They exchanged a confused glance then walked into the living room, where two couches and an armchair formed a horseshoe. George, Ellen, and Max were seated on the couch facing Zeke and Julia. Fresh from a bath, Max was clean, wearing a shirt too big for him, and close to falling asleep. Ginger sat on the second couch, her back to them, and Maury was seated in the armchair.
He indicated the empty spots next to Ginger. “Have a seat.”
Julia sat in the middle, leaving the spot at Maury’s right hand for Zeke.
As soon as Zeke settled, Maury cleared his throat. “You must be wondering why you’re here.”
“Yes, sir,” Zeke replied.
Maury smiled at Ginger. “Would you like to deliver the news?”
“Oh, no!” she said. “You do it.”
“George?” Maury asked. “How about you?”
“No, thanks.” George gave Ellen’s shoulders a squeeze. “I’m having way too much fun watching Zeke squirm.”
No way would George joke unless something good was about to happen. Zeke’s pulse started to race, but he kept his poker face on. “I admit I’m curious, but I’m not jumping to any conclusions.”
Maury relaxed back in the chair. “That’s one of the things I like about you, Zeke. You think before you act, but you’re not afraid to leap off a tall building when the situation calls for it. That’s what you did when you made that first presentation to me. I was impressed with both your honesty and enthusiasm.”
“Thank you, sir.”
When Julia nudged his foot, Zeke nudged her back.
“It’s peculiar how life takes sudden turns.” Maury drummed his fingers on the armrests. “I came to Caliente Springs because Hunter told me the resort was ready for the wrecking ball. There’s some truth in that assessment. The infrastructure is old, but material things can be replaced or restored. What can’t be bought is heart and soul, and that’s what Caliente Springs has.”
Zeke sat up straighter. “I fully agree.”
“Of course you do,” Maury said, his voice gruff. “You’re the one who set that tone. When I paid Caliente Springs that first visit, you gave me the facts, but I came back under a different name and walked around. I also asked some friends to check in as guests. Do you know what we found?”
A dried-up golf course. A nasty old goat. Leaking faucets. But those things weren’t all Caliente Springs had to offer. “I hope you found a friendly, well-run resort.”
“We found a restaurant with good food and a happy staff.”
“Katrina gets full credit.”
“We played golf on a course that’s brown out of respect for the environment.”
“The drought—”
“Don’t waste your breath,” Maury said. “I know all about the drought. That’s beyond your control, but others things aren’t. You and your staff know how to make guests feel welcome. The rooms may have a leaky faucet or two, but the maids are careful and honest. The desk staff is friendly, the concierges respond like U.S. Marines, and the valets hustle like soccer players. That’s what guests see and why they return. But that’s not enough.”
“No, it isn’t.” Zeke agreed with Maury completely. “We need an influx of new guests and big events. I’m working on that. Carter Home Goods is still up in the air, but—”
“May I interrupt?” Ellen asked.
Maury signaled her with a nod.
“I spoke with Doris Carter this morning,” she said. “They want to come back next month. We didn’t talk business, but I think that’s a good sign.”
“A very good sign,” Maury said. “If Carter doesn’t snap up the deal you made for that annual conference, he’s crazy. And given the success of his business, we know he’s a smart man.”
There were few things Zeke enjoyed more than a true meeting of the minds. “I hope Carter Home Goods is the just beginning. I have a lot of ideas. Expanded children’s activities and better use of that old campground, maybe for a stand-alone retreat center. The cottages serve a high-end clientele, but they’re underutilized. We need to do more with them. I’d also like to expand the pro shop. And weddings—”
Maury held up a hand to stop him. “I like the way you think. Before you go any further, I’m going to turn the meeting over to George.”
“Thanks, Maury.” George removed his arm from Ellen’s shoulders, hunched forward, and focused on Zeke. “You know we’ve been working on something big.”
“Yes.”
“This morning we reached an agreement. Ginger, Maury, and I are forming a new corporation. Instead of bulldozing old places like this one, we’re joining forces to save them. We plan to keep Caliente Springs just like it is, but to be viable, we need to do more. We want you to be a big part of that plan.”
