Matthew sat down next to him. “Sometimes I just don’t get women at all.”
“You’re preaching to the choir on that one, brother. So what is it you don’t get?”
“Paige and I talked about kids kind of casually, and then a couple of nights ago we really delved into the subject of us having kids.”
“Now she knows you don’t want children.”
“That’s what I told her.”
“She doesn’t believe you.”
“Right.”
“Does she want to have more kids?” Larry asked.
“That’s the wildest part about this whole thing. She doesn’t.”
“What?” He looked confused.
“I know. She started talking about the fact that she’s black and how that must be causing me a lot of trouble with my family.”
“It’s not your family that’s the problem.”
“I know.”
“These folks tried to boycott a bridal shower. How vindictive can you get?”
“I know.” He snickered. “I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when Ms. Granger called those ladies on the carpet.”
“I’d pay top dollar.” Larry grinned.
“It should be about love. I love Paige with all my heart and soul. I want her to be in my life forever. I don’t care about having an heir. I’m leaving that to Michael.”
“I hear that.”
“So why doesn’t she hear it?”
“You’re going to have to show her, Matt. Sometimes they need a visual aid.”
“She knows I love her.”
“Maybe, just hear me out. Think about how you two met. It was supposed to be an anonymous one night stand, right?”
“Right.”
“Then your brother’s future in-laws hired her to plan the wedding and you meet again. What are the chances of that?”
“I have no idea.” Matthew nodded.
“Now here’s the real killer: You fell in love with each other and now you’re engaged. If that’s not a plot line for a Lifetime movie for women, I don’t know what is.”
“So what you’re saying is that not only does my not wanting children sound too good to be true, the fact that I don’t care about race seems to good to be true.”
“Now you’re feeling me,” Larry said as he gulped down his Coke. “She’s waiting for the other shoe.”
“Tell me what I can do about it, oh wise one.” He playfully bowed down.
“You’re going to have to find some way to convince her that you want her and her alone.”
“How do you propose I do that?” Matthew asked, baffled.
“I can’t help you there, buddy. I’ve been married for six years now and I still call my sister-in-law to figure out what to get her for her birthday.”
“You’re no help.”
“Hey, I got you this far. You just have to take it the rest of the way,” Larry said as he stretched.
Over the next week Matthew and Paige busied themselves with life. When Max came home for Thanksgiving things between them relaxed and they weren’t as tense as they’d been since their talk. Neither of them seemed able to talk about it again, even when Max went back to school. Matthew continued to rack his brain to figure out a way to let Paige know she was all he needed and wanted. But there were guest lists to check, color schemes to coordinate, and vendors to tame in the life of his fiancée.
CHAPTER 29
It was the night before the wedding and time for the rehearsal dinner. Not only was the staff of Bliss working the wedding, they were invited guests, along with their significant others.
Paige was downstairs in the reception area going over the setting of the tables with the waitstaff from the hotel. She’d done a couple of tables to show them as an example and handed out diagrams. Paige knew how anal she seemed, but she chanced it so she wouldn’t be rearranging table settings.
The rest of the staff made sure that all the guests staying at the hotel had a welcome basket in their rooms. The chocolatier had delivered the sweet treat favors to the hotel that afternoon. All was taken care of that could be taken care of in advance. Therefore once it was evening they could concentrate on the finer points of the ceremony.
Clipboard in hand, Paige walked in for the rehearsal.
“Good evening, everyone.”
The chatter stopped.
“First, I’d like to thank you for being here on time.” She smiled. “As my staff can tell you, making sure people are on time is usually the hardest part of our jobs.”Everyone laughed.
“Okay, I need the groom and best man up here with me. If the bride, maid of honor, and father of the bride will follow Adriana back there, that would be great.”
Everyone lined got into position.
“Okay, Rabbi Samuels and Reverend Peterson, if you would come up here that would be great.”
They got up and Paige had them stand underneath the sparse chuppah.
“Isabelle, is your brother here yet?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Okay. Stuart will stand in for him. Stuart?”
“I’m right here.” He took his place next to Isabelle.
“Jennifer and Dad, you’re behind Avery.”
The small wedding party ran through two rehearsals in no time.
After the rehearsal the bridal party enjoyed a private dinner at the hotel’s Peacock Alley.
* * *
Paige and Matthew’s room served as a meeting place for the staff. While Matthew channel-surfed, Paige went over the details for the next day.
“Adriana, did you put in the order for breakfast?”
“Yes. I had them confirm four continental breakfasts with decaffeinated coffee, tea, and juice for the bride, groom, and their parents.”
“Good.” She checked it off. “Stuart, did you reconfirm the time with the photographer and videographer?”
“Yes, and I provided them with an updated schedule of events.”
“Excellent. Have we confirmed the manicurist for Michael?”
“Yes, I took care of that one,” Deidre chimed in.
“Great. Did all the guests get their welcome baskets?”
“Yes, I checked with the concierge,” Eve answered.
“Does the banquet staff have the menus and placecards?”
“Yep. I made sure of that one personally,” Adriana said.
