Against the Tide: High Seas Weddings

by Cheryl Phipps

  “Look, I can do it for half that.”

  Mr. Grant raised an eyebrow and gave a tug on his chin. “Tell you what.” He ripped up the check and stuffed it in his pocket, then proceeded to write another. “I’ll pay you half of that for a decent wedding. If you pull it off and the outcome is what it was supposed to be, then you take the full amount. Deal?”

  Keira was nonplussed, while Aiden nodded enthusiastically.

  “Sounds fair to me, Keira.”

  She nibbled her lip. Darned if she didn’t like a challenge.

  She put her hand out to Mr. Grant. “It’s a deal.”

  The girls squealed while the parents congratulated each other once more, which did nothing to tone down Keira’s concern about underdelivering as she tucked the check into a pocket.

  The only thing she needed right now was to focus. She closed her eyes and saw the picture in her mind of the brides' choices in a panoramic slide.

  Sliding into planner mode—her very own technical term for being in the zone that made things happen, no matter what—made her smile.

  “All right, first things first. You wanted a half-moon here for the ceremony?” She pointed at the mess of chairs and flowers.

  The bride nodded enthusiastically.

  Keira turned to the men clustered around them. “Who’s in charge?”

  A burly young man came forward. “I’m Ryan.”

  Just as she had suspected, Ryan looked capable; she’d witnessed him in action, and the others seemed happy to defer to him. Perfect.

  “Ryan, you heard what we need?”

  “I did.”

  “Okay. Please make that happen in record time. Take this group.” She made a chopping motion through a third of the staff. “When you’ve finished, please meet me in the dining room. The rest of you follow me.”

  Ryan quickly organized his men, which proved that they’d known what they should’ve been doing all along.

  As they moved on, Keira signaled to two more of her group.

  “On every inside end of the line of chairs, please place one of the urns of flowers.” They moved off, and she spoke to another two. “As best you can, restore the arch and the flowers around it. There’ll be some blood, which will need to be cleaned off. Please make sure you check every inch of it. You’ll find some gloves in here, and I’m sure you can locate cloths, right?” She handed one of them the remnants of the first aid kit as they nodded.

  Trusting them, she then beckoned the remaining men to follow her. Nothing had been touched in the dining room, so she stood in each position and had the men bring her tables.

  “Are you happy with this?” she asked the mother, who was tagging along with Mr. Grant and the girls. Keira had never had anyone oversee her work since she was a trainee, but she hoped having them there and asking for their input would make the process go a darn sight quicker and hopefully be to their liking.

  The bride smiled. “That’s perfect. Much better than what Marilyn wanted.”

  “Great.” Keira wasn’t about to get into a mud-slinging match about another planner in the same neck of Sunrise Beach. That was the fastest way to isolate yourself in this business, and you never knew when you might need a favor.

  She moved fast, and to their credit, so did everyone involved. They seemed to appreciate the urgency, and as men filed in from their previous tasks, she had them bring the chairs to the tables, each one needing to be positioned just so.

  “Can we help?”

  The parents were getting in the way as they dogged her every move, so Keira made an unusual call.

  “If you really want to help, you could put all the covers on the chairs.”

  They didn’t blink an eye. They must have loved their daughter very much to get hot and sweaty helping out, especially when they were paying good money for the perfect wedding. Even the bride and her friends were helping, and they looked like they were enjoying it. In fact, they’d made a game of racing each other.

  Soon they were dressing the tables in elegant white linen, which made the settings look amazing. Not everything the planner had done was terrible, and Keira was grateful to have so many beautiful things at her disposal.

  “Shall I put these on all the tables?”

  Aiden was holding the last couple of the centerpieces—blue and silver flowers entwined over small logs, a silver candle in the middle, and pebbles around the outside. In his hands, they seemed a lot smaller and very fragile.

  “That would be fantastic. Where can I find the cutlery?”

  “I have the kitchen staff coming to do that now.”

  Keira twirled around, trying to gauge how the room would look to the guests. It was on its way to being beautiful, but not there yet.

  Grabbing a small ladder, she began to place the garlands of flowers around the doorways and columns.

  “We’re finished, dear.”

  Keira smiled warmly. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Grant. You’ve been a great help.”

  “Please, call us Dawn and Ray. Is there anything else we can do?”

  The bride and her bridesmaids had gone with the hairdresser and makeup artist to the designated cabin below. The Grants should’ve been getting ready too, but Keira wasn’t in a position to refuse.

  “Well, there are the place cards. I saw them in a box outside. You’ll know how they’re supposed to look and who’s sitting next to whom, which will speed it up significantly, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

  It was perhaps one of the most important things to do, but there was just too much else that required her attention. If they deliberately moved guests around, at least it was the parents’ mistake and not some stranger who wasn’t aware of any family issues.

  “We want perfection the same as you, my dear. We’ll take care of the place cards, and then we’ll go get our party clothes on. Aiden’s given us a cabin as well, so don’t worry about us anymore.”

  Keira actually felt a little tearful. How lovely were they? Clearly they weren’t old money. A wedding in LA would never have had parents willing to chip in timewise like the Grants just had.

