“Are we going to a real-life castle?” she asked.
I chuckled. “This is where Camille works. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s one of my favorite places to visit. I thought you might like it.”
“Is Camille a princess?” she asked.
“Oh, I’m sure she would like to be. But she’s just like you and me. Come on, let’s go meet her.”
We climbed out the car and walked slowly to Camille’s office. It was hard to get Trinity to walk faster because she kept staring at everything around her with open awe and excitement. When we finally arrived at the office, Camille smiled broadly when she saw us.
“This must be the beautiful Trinity,” Camille said. “I’m Camille. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too,” Trinity said. “I thought you were a princess.”
“A princess? Why?”
“Because you live in a castle,” she said.
Camille chuckled. “Oh, I don’t live here. I just work here. But wouldn’t that be nice?”
“So, where is the princess?” Trinity asked.
“Actually, this is not a real castle. It was just made to look like this. We are wedding planners. We plan the most beautiful weddings. And sometimes we even have weddings here.”
“Wow. One day I want to get married here.”
“You certainly can. And hopefully I can plan your wedding,” Camille said. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Trinity giggled and shook her head. “No. I don’t like boys yet. I’m only six. And my daddy says there is still plenty of time to have a boyfriend. He says I must wait until I’m older and then he said I will find the perfect man. But I’m too young now.”
“Your daddy is a smart man.”
“But there is a girl in my school who has a boyfriend. I told her that she is too young, but she says she’s not too young.”
“Well, I think it’s better to wait until you are ready. I think you need to listen to your dad; he definitely sounds like he knows what he’s talking about,” Camille said. “So, would you like a tour of the place? That way you can start making your wedding plans early.”
“Yes, please!”
I looked at Camille and smiled. “A tour would be great, thank you.”
“My pleasure,” she said. “I sometimes forget how beautiful this place is. I see it every single day, so I’ve stopped looking at in the same way. It’s nice to see it from someone else’s point of view.”
“Can I come work here?” Trinity asked.
“When you’re old enough, give me a shout and I’ll see what you can do.”
“One time, when my uncle Ryan asked me what I wanted to be when I was older, I told him I wanted to be spaghetti.”
I burst out laughing, and so did Camille. “That is the best answer ever. Do you still want to be spaghetti?”
She shook her head. “No, I want to be a wedding planner.”
I grinned. “Then you better stay friends with Camille.”
“We’re friends?” Trinity said to Camille.
“Of course we are,” she said to Trinity. Then she turned to me and whispered. “She’s adorable.”
“I know,” I whispered back. And I felt a weird sense of pride at the fact that Camille liked her so much. I almost felt as if she were my daughter. I wanted to hug Trinity and tell her to carry on being who she was.
We took a walk around the entire place, stopping to look at all the different sections of the building, as well as stopping to talk to various members of the staff. Everyone wanted to talk to Trinity and to find out who she was. A few people even thought she was my own child and said they were amazed at what good chemistry the two of us had. Trinity remained in constant awe throughout the entire tour and wanted to know everything there was about wedding planning. Afterward, we climbed onto one of the buggies while Camille took us for a tour of the outside area.
“I’ve just realized that I’ve never been this far out. I had no idea the grounds were so big. I always just sit right outside.”
“Oh yeah, this place is huge. And we have various options in case people want to get married outside.”
“You can get married outside?” Trinity asked in shock.
“Oh yeah, those are sometimes the best weddings. But you have to make sure the weather is good. We usually have a backup plan in case it rains. But we once had a wedding in the rain where everyone held umbrellas, and it was so beautiful. I think as long as the two people getting married are happy and in love, then it doesn’t really matter what the weather is like.”
“That’s actually really cool,” I said. “I think you showed me those photos a few years ago. I remember thinking that I would actually want it to rain for my wedding. There’s something really special about it.”
“Yeah, there is. Remind me to show you the pictures when we get back inside, Trinity.”
“Are you married?” Trinity asked.
Camille shook her head. “Not yet. But I have a boyfriend, and he’s great.”
Trinity giggled. “Do you kiss?”
Camille looked at me and laughed. “We do.”
“Yuck. I know it’s fine to kiss, but I still don’t like it. When I see people kissing on TV, I sometimes look away. Will you get married here?”
“I’m not sure. I work here so it might not be the same for me. But we’ll see. It might be nice.”
“I think it would be very nice. Do you have a boyfriend?” Trinity asked me.
I shook my head. “No. Not at the moment.”
She frowned. “But why? You’re so pretty.”
“Thank you, Trin. That’s nice of you to say. But that’s not the only important thing in a relationship. You don’t have to be pretty to have a boyfriend.”
“Yes, but you’re also nice.”
“And you’re lovely. Thank you. No, I guess I just haven’t found the right person yet.”
She frowned again but didn’t say anything else. She looked like she was deep in thought and I tried to change the subject. I didn’t want her to think about her mother leaving her and her father and become sad.
“How about we go for some lunch? This place does the best toasted sandwiches.”