Paige checked it off her list. “We’re good then. Let’s get some rest. It’s a big day tomorrow.”
Everyone got up and said good night to Matthew. Paige sat down on the bed.
Matthew sat up and rubbed Paige’s shoulders. “It doesn’t end, does it?”
“Not until they say ‘I do,’ and even after that I have to make sure the cocktail hour and reception run smoothly.”
“You’ve got some job to do.”
“Yes, but in the end all that matters is they enjoyed a beautiful, perfect day.”
We’ll deal with real life another day, she thought.
The morning of the wedding was a flurry of activity. All of Bliss’s staff were at their appointed stations to make sure everything was right on time. Daisy and Adriana assisted Nathan Parker and his staff with positioning the floral masterpieces he’d created for the ceremony and reception. Eve delivered the bouquets and boutonnières to the bride’s and groom’s suites.
Paige brought a continental breakfast tray into the bridal suite.
“It’s a happy day, Jennifer.” She smiled as she put the tray down.
Jennifer patted her stomach. “I don’t know if I can eat. I’m feeling a little queasy.”
“Those are wedding butterflies, my dear, and they have to be fed. That’s why we ordered a light breakfast. It will help settle your stomach.”
“I know you’re right. You’ve probably seen this dozens of times.”
“Try hundreds of times and you’ll be in the ballpark.”
She took a bite of the toast. “I’m so excited.”
“I know. It�
��s a great feeling, isn’t it?”
“It is. I know Michael is the man for me.”
Paige smiled. “It’s nirvana.”
Jennifer laughed. “I know.”
There was a knock on the door.
“I’ll get it.” Paige left and then returned with Iris and Sinclair.
“Look who’s here.”
“Good morning, love, and many congratulations to you.” Sinclair kissed Jennifer on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
“I figured I would give you your kiss now, because once I do your makeup you are to remain flawless, at least until the part when the rabbi and reverend say you may kiss the bride.”
“Hello, pretty mami.” Iris kissed Jennifer’s cheek.
“Hi. I’m ready to put myself in your hands.”
“Very good. We already did the run-through of how you want to wear your hair with your tiara and veil. We’re all set.”
There was another knock at the door. “Okay, Jennifer, this show is officially on the road. This is where the cast of hundreds comes in.” Paige went to answer the door.
Siobhan walked in with her gown. “Here comes the bride!” she sang.
Jennifer lit up. “My dress is here! I’m so excited.”
Siobhan hung the dress up in the closet and then hugged Jennifer. “So how do you feel?”
“I’m totally happy and numb at the same time.”
“That’s normal. Getting married is kind of a surreal experience. It’s a good one, but it feels sort of out of body.”
“Yeah,” Jennifer replied. “It does feel like you’re watching someone else.”
“But the dress and all of us in here make it real.” Paige laughed.
“Paige, Mrs. Smythe and Mrs. Klein have their gowns. So they are set.”
“Good.”
“Do you have your change of clothes?”
“Yes, they’re in my room down the hall.”
“Are you going to have time to change?”
Paige shrugged. “I have to change one way or another, so I will make time.”
“I’ll come back to help Jennifer get dressed and then you can slip away and get changed.”
“You’re coming this evening, right?” Jennifer asked.
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I have a room here, too.”
“Don’s parents have Cole?” Paige asked.
“He’s being spoiled rotten as we speak.”
“That’s what grandparents are for,” Sinclair laughed. “My son was spoiled rotten by both sets of grandparents. It’s their way of getting back at us.”
“Sinclair, how old is Kevin?”
“He’s twenty-seven. Can you believe it?”
“Oh, wow. Time moves fast.”
“Tell me about it.” He went back to unpacking his supplies.
“I will see you in a little while,” Siobhan said on her way out.
A minute later Isabelle walked in. “Hello.”
“Hi, Isabelle. Do you remember Sinclair and Iris?”
“Yes. Good to see you again.”
“Congratulations to you.” Sinclair shook her hand.
“Thank you. If you have time do you think you could touch me up a bit?”
“Absolutely. I’m doing Jennifer’s makeup last.”
Isabelle was excited. “Terrific.”
Jennifer walked over and kissed her mother. “He’s a genius, Mom.”
“I know. At my age I need a genius.”
Paige looked at her watch. “Where is our maid of honor, Avery?”
“I hope she comes soon, we have to stay on schedule.”
“I’m right here, Paige,” Avery said as she walked into the room. She looked stunning in her gown.
“You look amazing.” Isabelle smiled.
“Thanks, Aunt Isabelle. I love this dress.” She twirled around.
“I told you that you were in good hands, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did, Jennifer. But this is your day and I am so happy for you.” She began to tear up.
Jennifer hugged her. “Don’t cry, Avery.”
“Go ahead and have a good cry, I haven’t done your makeup yet.” Sinclair grinned.
“Oh, no they can’t, we don’t want bloodshot eyes for the photos or the video,” Paige protested.
“Oh, you’re right about that. Don’t cry, ladies, this is an evening wedding at the Waldorf and not some Las Vegas drive-thru chapel.”
