by Sydney Logan
Copyright © 2016 Sydney Logan
Published by Enchanted Publications
Cover design by T.M. Franklin
Cover image by yiorgosgr/Adobe Stock
Formatting by Lindsey Gray
All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
All trademark references mentioned in this book—including artists, songs, song titles, movies, movie characters, or television shows—are the property of the respective copyright holders and trademark owners. No copyright infringement is intended.
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Summary
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
About the Author
Also by Sydney Logan
Playlist
Acknowledgments
Other Titles Offered by Enchanted Publications
For my parents, who bought me records and cassettes and let me cover my walls with everyone from Michael Jackson to Randy Travis.
And for my husband, who loves music as much as I do.
Wedding planner Skye Douglas makes a career out of bringing fairytales to life—even if she’s given up on her own happily ever after. Instead of dating, she devotes time to her nephew, a guitar prodigy who shares her love for 80s hair bands. When she encounters Caleb Lynch, the new guitar teacher, everything changes. Caleb's passion for music—not to mention his Def Leppard T-shirt—makes Skye wonder if she might get her storybook ending after all.
Caleb would do anything for those he loves—including a fake engagement as a gift to his best friend's dying mother. But after meeting Skye, he regrets the promise he made.
When Skye realizes she’s fallen for the groom, will she listen to her head . . . or her heart?
“I hate weddings.”
I glance up from my laptop and grin. “Then you’re in the wrong business.”
Lynsey falls dramatically onto my love seat. “Brides suck the fun out of wedding planning. Why do they have to be so difficult? Don’t they understand I know what I’m doing? That I’m actually doing them a favor when I say ‘that shade of yellow will look like baby poop against your skin.’ I mean, seriously Skye, the customer isn’t always right.”
I smile sympathetically at my best friend and business partner. She’s really been struggling with this account.
“I know, Lyns, but at the end of the day, it’s her wedding. You can suggest all you want, but the final decision is hers. Our job is to turn those decisions—as wrong as they may be—into the wedding of her dreams.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Lynsey and I opened our wedding planning business two years ago. With my degree in business and hers in interior design, we secured a small business loan and opened our shop just eight months after graduation. We gave it a cute name—Wedding Belles, a nod to our Southern roots—and booked two accounts our first week. Today, we’re owners of the most profitable wedding planning business in Nashville. Lynsey handles the finer details of the bride’s big day—fittings, dress colors, cake samples, china patterns—while I deal with vendors, book locations, and direct the actual ceremony. Along with our team of three part-time associates and Robyn, our receptionist, we’ve built a fantastic business, despite the fact that wedding planning wasn’t exactly what we’d had in mind for our professional lives. It was only after Lynsey’s own disastrous nuptials that we decided the brides of Nashville desperately needed our help.
Lynsey’s ceremony was a huge affair with three hundred guests and a wedding planner named Blaze who turned her dream day into a three-ring circus. The band didn’t show, the caterer skipped town, and the photographer’s camera malfunctioned in the middle of the ceremony. All was not lost, however. At the end of the day, Lynsey married the man of her dreams, and the two of them are still living happily ever after. But her experience made us both determined that no bride should suffer the same fate. That’s how my best friend, with the help of two bottles of wine, convinced me to become her business partner. Today, we’re wildly successful and insanely booked, and we’re loving every minute of it.
Well, almost every minute. Lynsey has very little patience with Bridezillas.
I try to lighten the mood. “In happier news, the Martinez-Lynch account seems to be running smoothly.”
Lynsey twirls a lock of her curly blonde hair while scrolling through her phone. “That’s because Juliana Martinez is a dream bride. No complaints. No bitching whatsoever. All she says is, ‘Whatever you want, Lynsey. Just make it pretty.’ Admit it, Skye, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had planning a wedding.”
I can’t deny it. Juliana’s definitely a rare breed when it comes to brides. I met her during the consultation. She was kind, soft-spoken, and by the end of that first meeting, had given us a huge check and told us to go nuts. At first, Lynsey and I had concerns about the bride’s lack of input, but Juliana’s loved everything we’ve suggested so far, so we’re trying to relax and enjoy it.
Suddenly, my phone pings with a calendar reminder. I glance at the screen and sigh with relief.
“Thank God for technology. I totally forgot I’m supposed to pick up Eli after his music lesson today.”
“Ooh, I forgot about guitar! How’s that going?”
I smile proudly. “He played me the opening bars of Every Rose Has Its Thorn last night.”
“80s heavy metal? The kid’s definitely related to you.”
“I know. Isn’t it great?”
Lynsey grins. She loves Eli almost as much as I do.
“He’s taking lessons at school?”
“Yeah, it’s some kind of enrichment class for talented and gifted students. It’s scary how good he is.”
