The Wedding Planner

by Pavan Kaur

  “You seriously are one of those guys the girls cry about after. They break up with you, then realize what a big mistake it was.” Amie says from behind me, and Emma starts laughing.

  “Just tell Blake….”

  "Ocean, I don't want to change a thing. You planned this website and I love it." Emma kneels back down and starts looking through her new website. I wanted something that would simply show what she can do too. I even made a small video of her this week when she was making the thank you cards. I put it on there to show couples that she takes pride in what she does. Then I found a few of the couples that she had already planned weddings for and asked them to write about their experience working with her.

  "Now that we know Ocean is the perfect boyfriend and is making it hard for all of us, can we go out now?" Blake pats me on the back. "Come on ladies."

  I hold back with the guys for a moment, remembering that the girls have to leave first.

  I watch Amie and Tanya walking towards the door and I keep Emma close to me by wrapping my arm around her so she won’t move close to them. Emma looks up at me and I give her a wink.

  “What are you doing?” Emma asks. I love that she knows me so well now. She knows I’m up to something by the way I smile.

  “Payback,” I whisper in her ear, not wanting the girls to hear me. I can tell Emma because I know she won’t say anything to them now.

  My smile gets bigger as they get closer to the door, like the cat that has the cream. "Here it goes," I whisper to Emma. Tanya opens the door. BANG! BANG! I hear the girls scream as they are covered in glitter. The lads and I have burst out laughing to the point my stomach is hurting.

  “Ocean Rivers,” I hear Amie scream my name. “You’re so going to pay for this,” I hear them both laughing.

  Tanya turns around and gives us all a look. She holds her stare on Emma. "Don't you dare say anything." Emma pretends to zip her lips together. "Are you coming or not?" Tanya turns around and I start laughing again.

  Emma looks up at me. “You’re in trouble now,” she says as we make our way out the door. As we get closer to the door, we hear another BANG, and I look over at Blake.

  "Just in case the first one didn't work." Blake and Marc start laughing.

  "Oh for fuck sake, the first time wasn't good enough," Tanya and Amie walk back into my apartment. "You remember this Ocean Rivers, payback is a bitch." Tanya pokes her finger into my chest.

  “Your boyfriend might get hurt,” Amie looks over at me, as I burst out laughing.

  “I think he will survive, and I did tell the two of you that one day one of us would date someone that would prank us back. I’m the lucky one dating that person, so I’m safe.” I start laughing when Amie shakes her head and a load of glitter falls out of it.

  “You two just remember who started this prank war,” I tell them both.

  For a moment they both stand with their hands on their hips. They are planning something. I can already tell they have something going on in their heads. Without saying a word, they both turn around at the same time and leave.

  I look over at Emma and she says nothing. We all leave to enjoy the night.

  Chapter 21

  Emma

  Three months later

  Every girl dreams of their wedding day. I help turn that dream into a reality. I sure hope it’s everything Cassie has been dreaming of.

  The reception was amazing. Nothing went wrong, it all went like clockwork. It makes me happy because things go a lot smoother if the day starts off well. I never really see the bride and groom on the day as I'm always running around doing everything before they get there. Soon as I knew everything in the church was going smoothly, I went straight to the reception hall to make sure everything was working out perfectly.

  “How is the cake going?” I ask Jake as he puts all the cakes on the table.

  “Don’t worry, Ocean has already told me ‘if I mess up or give you any stress, it’s my head’. I promise, this cake will look amazing.” Jake gets back to work, and I quickly give him a kiss on the cheek.

  Right, the cake is a tick. I've spoken to the waiters and they all know what they are doing. I've spoken to Jason and everything is going great with him too. After the couple walk through the door and have had their first dance, the only thing I have left is to make sure they get to their honeymoon. Then I'm free, free to sit outside and enjoy the beach.

