He ambled over. “Looks serious. I do hope everything’s going to plan?”
“Hey, Adam. Grab a seat.” Mari turned her chair to face him. “We’re marking off everything that’s finalized and going over what’s left to chase up. I think I’m pretty happy so far. Everything’s on track.” She tossed the pen on the table and sighed.
“You really are good, you know. I have to admit I had my doubts when you said you’d take it on.”
Mari laughed. “Oh, boy. You have no idea how hectic the wedding planner’s life is. This is so calm compared to what I put up with in L.A.” She looked around her hotel, waved her hand in the air. “Moving here has dropped the stress levels to an all-time low and I love it.”
“And you, Dakota. Any regrets about moving here and taking on this fundraiser?” Adam watched her eyes light up.
“No, never. I think it’s one of the best ideas I’ve had, to be honest. I like it here, the slower pace of life and the people. It’s all good as far as I’m concerned.”
Adam smiled. “I’m hoping you’ll say the same when you see the trees. Bill assures me they’re lovely specimens. Said he kept the best for us.”
“I’ve followed your lead and ordered some for the hotel too, Adam. I haven’t had a real tree for years and I really can’t wait to get my hands on them. The smell of pine needles is something I’m looking forward to.”
“I hope you say the same thing when you have to clean up the mess.”
“I’m sure I will.” She ruffled her son’s hair. “Noah can’t wait to help me decorate, can you, young man?”
“Yep. We have heaps of decorations Mom brought with us from the city. Real pretty stuff too.” He gave Adam a cheeky smile.
A truck decorated in Christmas tree signs puttered down the road and pulled up beside the entrance. The reversing lights came on and a beep beep heralded it backing into the driveway.
“They’re here!” Noah jumped up and grabbed Mari’s hand. “Let’s go, Mom.”
She held him beside her. “Wait until he stops, Noah.”
Adam walked over to the truck and guided Bill back before holding up his hand. “That’s far enough.”
The door of the truck opened and Bill Smyth jumped down. “Adam. Long time since I’ve seen you.” He held out his hand. “How’s it all going?”
“Great, thanks.” He peered into the back of the truck. “Can’t wait to see what you have for us.”
“When you called and told me what you had planned, I went out and chose the trees then and there. Didn’t want anyone else to come along and claim them. It’ll be good to see the old Grange in use again. Remember going to dances there when I was a young’un.”
“You’re not the only one. My parents are thrilled it’s finally going to be repaired.”
“How is your dad? Heard he had a bit of heart trouble there.” Bill leaned on the back of the truck seeming in no hurry to unload his cargo.
“Much better, thanks. He’ll be at the gala dinner, hopefully. Can we save you a couple of tickets, Bill? They’re selling out fast.” He noticed Dakota walking toward him.
“Sounds like I’d better or the wife will want to know why.” He tipped his hat at Dakota. “Nice to finally meet you at last, Ms. Moore. Hear tell you’re doing some pretty good stuff with your decorations.”
“Please, call me Dakota. Rachel tells me you have the best trees at your farm. I can’t wait to see what you’ve brought us.”
“She’s a good girl, is our Rach. Sent her mom and me a picture of some of your ornaments hanging in the shop when she first got them. I’m hoping she kept me one. Wanted to surprise the wife.”
“That’s very sweet, Mr. Smyth. Let me know if she didn’t and I’ll make sure you get one.”
Bill’s cheeks pinked up and he puffed out his chest. “Well, that’s right kind of you. Let’s get these trees out and see what you think.” He pulled down the tailgate and reached in for the first tree.
Chapter Eighteen
Once the trees were set up in their stands, Dakota brushed the pine needles off her hands, sighed over the sticky sap and stood back looking at what they’d accomplished.
“Bill, you’re a legend. These trees are beautiful.” The pungent smell of pine filled the small ballroom, making the impending approach of Christmas seem even closer. Excitement built in her chest and she had a hard time keeping the smile off her face. If she closed her eyes she could almost see her tree decorated.
Warm breath fanned over the back of her neck. “Ready to take this on?” Adam rested his chin on her shoulder and she shuddered under his touch. Even though he claimed he didn’t want a relationship, he seemed to be easing into it.
Breathing in and out for calm, she shook her head. “I’m excited but I might have taken on more than I can handle to be honest.” Now the trees were in front of her, the real fear of not having enough decorations loomed.
“I promised to help you string your tree and I will. You have me for two days and then I have to leave, go back to Seattle and take care of things.”
Panic rose in her chest and she turned her head to look at him. “You’re going to get tested?”
“Yes. You’ve given me the confidence to go ahead. I have to sort it out once and for all.”
“I’m proud of you and you know I have my fingers and toes crossed that everything will be fine.” She blinked, emotional tears filling her eyes.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
How could she tell him that she was terrified? Not only about how the test results would go but if they didn’t find anything wrong, did