“Yes, please. Can I have ham and tomato?”
I laughed. “Of course you can.”
We made our way back inside, found a seat, and ordered some lunch. Camille found some paper and pens for Trinity and she began coloring in immediately.
“I love drawing,” she told Camille. “Kennedy and I draw all the time at home.”
“And she’s amazing at it. She’s going to become an artist,” I said.
“No, I’m going to become a wedding planner, remember?”
“You can be both.”
“Good idea,” she said thoughtfully and carried on drawing.
I looked up at Camille. “So, you said you wanted to talk to me today. All okay?”
“Oh, wow, I got so caught up in our tour that I actually forgot that I invited you over for a reason. I need a favor from you. We have a wedding on Saturday, and our caterer has canceled. Is there any chance you can step in and help? I know it’s short notice, but if you can, I’d appreciate it so much. I know you hate catering but I asked around, and nobody else seems free.”
“Camille! You don’t have to try to convince me. You know I’ll always help you out. Of course I will. Just send me all the specifications and I’ll get started. I might just need to chat with Reed about getting things ready on Friday, but I’m sure it will be fine. I can just cook at his place.”
“And I can help!” Trinity said who had clearly been listening into the conversation.
“You sure can.”
“You’re an absolute life saver. Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
“Wonderful. It’s a big wedding, but they are keeping things simple with the food. You’re amazing. Thank you. Also, they said the caterer can stay for the wedding, if you like.”
“Oh, no, I don’t have to do t
hat.”
“Come on; it will be fun. It seems like such a nice wedding. I always feel like those who get involved in the wedding should stay and enjoy it too. I’ll be there. Why don’t you bring Reed and Trinity with too.”
“Oh please, Kennedy, can I come?”
“Are you sure I’m allowed to bring guests though?”
“Oh, they won’t even know. Trust me. Anyway, you’re providing the food, so just make a bit extra for you guys.”
“Well, maybe,” I said. Trinity was looking at me such big and pleading eyes that it would be hard to say no. “I’ll have to talk to your father first, though.”
If Reed couldn’t come then I wouldn’t take Trinity alone. I’d be too busy with the food to also look after her. I sort of wished that Camille had asked me without Trinity listening so that I could turn her down, but it was too late now.
When Reed got home later that day, I tried to think of how to ask him without it seem like I was asking him on a date. But Trinity beat me to it.
“Daddy, I had the best day,” she said and started rattling off about Camille’s work and how she now wanted to become a wedding planner when she was older. “And Camille is so cool. She asked Kennedy to bring food to the wedding on Saturday and said that we could all come as guests. Please, can we go, Daddy, please? I’ve never been to a wedding before.”
Reed looked at me, and I smiled apologetically. “Uh, sorry about that. Camille mentioned it, and Trinity overheard. She’s asked me to be the caterer as her usual caterer has canceled at the last minute. And she said I should stay for the wedding and bring a guest with me. Up to you guys, but it’s absolutely fine if you don’t want to come. I know that weddings can be boring for most people.”
“Boring? No way. I really want to go. Please, Daddy,” Trinity pleaded.
Reed laughed at his daughter’s enthusiasm. “How can I say no to you? Yes, we can go. Thanks, Kennedy. I think it will be fun. I haven’t been to a wedding in a long time. I usually go to these things purely for the food, you know.”
I chuckled. “No pressure for me, then!”
Chapter Fifteen
Reed
“You’re going to a wedding with Kennedy?” Warren said the next day. He’d invited me out for a beer, and I’d turned him down because of the plans I already had. I figured he’d have this reaction when I told him, but that was because Warren only ever thought about sex.
“Uh, yeah. It’s nothing serious, though. Not a date or anything. I mean, Kennedy is the caterer, and Trinity really wanted to go. Trinity has never been to a wedding before. You can’t really blame the girl for wanting to go see what it’s all about.”
“Yeah, but still . . . a wedding! Dude, that’s like the most romantic thing you can do with someone, going to a wedding. Are you sure there is nothing going on between the two of you?”
I shook my head. “Nope. And maybe it’s about time you realized that you can be friends with a girl without sleeping with them.” It didn’t matter that I had slept with Kennedy. He didn’t need to know that part. I would have far too much explaining to do if he knew, and it would also mean that I would actually have to face up to what had happened. Something I wasn’t ready to do just yet.
He raised his eyebrows at me and chuckled. “Yeah. Whatever. I’m very interested to see how this wedding pans out. Talk to me on Monday and tell me if you haven’t already fallen in love with her.”
I shook my head. “You’re crazy. Now, go away; I have work to do.”
When the day of the wedding came around, I stood in my bedroom trying to decide on what to wear. I pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that I thought looked nice and made my way to find Trinity. She was wearing one of her favorite pink dresses and was currently twirling around in the mirror with absolute delight. Only a child could get away with doing that without looking vain. Sometimes I forgot how much she liked dressing up and what little opportunity she got to do it. I still couldn’t believe that she had never been to a wedding before.