  Now she could give her total attention to the rest of the decorating. She was back up a ladder in no time and attaching garlands and silver string around the eaves, thankful the ship already had hidden hooks in just the right places.

  “Do you want me to do that?”

  Aiden was there once more, that time holding her ladder with a garland in his hand.

  “No, thanks. You’ve done so much already,”

  “Hey, we’re in this together now.”

  Keira looked down into the warmth of his dark eyes and smiled.

  “Who would’ve thought today would turn out this way?”

  “Not me. But I, along with a couple of parents, am certainly relieved to have had you around to save the day.”

  Keira blushed. “I’m glad I could help. Lucky I’m new to the area and don’t have a huge client list yet.”

  “Very lucky.”

  The way he was looking at her made her heart beat a little faster, and her blush felt like a permanent feature when he was near.

  “Can you do the last doorway like this while I check everything?”

  “My pleasure.” He held out his hand and helped her down the few steps. A tingle that began at their fingertips trailed down her arm and spread like a fire across her body. When she stood beside him, he didn’t let go for several heartbeats. She could have stayed there, a mere foot from his body—which leaned toward hers—indefinitely mesmerized by him and this feeling he engendered in her.

  “We’ve finished here. What’s next?”

  Ryan had come up to them and they hadn’t even noticed. They dropped hands simultaneously.

  “I was just on my way to discuss that.” Keira followed Ryan around the deck. The fresh air was welcome, and she took a deep breath. Aiden was dangerous. She wasn’t looking for anything resembling a relationship, but if she were….

  Goodness, there was no time for flights
of fantasy. They were down to the wire now, and she couldn’t drop the ball.

  “You boys have worked magic inside and out. If some of you could set out champagne glasses on the bar and make sure all the beverages are chilled, I think we can leave the rest to the caterers.”

  Ryan gave her a cheeky salute, and Keira ticked off her mental list along with the things on Marilyn’s clipboard. She had a few touches she wanted to add and had just finished decorating the gangway and the railings when a taxi pulled up on the dock. A couple spilled out dressed to impress, and Keira looked down at her rumpled clothes, realizing she wasn’t up to her best.

  “Hell’s teeth!”

  As if she’d summoned him, Aiden appeared by her side, face full of concern.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m a mess, and the first guests have arrived.”

  He peered over the railing. “Don’t panic, that’s just the celebrant and the makeup artist. Anyway, you deserve a break to recharge.”

  “There’s no time for a break, but I would like to tidy myself up somewhere.”

  “Why don’t you take a few minutes and freshen up in my cabin?” Aiden pointed to a room by the wheelhouse. “I’ll hold the fort in case anyone turns up early.”

  Keira hesitated at relinquishing what she knew was her responsibility once she’d yes to the Grants, but it wouldn't look proper greeting everyone looking like she did.

  “Thank you. If you can direct them to the bar over there, they can get some punch or water. I won’t be long.”

  He raised his eyebrow and grinned. “Just go.”

  Idiot! It’s his ship, so of course he knows where everything is. She chastised herself as she ran along the walkway and up two flights of stairs to the cabin he’d pointed out.

  Chapter Five

  When she opened the door, the room wasn’t at all what she’d expected. Presumably because Aiden was the captain, his cabin was huge. And immaculate. His masculine fragrance hit her full force as soon as she walked inside; it tickled her senses and made her breath hitch.

  An overwhelming feeling she couldn’t name made her rub at her upper chest as she willed her lungs to fill. What is going on here? She’d just met the handsome captain, and here she was lusting after him. Other men had stirred her blood, but none had affected her so profoundly. So physically. Not even Damien, the man she’d been planning to marry.

  The inside of the cabin was all man, nothing feminine anyway. Did that mean he was single? There was a photo of three men with similar features sitting on the built-in dresser. Apart from that, there were no personal effects.

  A door at the far end of the room stood ajar, and Keira pushed it open. The perfectly proportioned bathroom, albeit small, was immaculate. It was as spotless as the cabin, so she deposited her bag on the vanity, washed her face, and dried it on a fluffy white towel. Looking back into the mirror, she noticed there was a cupboard behind it. Knowing it was a despicable act but powerless to stop her itchy fingers, even as she told herself not to, she pushed on the front and the door opened with a faint click.

  Keira wasn’t sure if it was good or bad, but there wasn’t actually much to see. One thing was for sure, the captain was a minimalist when it came to personal grooming. He did use moisturizer, which made her smile at the idea of the big macho male he was bothering with skin care. Not that she didn’t appreciate things like that in a man.

  Annoyed at herself for her line of thinking and procrastination, Keira shut the door firmly before turning back around to the vanity. She then proceeded to try and make herself look presentable enough to host a wedding that would be the most expensive she’d ever been responsible for, even at half the offered price.

  She wasn’t wearing any of her used but expensive clothes that were back at her one-room apartment. That was frustrating, but with no time to collect something, she would have to make do with what she’d worn all day. Luckily she’d dressed professionally in a longer skirt and nicely tailored white blouse, and she had a small makeup bag in her purse. A quick comb through her windblown and tangled hair would have to do.

