Junelle had flipped through page after page of floral arrangements, all looking almost the same to him. But Junelle, obviously seeing differences, tapped her long fingernail on each one, calling out the various flowers and virtues.
“This one is mostly roses and baby’s breath, but I think that the white carnations and lilies create a memorable vision for a bride to carry. Peonies and dahlias are lovely as well. Of course, you can’t go wrong with anything you choose.”
Lynn nodded and occasionally made the appropriate sounds of agreement, much to Junelle’s obvious delight.
Then the intrepid wedding planner moved through large color photographs of cakes, going from elaborate tiers down to simple. This perked his attention, mainly because his stomach growled, reminding him he had eaten breakfast hours ago.
Junelle discussed the virtues of unity candles versus unity sand jars, two items he had never heard of but noticed Lynn nodding once again. Moving on to the photo options, Junelle pulled out a separate album that was packed with photographs of previous couples and weddings. Besides just the photos, she included image flash drives, metal prints, photo books, and personalized ornaments. By now, his head was spinning and he was ready for a little recon. He squeezed Lynn’s shoulder, drawing her attention back to him.
“Babe? You keep looking while I hit the men’s room.”
Lynn smiled sweetly. “Take your time, honey. I’m sure Junelle and I have plenty more to look at and decide on.”
“Sounds good.” He turned his gaze toward the older woman and asked, “Can you point me in the direction of the restrooms?”
“Yes, they’re just down the hall. The door to the chapel is on the right, and the restrooms are just a bit further on the left, down near the office.” Junelle sighed with exaggeration and smiled widely. “I can tell you hate to leave your beautiful bride for even a moment. That’s why I love my job!”
Giving in to the urge he’d had for a day, he tightened his grip on Lynn's shoulders and pulled her forward, kissing her cheek, close to the corner of her mouth. He heard the sharp intake of breath and felt her body tense underneath his fingertips. The scent of her shampoo filled his senses, and he knew this had been a mistake. One kiss, even on her cheek, and he wanted more.
Straightening, he nodded toward Junelle before winking at Lynn. Turning, he walked toward the hall, the feel and taste of her skin still on his lips.
After a moment, Junelle received a phone call and she apologized. “I’m so sorry, but I need to take this.”
Glad for the excuse to be able to step away from the overwhelming wedding notebooks, Lynn smiled sweetly. “I’ll just run to the restroom also.”
She walked casually until she was out of Junelle’s sight and then she hustled down the hall, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. Standing outside the restrooms, she was uncertain where Nolan was. Before she had a chance to ponder her next move, he stepped into the hall, his eyes widening when they landed on her.
“She got a phone call, so I decided to come see what you were doing,” she whispered.
He jerked his head down the hall to a partially-opened door. The nameplate next to the door listed ‘Errol Hightower – Owner’.
Curious, she walked closer to the door. “Honey, where’s the chapel?” she asked, her voice raised.
Gaining Nolan’s wide-eyed glare, she pushed the office door open slightly, seeing