“I like what I’m hearing.” Like? He wanted to leap off the couch and give everyone a high five.
“Of course more responsibility comes with a big raise and a new title. How does Chief Operating Officer sound?”
Like a prayer answered. A gift from God. And immeasurably more than anything Zeke had dared to imagine. He remembered that morning a month ago when he was deciding on a new business card. Today the name choice was easy. He was clay in God’s hands, a work in progress, but he knew exactly who he was. “‘Zeke Monroe, Chief Operating Officer’ has a nice ring to it.”
“We think so too.” Maury steepled his fingers over his chest. “But we’re not done here. As capable as you are, we think you’ll need some help. This is where Ginger comes in.”
Everyone focused on Ginger, who turned to Julia with the fond smile she usually reserved for Tiff. “We have a wedding tomorrow, don’t we?”
Julia repositioned herself to face Ginger, crossed her feet at her ankles, and folded her hands. “Yes, we do.”
“You’ve done a wonderful job,” Ginger said. “In just thirty days, you pulled together an event I thought was impossible, and you handled the planning in a way that gave me confidence. The weather’s beautiful now, but you were ready for rain. You saw to every detail, and you made it look easy in spite of the challenges. I want to personally thank you for your efforts. I expect tomorrow to be glorious.”
“I hope so. But it’s not over yet.”
“No.” Ginger’s eyes twinkled. “But I think tonight’s little episode was that inevitable glitch you warned us about.”
“It certainly qualifies,” Julia said. “I have to admit, tonight wasn’t something I’d like to see on social media. I’m rethinking our Twitter connection through Tiff’s bridesmaid.”
“Her name’s Jessica,” Ginger reminded them. “And no harm was done. I checked with Tiff. Flops & Fortunes has a policy against mentioning children, so Jessica ignored the entire incident.”
“Good,” Zeke said. “Max doesn’t need that kind of attention.” He already felt like Max’s dad.
Julia smiled her thanks, then focused back on Ginger. “The wedding should be all about Tiff and Derek. It’s their love that makes the day special.”
“Yes, it is,” Ginger agreed. “And you consistently kept their desires front and center. George, Maury, and I are all impressed with your ability. As you just heard, we have big plans for the future, including the addition of a full-time event planner for this resort. We’d like to offer you the position. You’d have to relocate, of course.”
Julia grabbed Zeke’s hand, but her gaze shot to Ellen. “Mom—”
“Yes!” Ellen shouted, jarring Max, though he didn’t fully wake up. “I’ll put the house on the market tomorrow. It’s been our home for over twenty years, but I’m ready for a change and so are you.” She turned to George and kissed him.
Zeke gave Julia’s hand a meaningful squeeze. If there was any question about their being a couple and working together, he wanted to make his position clear. He whispered into her ear, “Are you okay with making a particular announcement?”
A pretty blush blossomed on her cheeks. “More than okay. I can’t wait to share the news.”
N
either could Zeke. He skimmed the circle of faces, including Max relaxed with sleep and cuddled in his grandmother’s lap. Zeke would be a dad soon. And a husband. He hoped Julia didn’t want to wait too long for a wedding, because they had already lost six years. It was time to start the future.
Pulse thrumming, he pushed to his feet. “I want to make something very clear.”
“Go for it,” George said.
“You’re hiring Julia and me as a team, namely Mr. and Mrs. Zeke Monroe. I asked Julia to marry me and she said yes.”
Ellen squealed and reached for Julia even with Max in her lap. The men traded handshakes and thumped Zeke on the back. Ginger hugged Julia too.
Somewhere in the celebration, Max woke up. Dazed, he rubbed his eyes. “Mommy? What happened?”
Zeke already felt like a dad, but relationships needed time to grow. Right now, Julia was Max’s anchor, so Zeke waited for her to take the lead.
When she dropped down next to Max, Ellen stood. Julia motioned for Zeke to take her mom’s place, then turned her attention to Max, her expression serious. “Do you remember the purple rock Zeke gave us?”
Max nodded. “It’s called a geode.”