Lynsey’s voice grows soft. “You’re a good aunt, Skye. They’re lucky to have you.”
I shrug. It’s not like I’m looking for accolades. Nick’s my brother. Eli’s my nephew. You take care of family. And they’ve needed a lot of taking care of over the past year.
His divorce has been rough on everyone. Nick had been completely blindsided, and my lifelong friendship with his ex-wife, Jill, will probably never be the same. But we’re all adults, and we’ll get over it eventually. I don’t know that I can say the same about my ten-year-old nephew. It’s been almost a year, and Eli still struggles with the fact that his mom and dad just don’t love each other anymore. The guitar lessons have been a complete godsend, giving him a creative outlet and something positive to focus on over the past few months.
Lynsey reaches for a nearby bridal magazine and flips through the pages. “Is Nick dating anyone?”
“Isn’t he always? This week he’s seeing one of the other detectives. Melina? Melinda? Something with an M.”
“Don’t they frown on fraternizing at the police department?”
“
I asked the same thing. Apparently they only frown if they find out. Besides, it won’t last. Nick doesn’t keep a girlfriend for long.”
“At least he’s dating. It’s a shame his sister refuses to do the same.”
“You don’t give up, do you?” Lynsey’s been trying to set me up on a blind date with her husband’s friend for weeks now.
“I’m just saying it wouldn’t kill you to at least meet Alex. He’s an accountant.”
“Fun.”
“Hot. I’ve met him.”
“Then you go out with him.”
“Would it be such a terrible thing to have a good-looking accountant on speed dial? He’s cute and he could do our taxes for free. Win-win. Am I right?”
“No.”
Lynsey sighs wistfully. “Skye Douglas, you’re too young and beautiful to spend your nights alone.”
“I am neither of those things.”
“You’re twenty-four years old and have Photoshop flawless skin.”
“Whatever. Besides, I thought I’d found my happy ending, remember?
“With that jerk that cheated on you? No, Skye. He wasn’t your happy ending.”
“How do you know?”
“Because it ended.”
Stung by her words, I blink back my tears and close my laptop.
“Skye, I’m sor—“
“It’s fine.”
I grab my bag and head for the door. Lynsey stops me in my tracks.
“That was out of line. I’m sorry. I just love you and want to see you happy.”
“I know you do Lyns, but honestly, there’s nobody out there for me. I gotta go.”
Persistent as ever, Lynsey follows me into the lobby. I wave goodbye to Robyn on my way out.
“There’s a real happy ending for you, Skye. I just know it.”
Tired of arguing, I give her a hug and tell her to text me if she needs anything. I know she means well. After all, it’s easy to be a doe-eyed romantic when you’re happily married. I’m a little more realistic. Even if my ex hadn’t broken my heart to the point it’s beyond repair, I’ve been in this business long enough to understand that sometimes love just doesn’t work out. That’s the thing about being a wedding planner. You create gorgeous weddings and hope for the best. But it’s always bittersweet when a couple has a million dollar wedding only to see them end up in divorce court within a year or so. It can really make a girl skeptical about the entire institution of marriage.
Happy to be out of the office, I head down the freeway. Thankfully, traffic isn’t too terrible as I drive toward Eli’s school. Lynsey’s right about one thing. My nephew’s a great kid, and I always look forward to the nights he gets to stay with me. We eat fast food, drink orange soda, and watch Netflix into the wee hours of the morning. He’s ten, so he’s getting too old to snuggle with his aunt, but he still manages to lay his head on my shoulder when he’s just about to drift off. It’s those moments I treasure most. Eli’s probably as close as I’ll ever get to being an actual mom, so I live vicariously through my times with him.
By the time I reach the school, a cold rain has started to fall. I zip my jacket and throw my hood over my head before walking into the building. When I reach the music room, I peek through the glass to find a roomful of kids with various instruments in their hands. Eli’s sitting with the rest of the guitar students, and they’re all gazing at Ms. Carol, the music teacher, as if she hung the moon. I walk in, and the teacher waves at me as I take a seat with the rest of the parents.
The great thing about a gifted class is that the music is awesome. They might be young, but these kids are so talented. At first, Nick worried that the class might be too advanced for Eli, but he’d taken to guitar so easily that Ms. Carol was stunned to learn he was just a beginner.
I’m just getting comfortable and letting the music relax me when I get a text from Lynsey.
The accountant is twenty-eight and likes long walks on the beach.
Sounds like a personal ad.
My fingers fly across screen.
I bet he likes pinã coladas and getting caught in the rain, too.
Stumping Lynsey with random song lyrics is one of the greatest joys of my life. When she doesn’t respond right away, I know she’s totally cheating and looking it up online. It only takes a minute before she sends back a snarky response.
Your obsession with music is scary. How do you even know that crazy song?