  Ocean’s been perfect the last three months. He has helped me out so much. He’s been listening to me stress about the wedding when I thought I wasn't going to make it all in time. Even he's been really busy with work the last month. Some nights he's been coming home late finishing off the cakes for the following day. We both tell each other the same thing when we are really busy with work, and I love that he thinks the same as me. We tell each other that we should never complain about how busy business is. We are both doing the job we love.

  Betty tried to make trouble with me by bad mouthing me, but I've got a group friends that never let me fall to the point where I want to give up. Tanya and Amie both kept telling me it will take me some time, but I will have a successful business. It will be great. And then there is my dad... Once I went back to my dad with my plan, the website and Marc helped me with a business loan plan, my dad was a lot more supportive. He’s been calling once a week to see how things have been for me. I love his support.

  After this wedding, I have one at Christmas. I love planning Christmas weddings. Yes, it's only one more wedding for the year for me, but at the moment I couldn't take on anymore even if I wanted to. Doing it myself is a lot harder. I am going to need some staff. Jess has agreed to work for me. I told her to give me a month. I will get the key to my new office then and we can both work on designing.

  "Emma, they will be leaving the church soon to take pictures and the coaches are ready," I hear Amie in my earpiece. I did a coach for the guests from the church to here. I thought it would be easier for them all.

  "Thanks, Amie." I look around the hall making sure everything is the way it's meant to be. The centerpieces, check. The chair covers, check. The DJ, check. The cake, check. Jake is just getting the last part set up. I just stand there staring at it. It looks stunning. I have no words for what a fantastic job Ocean did. It's one of those cakes I can look at all day, just perfect.

  One last look around the hall and a quick chat with Jason to make sure that everything is all good on his end, then my job here is done. Months of planning and it's all coming to an end. I just have to sit back and wait to see what Cassie and Neil thought of everything, make sure that they are happy with the day.

  I told Ocean I will be around but he might not see me. He did ask me to be his date to the wedding, but I told him I would be the worst date for a wedding I planned. I would always be looking around to make sure everything was being done, and if it wasn't then I would be working. It was best that he enjoyed the wedding without me. I will meet up with him later as me and the girls have an evening planned at the beach. After this, I need a day where I can sit and drink and not worry about anything.

  "Leaving now," I hear Amie running over to Tanya as she walks around making sure the flowers are perfect.

  “They are leaving, we have ten minutes to have it all ready and leave.” I glance over at the flowers, which I love. Tanya has put so much time into these for me.

  “I’m all done, just going around the tables to make sure I’m happy.” I follow her to the next table. “Hey, don’t worry, Blake sent me a text and told me that the decorations in the church were perfect. Cassie loved it.” She stops and grabs my arms. “Stop worrying, Ocean won’t let anything go wrong for you. We won’t let anything go wrong and most importantly, this venue looks freaking amazing. Stop overthinking, you have done a great job.” Letting go of my arms, she gets back to the tables.

  Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for a moment. I have to keep telling myself that I did a good job. I did this by myself without the company behind me. I did this, and
I did an excellent job with it too.

  Opening my eyes, I focus one last time. "Everyone, we have ten minutes to finish up and get out!" I shout to everyone running around finishing the last little things. I have to give Ocean's staff thank you gifts. They have been amazing this week, and I am grateful to them.

  They all give me a nod and start leaving the room. I turn to see Jason standing next to me. "Everything here is done, time to get the party started don't you think?" he asks me. Jason and I spoke a few weeks ago and he said that if I ever needed a venue for a wedding, he would always help me out. I was relieved. I know he and Betty worked closely together.

  "I think we all need a party after this," I give him a smile. "I suppose I should leave the evening to you now. Good thing I trust you. I'm leaving you now, so make sure it all goes perfectly."

  Jason starts laughing, “I know you well enough to know that if something went wrong, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.”

  I start laughing with him. “You do know me well.”

  “Just pulled up now,” I hear Amie in my ear.

  “Time to get moving, they have pulled up outside.” I take one last look around and I follow Jason to the side door.

  "Emergency, emergency," Amie shouts in my ear.

