by Nicole Ellis
Tia had been coordinating weddings for years, and this wasn’t anything she hadn’t seen before. She turned to Melinda’s mother and sister. “Could I have a moment alone with her?”
The older woman looked at her with skepticism, then threw her hands up in the air. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt. I can’t seem to talk any sense into her.” She peered at the clock on the wall. “Is that clock right? Is it already four?”
Tia nodded.
“The wedding’s supposed to start now.” Melinda’s mother’s face paled. “All those people are out there, waiting for her to walk down the aisle. Derek is waiting for her.”
Melinda gave a loud sob and buried her face in her shredded tissue.
Tia looked in the direction of the lawn in front of the gazebo, where the ceremony would take place. The long brocade curtains in the living room were closed tightly to provide privacy to the bride as she got ready, but Tia knew the mother was right. The guests would already be seated, and as soon as Tia gave the cue, the staff would play the Wedding March. Still, they had time before anyone knew something was wrong.
“It will be fine. Let’s get the two of you out to the porch so you can join up with everyone else to prepare for the ceremony. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s time to begin.” Tia firmly nudged the older woman out of the room. The bridesmaid followed them outside to where the rest of the wedding party was gathered.
When she returned to the living room, Tia pushed the door closed and walked slowly back to the couch. Although she was confident she could turn the situation around, it didn’t stop her pulse from thundering in her ears. She hadn’t worked at the Inn at Willa Bay for very long and having a runaway bride wouldn’t look good on her track record.
However, she didn’t think that would be an issue with this bride and groom. She’d met with both Melinda and Derek several times during the wedding planning process and had rarely seen two people who were more in love. She saw a lot of engaged couples, and although she didn’t know the fates of their marriages after they left the reception, she had her suspicions about some of them.
Melinda and her fiancé were different. Derek seemed genuinely sweet with her—always happy to run back to the car to get his fiancée a jacket if she was cold, or give input on the wedding with a willingness to compromise. Yes, Melinda had found herself a good man. Tia herself would be thrilled to have someone like Derek in her life.
Melinda sniffled as Tia approached her. “Do you think I’m being silly?” she asked.
“No, I don’t think you’re being silly.” Tia pulled the armchair closer to the couch, gently pushing the delicate material of her skirt out of the way. “Marriage is a big commitment.”
Melinda nodded. “I know. And I thought I was ready, but…”
“But it’s scary.”
Melinda nodded again.
“Do you love Derek?” Tia leaned forward and locked eyes with the woman. “Do you want to marry him?”
Melinda’s eyes lit up through the mist of tears. “I do,” she whispered. “He’s everything I ever wanted.”
“Okay, then.” Tia smiled at her. “It’s perfectly normal to have some doubts, but I think you’re ready for this.” She reached behind her to grab a clean tissue and handed it to Melinda.
Melinda gave her a weak smile.
“Let’s try taking a few deep breaths.” Tia inhaled to the count of five, then slowly exhaled, watching to make sure Melinda followed suit.
After a few rounds of focused breathing, Melinda closed her eyes and relaxed into the sofa for a moment. When she opened them, she said, “So what do I do now? According to my mom, I’ve wrecked my hair and makeup. I don’t have time to go back to the salon and get them fixed.”
Tia sprang to her feet. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got you covered. Follow me.” She led the bride over to a small white vanity tucked against the wall and pulled out the swivel chair for her.
“Oh no,” Melinda’s eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the long oval mirror. “I look horrible.”
Tia smiled at her reassuringly. “Only temporarily.” She had Melinda turn away from the mirror, then opened a drawer in the vanity and retrieved her emergency-cosmetics kit, a comb with a spiked handle, a can of extra-strength hairspray, and a variety of hairpins. She’d always been good with hair and makeup and had briefly considered a career in cosmetology before deciding on being an event planner. She quickly assessed the damage, then got to work. Once Melinda’s face was clean, Tia pinned any wayward hairs back into place, gave the ornate updo a quick coating of hairspray, and fixed the bride’s makeup.