“Sinclair, you did Vegas weddings?”
“Yes, and it’s something I’ve filed under ‘there is no way I’m telling.’ ”
The room broke into laughter.
* * *
In another suite Michael had the television on while Matthew polished their shoes.
“There we go.” He examined his work. “All shined and ready to go.”
“Thanks.”
“We’re approaching noon and you haven’t had anything to eat. I think we should get you something light from room service.”
“I don’t feel like eating.”
Matthew picked up the phone. “I don’t feel like you fainting. I’m calling room service.”
“By the way, Matthew, guys don’t faint. We pass out.”
“Whatever. I’m still calling room service.”
* * *
Paige went downstairs to check on how things were coming together. The ceremony area was awash with color. “Beautiful,” she sighed as she walked through. She could hear the sounds of the hotel staff as they set up the reception room. Paige checked her watch again and Stuart was there with the photographer, videographer, and the band.
“Hey, Paige.” Stuart walked over to her.
“How’s it going, Stuart?”
“Not too bad.”
She looked at her schedule. “You can send the photographer up at about 3:00.”
“Got it.”
“All right then. I’ll see you later.”
Paige spent the next few hours checking everything. After Madame Butterfly delivered the awe-inspiring cake, Stuart helped the staff tie the burgundy bows over the cream-colored chairs to complete the color theme. By four o’clock Avery was in Jennifer’s suite with her hair and makeup done. Sinclair and Iris worked on Jennifer. As promised, Siobhan came back and Paige made a beeline for her room to change.
Paige’s black strapless chiffon gown was hanging in the closet. She put her hair in pin curls to prevent a case of the frizzes from the shower, donned a cap and hopped into the shower. Ten minutes later she was lotioned, perfumed, her makeup was on, and she was in her black lace merry widow with old-fashioned stockings. Her hair was soft, wavy, and bouncy.
Matthew walked in. “Now that’s a Kodak moment.”
Clad in only her merry widow, Paige looked up. “Hi, sweetheart. Oh, don’t you look sexy in your tuxedo.”
“Thank you. I was thinking the same thing about you in that merry widow.”
“You’ll just have to think about it a little bit longer. I have to get in my dress and back down the hall. How is Michael?”
“He’s good. I made him eat something light this afternoon.”
“Good. Brides and grooms have to be reminded to eat.” Paige took her gown out of the bag and stepped into it. “Can you help me with the zipper, please?”
“Sure.” He zipped it up.
“Thank you.” Paige went to the mirror.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a little kiss. “I have to run back to Jennifer’s suite. I’ll see you at the altar.” She blew him a kiss. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Back in Jennifer’s suite, Sinclair was putting the finishing touches on Jennifer.
“Okay, I’m back.”
Sinclair whistled. “Look at you, sexy woman! You’d better be careful. That brother might just marry you today, too.”
Paige laughed. “Thanks for the compliment, Sinclair, but he knows better.”
“Y
ou’re going to have to deal with a date soon. I’ll be a married woman in a couple of hours,” Jennifer said.
“I know, but until then it’s all about you and Michael. In fact, until the last dance it’s about your wedding.”
“I love that tiara.”
“Isn’t it nice, Siobhan?”
“It’s gorgeous, and it looks wonderful in your up-and-down do. It’s very princess-like.”
Jennifer sighed and smiled.
“It’s getting closer.”
Sinclair took one last look at his work. “Okay. You are ready to get married.”
Jennifer got emotional when she looked in the mirror.
“Oh, no, honey, don’t cry!” her mother said.
She fanned her hands. “I’m trying.”
“Just take some deep breaths,” Paige coached her. “It’s time to get in the gown.”
Paige opened the bag that held Jennifer’s slip and held it open. “Okay, now I want you to step into the slip, Jennifer.”
She carefully stepped in and Paige zipped and closed the clasp. She made sure it fit her securely.
Then Paige and Siobhan removed the gown from the garment bag.
“Okay, Iris, if you would help Siobhan with the other side of the gown I will help Jennifer step in.”
“Okay.” She did exactly what Paige said.
“Now, Jennifer, I’m going to hold your slip while you step in. Don’t worry if it feels too puffy it won’t be for long okay?”
“Okay.” She did exactly what Paige said.
They carefully helped her into Siobhan’s exquisite Empire creation in silk duchesse. Paige zipped the back up and spread the semi-cathedral train in the back to show off the amazing beadwork with Swarovski crystals. “Okay, where’s the veil?”
“Right here.” Iris handed her the veil.
“Thanks.” Paige carefully attached the sweep-length veil and pulled the blusher forward.
Everyone was breathless.
There was a knock on the door. “That’s probably the photographer,” Paige said as she went for the door. “You look amazing, Jennifer.”
“Go to the mirror, girl. You’re perfect,” Siobhan said.
Jennifer looked at her reflection. “What do you think, Mom?”
Her mother was moved to tears. “My baby.”
“Sinclair, you’re going to wind up doing everyone’s makeup again.” Siobhan’s eyes welled up.
“Mom, you can’t cry you’ll ruin your makeup.”
Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum) Page 35