  “What? What’s happened?” I panic at the sound of Amie’s voice.

  "Cassie is in a panic, there is a small tear on her dress, and her bridesmaids are trying to…."

  "Stop them, I'm on my way." I turn to Jason. "Let the guests in, get them all settled, and the bride and groom will walk into the hall on time." I run out of the room, down the stairs and out to the front of the hotel.

  “Hey buttercup,” Ocean stands in front of the car. “Amie said you told her no one can touch Cassie. I’m her bodyguard,” he leans in closer. “What’s the password?”

  I look up at him annoyed. “ Now’s not the time, is it?”

  "No, I love you, but when I hear emergency in my ear, I worry." Tiptoeing to give him a kiss, I tell him, "You look very handsome." I love a man in a suit, and my man looks so hot right now.

  “And you look as beautiful as ever, buttercup. I hope you can fix her dress and her makeup because she has been crying. ” Ocean opens the door and Cassie comes out.

  "First of all, we don't cry. When I'm your wedding planner, you don't cry," I look at her dress and she points to the small rip on the side of it. "We can fix that in five minutes, promise." I take my backpack off to find my mini sewing kit. I shake my head when I hear Cassie's dad behind me, he's started drinking, great. Of all the weddings I've planned, at least eighty per cent of dads drink too much. It's a good thing I'm prepared for everything.

  "Mr. Peterson, I thought we agreed on no drinking until after the toasts are finished," I turn to Blake. I gave Blake one job. I knew asking him was going to be the wrong thing to do but Ocean kept telling me he could handle it. Blake mouths the word sorry to me. Rolling my eyes at him, I get back to Mr. Peterson.

  “I know, but my only daughter is married,” he gives Cassie a hug. “She is leaving me.” I hear him sobbing.

  "I'm not leaving you, Dad," Cassie looks over at me begging for help.

  "Mr. Peterson, how about if my friend, Amie, takes you to your seat. Take two of these tablets and drink this bottle of water," I take the items out of my bag. Mr. Peterson goes to argue about this with me but I put my hand softly on his shoulder. "Mr. Peterson, you have to trust me here. Do you want Cassie to watch her wedding video and think her dad is embarrassing, or do you want her to have tears in her eyes at how perfect your speech was?" I ask him.

  “I want her to be happy,” he looks over at Cassie.

  “So, this is Amie, she will take you to your table. Drink some water and make a great speech.” I look over at Cassie as she watches her dad.

  “Mr. Peterson, let’s get you seated shall we?” Amie starts walking into the hotel with him.

  I kneel down and get back to fixing Cassie's dress. "Emma that was brilliant, you handled him amazingly," Cassie says.

  “Trust me, he’s not my first drunk dad,” I say with a little giggle.

  “Right, shall we have a look at this little tear then?” I start looking at the side of her dress.

  “Little? Have you seen the size of it?” Cassie says in a panic. I give her a smile. It really is only a little tear, but I know not to stress the bride out.

  "Cassie calm down, take in a deep breath," I tell her as I put the thread through my needle and start sewing the little tear up. "Did everything go well at the church? I hope it all went smoothly," I ask changing the subject for her.

  "Yes, the church was decorated so beautifully. Thank you," I hear the joy in her voice which makes me happy.

  “Good, and see, just like that, it looks like nothing happened. Now can we get these tears at bay and let’s fix up your makeup. We can get this party started,” I tell her then look at Ocean behind Cassie staring at me.

  “Are you coming to the party?” Ocean asks.

  "I would, but I can't. I have to you make sure the taxi is booked for the morning. Make sure the hotel rooms are all good. Give the airlines and the hotel for the honeymoon a quick call. Go talk to the photographer and make sure everything is set up for where they are taking the pictures on the beach. You’d think my list was finished now that it's the wedding day, but it’s not." I start laughing and turn back to Cassie to touch up her makeup. I love this job so I will never complain about it. "About seven I will be finished, but you have your brother’s party to enjoy, so enjoy it, and I will see you tonight." I start laughing as I see Ocean pouting.