When she was finished, she spun her back around to face the mirror. This time, Melinda beamed at her image. “I don’t know how you did it, but I look even better than I did after leaving the beauty salon.” She lightly touched her hair. “I love it.”
Tia helped her to a standing position, then stepped back. “You look gorgeous.”
Melinda’s lips quivered and Tia held up her hand. “Now don’t start crying again. I’m running out of mascara!”
They both laughed, and Melinda’s cheeks took on a natural blush that made her glow.
“Are you ready?” Tia asked.
“I am.” Melinda leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Tia. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You’re very welcome.” A wave of emotion came over Tia. Being a wedding coordinator wasn’t always a glamorous job, but it had its perks. She loved being a part of one of the most important days in someone’s life, even if she’d only known them for a short time.
Melinda stayed hidden in the entry hall while Tia went outside to inform the wedding party the ceremony was about to begin.
“Is she okay?” Melinda’s mother asked, worry ringing in her voice.
Tia patted her on the arm. “She’s great. All ready to go.”
“Thank you.” The deep creases lining her face smoothed out considerably as she relaxed. She gave Tia a side hug. “I appreciate your help.”
“Of course. That’s what I’m here for.” Tia smiled at her, then signaled for the music to start. “Okay, everyone. It’s showtime.”
The ushers led the mothers of the bride and groom to their seats, followed soon after by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. When it was time for Melinda to walk down the aisle, Tia slipped out behind her and stood in an unobtrusive spot near the back of the seating area.
Derek’s face held a mixture of terror and utter happiness as he waited on the steps of the gazebo. As his gaze fell on his bride, any trace of concern disappeared, and a humongous grin lit up his face. He and Melinda locked eyes and she walked toward him with a bounce in her step, her smile just as wide as his. Tia grinned too. Yes, they were going to make it.
The scent of the roses climbing the white latticework of the newly rebuilt gazebo wafted through the air. Behind it, the sun shimmered on the calm blue waters of Willa Bay and gulls flew high overhead, creating the perfect atmosphere for an outdoor wedding.
Tia watched from afar as the couple tied the knot. When they were back down the aisle, she gave them a few minutes alone, then guided the newlyweds and their wedding party over to the side of the Inn to form a receiving line.
While some of the guests exchanged pleasantries with the bride and groom, other attendees milled around, drinking wine and beer from the open bar. Everything looked good there, so Tia made her way through the crowds to check on the dinner preparations.
Debbie and Libby’s catering company, Willa Bay Provisions, had been hired for the event. Tia found them working in the Inn’s kitchen, laying out the prepared food that they’d brought ready to serve. She breathed in the mouthwatering scent of beef medallions in mushroom sauce and garlic mashed potatoes. The bride and groom had asked for something simple but delicious, and if the smells coming from the kitchen were any indication, they were going to be very happy with what they’d ordered for their reception. The caterers
looked like they had everything under control and Tia didn’t want to bother them, so she left quickly.
The outdoor dining area, though, was a different story. The tables had been set as ordered with white linens and purple napkins in silver napkin holders, but Zoe was talking with the setup staff—and she didn’t look pleased.
Tia hurried over. “Is there something wrong?”
Zoe’s eyes darted across the rows of tables, then down to the iPad she always had with her. She tapped on the screen. “We need a few more tables. There are fourteen more guests than we’d expected.”
“Fourteen over the extra ten that Melinda told us about?”
Zoe nodded and Tia’s blood ran cold. All the tables the rental company had dropped off earlier had been set up, and there were no extras. At this time of day, it would be difficult to rent more. Her mind raced, and a vision of the barn surfaced in her thoughts.
“I think I saw some round tables in the barn.”
Zoe looked up. “Really? I didn’t think there was anything usable in there.”