  Opening the door, she gasped. A man stood in the middle of the cabin, shirt off and pulling another one out of a small wardrobe. He turned, and with relief, she saw it was Aiden. She mentally kicked herself—it was his cabin, after all. Which just went to prove how her mind was still a little haywire from the bizarre afternoon.

  “Sorry, did I give you a fright?”

  She nodded, unable to take her eyes from his six-pack and the caramel color of his skin as he moved toward her. It only took a few steps before he was so close she could see the barest hint of stubble on his jaw and around his mouth. His lips, slightly parted, had a welcome sign with a line attached that seemed to pull her toward them, as if he was reeling her in.

  “I thought I was alone.”

  “Majestic might be large, but it’s hard to be truly alone on her. Someone always wants something.”

  His warm breath touched her face and added to the invitation in his voice. Husky and deep, it caressed other unseen places as well.

  “That must be annoying,” she managed with a gulp.

  “I don’t mind certain interruptions. Some are worth my time.”

  He picked up a loose curl, tucking it back from her face. The touch of his finger lit a fire as her upper body jangled on the taut wire, and she involuntarily leaned toward him. He bent a little, leaving mere inches separating their lips.

  She licked her lips, noting his intent focus on that small movement, but when he looked back into her eyes, he frowned and moved back.

  “Have you finished in there? I’d like to get some deodorant.”

  Keira’s jaw dropped. What just happened? She jerkily moved sideways. It gave him just enough to get through the door, but he brushed against her as he passed. Her body quivered at the contact.

  This isn’t good. Not good at all.

  “I’ll see you later. The Grants will be waiting for me.” Her voice was loud in the confines of the cabin and entirely unnecessary.

  “Sure. I look forward to it. By the way, I meant to tell you, the cake arrived.”

  From where she stood, she could not only see his muscled back ripple as he moved but also his reflection in the mirror. He grinned. Keira ran across the room, snatched her bag from the floor where she’d left it, clutching it defensively in front of her, and slammed out of the cabin as fast as she could.

  Blast the man. He knew precisely what he was doing to her.

  She had to get back in the game. The wedding game, to be precise, not whatever this thing between them was.

  She went down the stairs, stowed her bag behind the bar, and then made her way to the reception room. The parents were waiting anxiously by the cake table as the baker gently positioned it. Mrs. Grant was the first to see her.

  “Thank goodness you’re here. We have no idea what to do next.”

  Keira smiled and patted the woman’s arm. “Nothing.”

  “Pardon?” the Grants said in unison.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Grant, you’ve done more than necessary. Now that you’ve hired me, please allow me to do my job while you get ready to greet your guests. I have the list of all the must-haves, most of which are done, and I’ll cue you and whoever else is necessary for each step of the proceedings. Please don’t worry anymore. I’ll take it from here.”

  They hesitated, and then Dawn beamed at her. “You’re like a breath of fresh air after dealing with Marilyn. Thanks won’t be enough, but be assured we’ll look after you if this goes without any more hitches.”

  That was an added incentive to make this wedding great. With a vote of confidence from people like the Grants, they might be happy to give her references, but she couldn’t let that be her focus right now.

  She smiled gently. “I’ll be in the background, checking on things the whole afternoon and evening. I’ll be watching for a signal from you, just in case you need me at any stage. Now, it really is time to enjoy yourse
lves.”

  Ray gave Keira a small bow, and with a chuckle, he took his wife by the arm. “I do believe everything’s going to be fine, dear.”

  “I hope so.” Dawn snapped her thumb and forefinger. “Oh, I nearly forgot. Tiffany wondered if you’d see her in the bridal suite for a moment.”

  Keira nodded but inside was screaming, No! There was too much to do, but the bride came first. Keira ran to the designated suite, which was situated on the top floor, and tapped on the door. “It’s Keira,” she called out.

  “Come in.”

  Keira opened the door to find Tiffany on the edge of the king-sized bed, dressed in her gorgeous gown and twirling a glass of champagne.

  “Everything okay here?”

  “Couldn’t be better, thanks to you and this.” She held up her glass.

  “Lovely. Your mother said you needed me?”

  “Actually, I think you need me. Have a look in that dress cover.” Tiffany pointed to a white bag that hung over a folding room partition with cherubs and doves embroidered over it.

  Confused, Keira brought it to the bride, who shook her head. “It’s for you if you want to wear it.”

  “For me?” Keira unzipped the bag and found a gauzy blue dress that looked divine.

  “I think we’re similar in size.” Then the bride downed her glass.

  Keira held the dress in both hands. Never had she come close to something like it. Even upmarket places didn’t have access to the designer on the label.

  But as awed as she was, a nagging thought was growing.

  “It’s none of my business, but should you be drinking?”

  “As much as I want to make this a wonderful day for my parents, this might be the only thing that gets me through it.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “James and I had a huge fight last night. He was going to call off the wedding. When Marilyn had her accident, I actually thought it must be a sign that it wasn’t meant to be. Then you came in and made it work. But is he going to show?”

  A pounding in the back of her head made Keira wince. “I guess the important thing right now is if you love him enough to marry him despite the argument?”