  “Fine then, I suppose I can enjoy his wedding,” Ocean looks over at his brother, who’s giving him a look of annoyance.

  “Good, I want you to enjoy it. I haven't worked this hard for you to be moaning the whole day,” Ocean and Neil start laughing.

  I start laughing as I hear Cassie telling Ocean to shut up. “There, beautiful. All done and I can't wait to see these pictures.” I take a step back from her so that I can have a better look.

  “Thank you, Emma. You are such a lifesaver,” Cassie looks at her dress. I smile as Neil walks over to her and gives her a kiss.

  “You guys go enjoy your evening, have a blast. Everything will be set for you in the morning. The taxi will be outside right on time, I will get the receptionist to call you and give you a wake up call. When you are ready, the beach will be ready for you to take your pictures.” I look at them both to make sure that they both look amazing.

  Giving Neil and Cassie a kiss on the cheek, I walk over to Ocean. “Once I'm finished with everything, I'll be on the beach with Amie and Tan,” I tell him.

  I wanted to go to sleep after everything, as I haven’t slept in three days, but the girls said a relaxing day at the beach will be better.

  “I will meet you there. I have dinner planned,” he gives me a wink. “A very nice dinner.”

  "Ohhhhh, I'm very excited to see what you have planned, but I plan on drinking on the beach so I might get a snack before that, Mr. Rivers."

  “I will see you later, Miss Cox.”

  ***

  “Why have we never done a chilling beach holiday before?” Amie asks us, as we sit on the sand just listening to the waves.

  "Because we like to do fun stuff, and the beach would be boring for us," Tanya replies, as she refills our glasses with wine. We’re opening our third bottle. I haven't stopped laughing since the girls came to the beach to join me.

  “We should learn to surf and jet ski, there is so much we can do in the water,” I tell them both. “Next trip is on the beach.” I cheer to that with the girls.

  “Does that trip include us?” I lift my head up to look behind me to see Ocean and the guys walking over to us. They look like they had a good party.

  "I suppose you guys can come to," Amie takes a sip of her wine as the guys grab a beer each. "Plus Pete keeps saying that we're ignoring him by not letting him come on a trip with us. I feel sorry for hi
m. He’s never been on holiday with us," she gives Tanya and me a look.

  “We’ve never stopped him,” I tell her.

  “I know. The reason I don't bring him on holiday with us is the fact that he’s scared you two will do something to him.” Tanya and I start laughing. We really do have him scared.

  “Okay, from now on we will make a deal, when we go on a trip, no pranks. We go and enjoy our time away.” Tanya looks over at me and I give her a wink to agree. I can’t blame him, I mean we have done some mean things to him. Ocean knows that too, so to keep them both safe I will have to agree to this too.

  "Well, we are up for it. When do you want to go? Let's go for New Year's Eve, somewhere hot and nice. I've always wanted to go to Australia for Christmas, barbecue's on the beach in my bikini," Amie says with excitement, and I get all excited too.

  “That sounds amazing but can any of us actually afford a trip to Australia?” I look around at them all.

  "We can't, that's for sure," Mark looks at his friends.

  “We will just have to find a new beach place to go,” Ocean sits behind me wrapping his arms around me as I lean back. “How was the wedding?”

  "It was perfect. Cassie loved it and has already told me to tell you that it was amazing and she loved every second of it." Ocean starts kissing my neck and I smile.

  “That's good, that's what I like to hear,” I smile. I have another happy couple.

  "We can go to Grand Canary. I will say it's not exactly the hottest place we can go, but it's still going to be bikini weather." Tanya looks at her phone as she takes a sip of wine.

  We all agree to go there. We spend some more time at the beach just chatting about anything that came up in conversation.

  Ocean stands up and puts his hand out for me. “Ready for a walk?” I lose my balance getting up. “Maybe no more wine for the night.” Ocean gives me a wink. I say bye to the girls and follow Ocean as he leads me to where ever we are going.