“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll check them out. Do Debbie and Libby know about the additional guests?”
“They said there’s plenty of food, and we have extra linens and table settings. If you can find at least two decent-sized tables, we should be golden.” Zoe swiped her finger over the iPad and marked off a box, then tucked it under her arm. “I have to go check on some other things, but let me know if you find some tables.” Her lips twisted into a grimace. “The guests who didn’t RSVP may end up eating on the porch.” Tia had to admit that solution was tempting, but they both knew it wouldn’t look good for their new event venue to already be running into problems, even if it wasn’t their fault.
“I’ll go right now.” Tia speed-walked toward the barn, slowing as she passed the crowds of wedding guests. She flashed her best smile at them. Once she was out of sight, she broke into a jog.
When she arrived, she eyed the large dumpster in the clearing next to the barn. Meg and her friend Taylor had been working on the cleanout earlier in the week, and with any luck, they hadn’t thrown out the tables she was picturing. Tia flung open the door and peered inside. Her eyes took a minute to adjust to the dim light, but when they did, she breathed a sigh of relief.
The three round tables she’d remembered were still there, leaning against an old chest of drawers that had seen better days. Dust puffed into the air as her feet pounded across the cement floor. She maneuvered one of the heavy wooden tables away from the others to get a good look at it. It was covered in cobwebs and a thick layer of grime—but it seemed structurally sound, and that was all she cared about. As long as they were safe enough for the guests, a good cleaning and a long tablecloth could hide a myriad of flaws.
She set it against the wall and went to check out the next one—which had a bent leg that stuck out like it was trying to trip someone. Not even a pretty tablecloth could fix that abnormality. She crossed her fingers, then pulled out the third table. Thank goodness—it was fine. She leaned it against the other good one. She would have liked to take one with her, but they were too bulky to move on her own.
Before leaving, she took a long look around. She didn’t have much reason to spend time on this part of the resort grounds. It was only by chance that Shawn had shown her the interior of the barn on a tour of the property when she’d first been hired.
The barn meant a lot to Meg, but Tia couldn’t see how there was any chance this structure could ever become a restaurant. There was so much junk in here that clearing everything out was going to take several months, not to mention all of the structural repair work that would be needed before any interior remodeling could happen.
Poor Meg. Tia’s schedule was packed with all the weddings they’d booked recently, but she’d become friendly with Meg over the last two months working at the Inn, and wished there was something she could do to help her out. For now, though, she needed to focus on solving the immediate problem.
Tia returned to the event and sent a few staff members to retrieve the tables from the barn. Everything was set up just in time for the guests to trickle in and find their seats.
Zoe and Tia hung back, watching as the maid of honor toasted her best friend, and the best man roasted the groom. The bride and groom took it all in good humor, laughing along with their guests.
Zoe motioned to the head table. “You did a great job on this wedding. Look how happy they are.”
Her praise warmed Tia’s heart. “Thanks. I think it turned out pretty good.” She laughed under her breath. “Even the fiasco with the extra guests.”
Zoe shrugged. “That kind of stuff always happens. You just have to take it in stride.” She turned away from the reception to fully face Tia. “I was really impressed with how you handled the bride before the ceremony. Her mother made a point to tell me how well you did calming her down.”
Tia’s cheeks burned. “Thank you. I had a feeling that it was just a case of pre-wedding jitters. She and Derek are a good couple.”
Zoe nodded and eyed her appraisingly. “Knowing how to recognize that quality is a skill that can’t be taught, but it’s something a good wedding coordinator needs to have.” She wrapped her arms around Tia for a quick hug.
Tia was taken aback by the gesture from her boss. Zoe frequently demonstrated affection toward her friends and family, but until now she’d always kept Tia at a professional distance. “Thanks Zoe. Your support means a lot to me. I haven’t found that everywhere.”