“It’s special to all of us, so we’re going to share it. Zeke asked me to marry him, and I said yes. You, Zeke, and me . . . we’re going to be a family.”
Max didn’t fully understand the gravity of that commitment, but a wondrous smile lit up his face, and he scrambled to his knees to be closer to Zeke. “Can we play Ninja Turtles?”
“You bet.”
“And can we break more geodes?”
Zeke clasped Max’s shoulder the way his own dad used to squeeze his. “We can go hunting for them in the desert. I’ll take you where my dad took me.” His parents would have loved being grandparents.
“All right,” Max said. “But Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“I’m hungry.”
Laughter from the adults floated in the air. Ginger went to the kitchen and brought out a plate of cookies for Max. The group bantered and talked shop for almost an hour. No one wanted the evening to end, but eventually Max let out an eye-watering yawn.
George finally cleared his throat. “We all have a big day tomorrow. Before we say good-night, let’s say a prayer for Zeke and Julia. And for Tiff and Derek too. These young couples have a lot ahead of them.”
A hush replaced the chatter, and they all formed a circle with Max between Julia and Zeke. Everyone bowed their heads, and George prayed for blessings of health, peace, and growing faith for both couples.
The prayer hit Zeke hard. In his mind he saw the geode of his own heart, recalled the tap of God’s hammer, and thanked his heavenly Father for loving him enough to never let go. Zeke couldn’t think of a better way to start his new life with Julia.
But before they celebrated a big day of their own, they had another wedding to pull off.
thirty-two
Julia couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for Tiff’s wedding or for her own first day as Zeke’s fiancée. They kept the news to themselves as they supervised the last-minute preparations, but having a secret only made their engagement sweeter. They exchanged several meaningful looks and a few kisses too. But this was Tiff’s day.
With the ceremony ten minutes from starting, Julia stood at the entrance to the paved walkway. Any moment now, a stretch limousine would deliver Tiff and her bridesmaids, and a Lincoln Town Car would deliver George, Ginger, Maury, and Ellen. Julia would have enjoyed having Zeke at her side, but he was at the ceremony site, keeping an eye on the crowd, the musicians, and the PA system, as well as Derek and the groomsmen.
The guests were seated except for a few stragglers. Julia had heard nothing but compliments about the setup. Thanks to the grounds crew, the ugly black asphalt was lined with potted trees, flowers, and more twinkle lights than Macy’s displayed at Christmas. Pink and rose-gold ribbons draped from white iron posts marked the path to Golden Point and matched the bridesmaids’ dresses to perfection. Best of all, the view from the lookout was stunning thanks to feathery pink clouds, a turquoise sky, and the brilliant rays of the setting sun.
Julia glanced at her watch. Tiff and her bridesmaids were a little late, but that was to be expected. With a moment to spare, she used her two-way radio to call Zeke. His promotion would be officially announced in a month or so, but Ginger herself had leaked the news that Zeke was here to stay. He’d been getting congratulatory calls all day from people like Chet and John.
She raised the radio to her mouth. “Wedding Planner to GM.”
“GM here. What’s up?”
That voice. Even on a scratchy radio, the tenor of it thrilled her. “Just checking in. There’s no sign of Tiff yet, but you know how brides bounce off the walls.”
“Grooms too.” Zeke lowered his voice. “And I don’t mean Derek.”
Happy goose bumps danced down her spine. “I hear there’s another wedding in the works.” Ours. She already had ideas for it. December, here at Caliente Springs with friends and family. Indoors with no threat of rain. Max included in the vows. Zeke in a tux. She would wear a strapless white gown . . .
“Jules? Are you there?”
“Sorry.” Not really. She could hardly wait to marry him. “I was planning that next wedding in my head. It’s going to be—”
“Perfect?”
“In its own way, yes. But I was going to say beautiful.” The limousine and the Town Car cruised up the road, the sun glinting off the polished chrome. “The bride’s here. Gotta go!”
Julia walked to the limo to meet Tiff. The white-gloved driver opened the door, and the three bridesmaids emerged one at a time, bouquets in hand and smiles gleaming. Chelsea Robertson, the official photographer, and Jessica from Flops & Fortunes both snapped pictures as Tiff emerged. She was so beautiful in white that the earth itself seemed to hold its breath.