“You look beautiful, Trin,” I told her.
“Thank you. I wish Blaire was here to do my hair,” she said. When my brother Ryan had come to visit with Blaire, the two of them had helped each other with outfits and hair and Trinity had loved it.
“I’m sorry. I wish she was here to do your hair too. Do you want me to help you? I can try. You can just tell me what I must do. Or we can look up some videos?” I suggested.
“No thanks, Daddy. I’ll just go like this,” she said. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re a boy,” she said as if she realized she might be hurting my feelings.
“That’s okay,” I said. I was grateful that she had said no. I was happy to brush her hair, but I had no idea how to do anything else. “You’re right. I probably would just make a mess of it. Anyway, you look beautiful as you are. So, are you excited for this wedding?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “I cannot wait. Camille told me all about weddings and all the different things that people do. Did you know that there’s going to be dancing? And also the man and woman will kiss when they are told that they are husband and wife? It’s going to be so much fun. I hope she has a nice big dress like a princess.”
“I’m sure she will. Okay, are you ready to go soon?”
She looked at me and frowned. “Can I help you find something to wear?” she asked.
“That sounds wonderful my darling!”
“Great! This is exciting,” she said. I had no idea how she knew what to pick out for me considering she had never been to a wedding before. “Let’s go and see what you have,” she said and charged out of her bedroom into mine.
I followed her and watched as she opened up my closet and started going through my clothes. She had pulled a little chair up to the closet so that she could rummage through my clothes without straining to reach up to them. It was impossibly cute, and I wished I could’ve taken a snapshot of that moment. She looked at me, frowned, and then continued her search. I would’ve burst out laughing at the sight of her if I wasn’t also so impressed. Here was my little girl, taking charge. It was obvious that being with Kennedy had already improved her demeanor a great deal. She laughed more, and she was far more confident in herself. It was a nice change, and one that I hadn’t realized she’d even needed.
“Okay Daddy, I know you always say that you like to be comfortable. So why don’t you wear your jeans, but change to this shirt and put this jacket on? I like this jacket. It looks so nice on you. You’ll look like a prince.”
I hadn’t worn that jacket in a long time, and it was so tucked away in my closet that I was surprised she had even found it. I pulled all the suggested items out, and put them on. Then I looked in the mirror.
“So, what do you think?” I asked. I was impressed with her choice in clothes. She’d somehow managed to find something that I would find comfortable but still look good in. Perhaps she had a job as a fashion consultant in her future. “Do I look like a prince?”
She grinned. “Much better. You look very handsome.”
“You know, you have a good eye for this. I do actually look a lot better. Pity about the glasses, but without them, I’ll be blind.”
“I like the glasses; they make you look smart.”
“I am smart,” I said and she laughed. “So, do you want to be a fashion consultant when you grow up?” I asked.
“What’s that?”
“Well, you can advise people on what clothes to wear.”
She crinkled her nose and laughed. “That’s a funny job. I’m going to be a wedding planner,” she said. “And maybe an artist. Kennedy said I should be an artist.”
I smiled. “You can be whatever you want to be, my darling, as long as you always remain my little girl.”
“But one day I’ll be big.”
“You’ll still always be my little girl to me.”
We made our way to the wedding and mingled around until we found Kennedy. It was strange being at a wedding without knowing anyo
ne, so I was grateful when I finally saw her. She was rushing around trying to finish up with the food, and when she saw us, she called us over. She introduced me to her best friend Camille, who seemed delighted to see Trinity again. I’d already heard a lot about her from my daughter.
“I’m so glad you’re here. It’s great to meet you, Reed. I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful daughter. She’s going to come and work for me one day.”
“So I hear. She has not stopped talking about it and about you. Thanks for showing her around the other day. She had such a great time. And thanks for letting us come to this wedding.”
“Oh, it’s no problem at all. I thought it might be fun for Trinity to see what a wedding is all about. But listen, I’m sorry to do this to you, but I have to go, I’m just making sure that everything runs smoothly.”
“Of course, good luck!” I said.
Camille turned toward Kennedy. “And thanks for everything. The food looks amazing, and the bride and groom are very happy. I can’t believe how much you pulled off in such a short space of time.”
“Me too,” Kennedy said. “I’m so glad they’re happy, though. That’s the main thing. That was all I was really worried about.” Then she turned to look at me. “I’m almost finished, but I just have to go and do a few final touches to the food. I’ll be with you very soon.”
She rushed off, and we took a seat at the back of the chapel to watch the wedding. Trinity was in awe of the whole thing, and she couldn’t keep still when the bride walked in. I felt a pang of sadness as I recalled my own wedding all those years ago. What had been the point of all those words if she hadn’t bothered to follow through with them? Til death do us part. So much for that. I tried not to think about it and concentrated instead on how happy Trinity was to be witnessing her first wedding.
“Dad, did you see? Did you see? They kissed, and now they are married. And she has a big white dress on just like Camille told me she would. She looked like a princess!”
Dirty Daddy_The Maxwell Family Page 9