I grin.
She leaves me alone then, but I know it won’t last. My best friend wears rose-colored glasses when it comes to love. Having a great guy like Toby will do that. Lynsey’s world is full of rainbows and daisies and soul mates. My world looks a little different. Of course, finding your boyfriend in bed with his ex would make any girl a little cynical.
That was nearly a year ago. To my credit, I’ve tried dating. I’ve met some great guys who are successful, smart, and—unfortunately for me—looking for something serious. I see no reason to get their hopes up, so that great first date always ends up being our last. I don’t want to be bitter forever, but it’s just too soon. I’m not ready to risk having my heart stomped again.
Ms. Carol suddenly rises to her feet. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”
The commotion stops, and everyone’s eyes turn toward the sweet music teacher.
“I’ve already told my students, but I want to make an announcement to the parents, too. I received word this morning that my mother’s condition has taken a turn for the worse.”
A murmur of apologies echoes throughout the room. Everyone knows that Ms. Carol’s mother suffered a stroke just a few weeks ago.
She smiles lovingly down at her students. “As much as I love working with the children, I feel that I must take this time and be with my mother. I’ve made the very hard decision to take a leave of absence from the enrichment program. My nephew Caleb will be taking over for me. He has a master’s degree in music education and has volunteered for the enrichment program many times throughout the year. The kids love him, and he loves them, so I can assure you that your children are in good hands. Caleb will be here tomorrow for an informal meet-and-greet with the parents.”
I reach for my phone and send a quick text to Nick, letting him know about the new teacher and the meeting tomorrow afternoon.
“I hope to see all of you then,” Ms. Carol says with a sad smile, “and thank you for understanding. Class is dismissed.”
The room suddenly explodes with noise as the kids place their instruments in their cases while impatient parents make a beeline for the door. Eli spots me in the crowd. He gives me a crooked grin before heading my way, carrying his gigantic guitar case. Or maybe it just looks gigantic because he’s ten years old.
“Hey, Aunt Skye.”
“Hey, yourself. Good practice?”
He shrugs and walks out the door, which makes me suspicious. Eli’s usually pretty talkative after practice, but I decide to let it go for now. I follow him to the car, where he places his guitar in the back seat before climbing inside.
“I can’t wait until I can sit in the front,” he grumbles, snapping his seatbelt.
“I know, buddy. Just a couple more years.”
He doesn’t say anything else until we reach the Burger Palace drive-thru, where I place our typical order of cheeseburgers and fries.
Am I a bad aunt? Shouldn’t I be encouraging healthy eating habits or something? I guiltily look over the menu options.
“Maybe we should get apples instead of french fries.”
It’s a halfhearted suggestion, and he knows it. I look in the rear view mirror and see Eli wrinkle his nose in disgust.
“Why the heck would we get apples when we can have fries?”
It’s impossible to argue with that logic.
Two cheeseburgers and fries later, we’re sitting at my kitchen table. I try to help him with his homework, but it’s pointless. Since when do fifth graders do geometry?
Eli flies through the problems like th
ey’re simple first grade addition, and in no time at all his homework is finished.
“Can we watch a movie?”
“Sure.”
We head over to the couch. Eli grabs the remote and searches for a movie. He slides over to make room so that I can sit beside him.
“Okay, Eli. What’s up?”
He sighs heavily. “I don’t want Ms. Carol to go.”
“Ah, so that’s what’s bothering you. She’ll be back. She just needs to take care of her mom, you know?”
Eli nods. “I know. Caleb’s cool, though. He’s the one who taught me how to make a D chord.”
“Sounds like you’ll have a great teacher while she’s gone.”
“Will you come to practice tomorrow so you can meet him?”
“Your dad has the day off so he’ll be the one picking you up. I’m sure I’ll meet him eventually.”
“Please, Aunt Skye?” His voice shakes slightly. It breaks my heart. Change is tough for all kids, but especially kids of divorce. If it means this much to him, I know I have to make the effort.
“Let me check my schedule. I’ll be there if I can.”
His answering smile melts my heart, and I know whatever I have scheduled for tomorrow afternoon will just have to wait.
Eli comes first. Always.
“Three weeks!” Lynsey screeches in my ear as I make my way into the school. “How can Juliana leave town for three weeks? Why is she doing this to us? Why?”
I reach the music room and peek inside the window to find Ms. Carol directing the percussion section. I don’t see Eli anywhere as I step inside.
“Lynsey, calm down,” I whisper into my cell. “Pull up the calendar for the account and see what’s on the schedule this month.”
She mutters a curse under her breath while I find an empty seat.
“Okay, it doesn’t look like any of the deadlines are bride-specific,” she says. “There’s a fitting for the groomsmen, invitations need to be mailed, and the program is being finalized with the printer.”