She met Julia’s gaze and smiled. “I am so nervous!”
“You’ll do great,” Julia assured her.
George and Ginger approached. Ginger gave Tiff a gentle hug, told her she loved her, and left with Maury and Ellen to take their seats in the front.
George offered his tuxedo-clad elbow to the blushing bride. “Are you ready, darlin’?”
Tiff took a big breath, scanned the long walk, and gave a crisp nod. “Let’s do this.”
Julia led the group down the walkway to a spot she called the launch pad, a square of pavement shielded from view and perfect for staging the processional. The strains of music played by a string quartet plus a Spanish guitarist drifted to them, and she smiled her thanks to George for arranging the music.
When the bridesmaids were lined up, she radioed Zeke. “We’re ready. Cue the musicians.”
The quintet began the first song in the processional. Julia gave a nod to Bridesmaid No. 1, and she walked down the aisle one slow step at a time. The other bridesmaids followed, leaving Tiff, George, and Julia on the launch pad.
George patted Tiff’s hand then faced Julia. “Tiff and I have this covered. Why don’t you join Zeke?”
“Yes,” Tiff said. “I’m-I’m fine. Well, sort of. I’m just so nervous! What if I trip or—”
“I’ve got you.” George patted Tiff’s hand the way Julia knew her own dad would have patted hers.
With a lump in her throat, she slipped around to the back row where Zeke was waiting for her.
Side by side, they held hands, squeezing tight as they took in the smiling bridesmaids, the lush bouquets, and the white arch dripping with peonies, hydrangea, and long trails of miniature ivy. The minister stood front and center with Derek and his groomsman lined up to his left, their black tuxes a swaggering contrast to a sky mottled with feathery pink clouds. The photographer snapped pictures then sat in the front row.
Anticipating Tiff’s bridal march, Julia held her breath, ready to stand at the first elegant notes of Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
Silence settled over the crowd. The violinist ra
ised his bow, but something caught his attention and he stopped with his eyes riveted to the far side of Golden Point. Straining forward, Julia followed his gaze down the line of bridesmaids, all standing at attention except the bridesmaid closest to the edge of the lookout, where the incline sloped gently.
Looking down with her mouth agape, the bridesmaid scooted back, her arms outstretched as though she were tugging on her bouquet.
Julia and Zeke jumped to their feet, exchanged horrified glances, and leaped to the worst possible conclusion. Sure enough, Ladybug was chomping on the bridesmaid’s flowers. Apparently she didn’t like the taste of hydrangeas, because she spat them out and went after Bridesmaid No. 2.
Zeke bolted past Julia. “I’ll get Ladybug. You guard Tiff.”
Julia ran back to the launch pad. Some glitches turned into wonderful memories. Others were truly disasters. If Ladybug flattened Tiff or ripped her dress, stole the bridal bouquet or ate the rings, it would be impossible to recover. Julia’s first wedding for Caliente Springs would go down in history for all the wrong reasons; Zeke would have some serious explaining to do about Ladybug; and worst of all, the most important day of Tiff’s life would be ruined.
Breathing hard, Julia rounded the corner to the launch pad. Tiff saw her and paled. “Oh, no—”
“It’s going to be fine,” Julia assured her.
“Did Derek . . . back out?”
“Oh no! It’s nothing like that.” He was probably chasing Ladybug with Zeke. “We’ve had a little interruption. That’s all.” Somehow Julia kept her voice almost normal. “You’ve met Ladybug, haven’t you?”
“Aunt Ginger’s goat?”
“Yes.” Julia gave George a desperate look. “She . . . crashed the wedding. Stay here with George.”
He muttered something not very nice about Ladybug and goats in general. “I’ll protect you, Tiff. If I have to wrestle that goat to the ground—”
“You two stay here,” Julia ordered.
She ran back to Golden Point, silently praying that Zeke had Ladybug in custody. But instead of seeing him calmly escorting the goat away from the ceremony, she walked into total mayhem.
Someone Like You Page 29