Zoe raised an eyebrow and looked like she was about to say something, but Tia’s phone vibrated loudly in the small purse she wore during events. Tia hastily pulled it out and silenced it, checking the caller ID. She looked up at Zoe. “Is it okay if I take this?”
“Sure. I’ll stay here and make sure no new problems crop up. Take a break. You’ve been working hard tonight.” Zoe smiled at her and turned her attention back to the reception.
Moving away from the boisterous crowd, Tia pressed the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
“Well, you finally answered,” her mother said. Tia winced. Marta Ortiz wasn’t known for mincing words.
“Is everything okay? Is Abuela doing all right?” The only reason Tia decided to answer the phone call from her mother was because her grandmother had recently been ill. As much as she didn’t want to talk to her mom, she’d never forgive herself if she ignored a call about her grandmother.
“Abuela’s fine.” Tia’s mother sighed dramatically. “That woman is going to outlive us all.” There was no love lost between Marta and her mother-in-law. “Her cardiologist said the medication she’s on now is controlling her heart condition very well.”
Tia let out her breath. “Okay, good.” She steeled herself before asking, “So why are you calling?”
“Can’t a mother call her own daughter?” Marta’s voice held more than a tinge of indignation.
“Yes, Mom. Of course you can call me. So, what’s going on?” Tia walked away from the Inn, toward the row of cottages where both Shawn and Zoe lived.
“I wanted to share with you some good news. Angela is engaged!”
“Oh.” Tia focused on the rhythmic sound of her feet crunching on gravel. Angela, Tia’s younger sister, had been dating her boyfriend, Robert, for several years now, so this announcement wasn’t exactly a shock. “That’s great. When are they getting married?”
Her mother’s words bubbled out almost before Tia finished her question. “Sometime next summer. We’re all so excited for them. It’s about time one of you girls settled down.”
Tia took a few deep breaths. Marta’s point was obvious. She wasn’t shy about her desire to see all four of her girls married off. Tia’s older brother, Antonio, was free to live his life doing who knew what, but there were expectations for the girls in the family.
The cottages were in sight now, their cheerful paint colors calming her. Zoe’s had been painted a bright turquoise, whereas Shawn had done his in the same mel
low orange she’d seen in the sunsets over the bay. From what Tia had heard, Zoe had been living on the property for over a decade, and after doing some renovations, Shawn had recently moved into the cottage next to hers. The rest of the cottages perched along the cliff overlooking the bay were empty and rundown from years of neglect—something Shawn hoped to remedy soon.
Her mother’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Tia? Are you still there?”
“I’m still here. Mom, I’m actually working right now.”
“It’s seven o’clock at night there.”
“It’s a Saturday, and I’m a wedding coordinator. I’ll be here until close to midnight.” Tia waited for her mother’s response, and Marta delivered as expected.
“It’s just a wedding. I don’t understand why people even need a coordinator. My mother and aunt helped me with everything for mine.”
“Well, not everyone has a mother or aunt to help. They need someone like me to make sure everything goes according to plan.” Tia’s patience was wearing thin. Her mother had never understood her desire to be a wedding planner. When Tia had decided to get a degree in event planning from the local community college instead of going to a four-year university, Marta didn’t speak to her for over a week.
Of course, Tia’s brother and all of her sisters had gone to college, just like their parents wanted. Two of her sisters were enrolled in medical school and her brother did something in finance. None of them could understand why someone as smart as Tia would want to become a wedding planner.
Their lack of understanding was a big reason why Tia had moved halfway across the country, from West Texas to Willa Bay. She’d heard about the small town known as “The Wedding Capital of the Northwest” while working at an event-planning firm in her hometown of El Paso. It had seemed like the perfect place to make a new life for herself, far away from her family’s meddling and opinions.
“Fine. I’ll let you go,” Marta huffed. “But we need to have a heart-to-heart talk sometime soon. You’ve never been the responsible type, and your father and I don’t like you living so far away from us.”