Head Over Heels (The Bridesmaids Club Book 3)

by Leeanna Morgan

  Before she got a chance to tell Matthew whose wedding Todd was referring to, she was whisked out of the barn, straight toward Todd’s home. The one with the sun-blistered paint and a saggy porch.

  “Do you want your chocolate cake lesson now?” Sally paid careful attention to the smile on Todd’s face.

  “You can teach me how to make chocolate cake when there aren’t three men following us.”

  Sally looked over her shoulder and sighed. This was so not the beginning of the something wonderful she’d always imagined.

  But on the brighter side, Carolyn and Wayne now had a venue for their wedding. At least one couple would have a happy ending.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Tess pulled another bridesmaid’s dress off the rack in front of her. “What do you think about this one?”

  Janice McDougall, one of the bridesmaids waiting patiently for a fitting, smiled. “It looks beautiful.”

  “Try it on and let me know how it feels.” Tess handed Janice the dress and watched her walk into the changing room.

  “I never get tired of the magic,” Molly said.

  It was Saturday afternoon, and that meant The Bridesmaid Club headquarters was bursting with women looking for the perfect dress for their perfect weddings. Sally wasn’t sure how they’d ended up with two wedding parties arriving at once, but it hadn’t mattered. Everyone had been good natured about sharing the space, the mirrors, and the dresses.

  “Turn to your left,” a lady with a mouthful of pins muttered.

  One of the moms that had come with her daughters, knew how to sew. She’d offered to fit the bridesmaids’ dresses for each of the wedding parties.

  “Has anyone seen my shoes? They’ve got sparkly pink bows on the top.”

  Sally wasn’t sure which bridesmaid had lost her shoes, but everyone started looking around the room.

  “Here they are…”

  Sally recognized the woman backing out from under the rack of dresses on the far wall. It was Katrina, a bridesmaid she’d just finished helping. The shoes found their owner and another bridesmaid was happy.

  “We’re going to go, now.”

  Sally turned toward the bridal party that had arrived first. All four women had wide smiles on their faces and white bags clutched in their arms.

  Maria, the bride-to-be, hugged Sally. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

  “I’m glad we could help,” Sally said. And she was. It might have been hard finding the time to unpack the dresses and meet with the women they were destined to help, but it made her happy. It made all of her friends happy.

  With only one bridal party left, Sally started tidying up. “Did anyone put this Cinderella dress here for a reason?”

  Tess, Molly, and Annie shook their heads.

  Rachel looked over her shoulder and tilted her head to the side. She was helping adjust one of the dresses. “I think Anne-Marie put that dress aside. She’ll be out soon.”

  Sally put the dress back on their ‘maybe’ rack and started re-hanging the other gowns. A few weeks ago, Molly had grouped the dresses by style. Last week they’d pinned small colored stars to each dress to remind them about which collection they belonged in.

  They had a Cinderella Collection with big puffy skirts and sleeves, a Grace Kelly Collection of simple, elegant gowns, an Exotic Collection for anything bright, colorful and different, and a Winter Romance Collection for anything designed for a winter wedding.

  Molly handed Sally a shawl that belonged to the dress she’d just hung up. “Have you got time after we’ve finished to look at some photographs?”

  “Of course I have. As long as Sean doesn’t mind waiting for me.”

  Sean, Sally’s brother and bodyguard for the day, had patiently sat through two hours of wedding chatter. Even though he was sitting on the far side of the room, he must have heard his name mentioned. He looked at Molly and smiled.

  “He’s such a handsome man,” Molly sighed. “Those green eyes and brown curls are going to win a heart one day. He makes a fine bodyguard for his sister.”

  Sally nudged her arm. “Molly O’Donoghue. I do believe there’s a poet inside of you.”

  Molly laughed. “It comes with being Irish. I grew up on tales of heroes that were bigger than life itself, and maidens who loved their men like no other. I can’t help but find romance everywhere I look.”

  “What about a little romance for yourself?”

  Molly’s smile disappeared. “I loved a man once, but he wasn’t my hero. I don’t want to be swept off my feet. I want the truth of love, the knowledge that you’re the most important part of your man’s life. I want to be loved for every tomorrow.”

  It was Sally’s time to sigh. “I guess that’s what everyone’s waiting for.”

  Tess walked past them with a long cream veil in her hands. “Have either of you seen the tiara with red jewels dotted around the headband?”

  “It’s in the box under the shelves where we put our spare shoes,” Sally said.

  Tess disappeared inside a big closet and came out holding a brown box. “I never would have looked in there.” She opened the flaps and pulled out a glittery tiara. “This will look beautiful with the dress Abby’s got on.”

  Sally had seen the wedding gown Abby had chosen. Tess was right, the tiara would look beautiful. “What makes someone want to get married?”

  Molly turned to look at her. “Only you can answer that question. Would you be having feelings about a certain man with sky blue eyes and a damaged heart, Sally Gray?”

  Sally wasn’t sure what she was feeling. Some days it felt like a bad case of indigestion.

  Annie sat down on a seat beside them. “Abby and two of her sisters are in the changing room. Their dresses look lovely.”

  “It’s a miracle,” Molly said. “I thought we’d be here all day when I saw the number of women waiting for us.”

  “That was my fault,” Rachel said as she put another dress away. “I mixed up the appointment times. I’ll double check them before I send next week’s emails.”

  Sally gazed around the room and smiled at the order they’d created out of chaos. “It doesn’t matter. We’ve now got room for eight more dresses.”

  “Thank goodness for that,” Tess said. “My heart drops when I see another box that needs unpacking.”

  The door to the changing room opened and Abby and her two sisters walked into the living room.

  Abby’s mom stopped what she was doing. “Oh, my…” she said. “You look like princesses.” She dabbed her eyes and smiled at all five of her daughters. “You all look beautiful.”

  Sally smiled at the nervous bride. Abby had pulled her blonde hair into a soft chignon. The tiara with flame-red jewels sparkled in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. With her flowing gown and almost transparent veil, she looked stunning.

  Abby’s sisters looked just as pretty. With dresses in different colors of the rainbow, they were going to brighten Abby’s wedding day.

  Sean put his magazine down and stared at the blushing bride and her bridesmaids. “If you want a male’s perspective, I’d say go with those dresses.”

  “I agree, “Molly said. “But the decision’s up to you.”

  Abby looked at her mom and her four sisters. They all nodded. “Okay. We’d like these dresses. Thank you so much for your help.”

  Tess kissed Abby’s cheek. “You’re welcome. All you have to do now is enjoy your big day.”

  Abby nodded and the entire bridal party went into the changing room.

  When the door closed, Sally pulled out copies of a list she’d made. “Can you all look at this and tell me what I’ve missed?”

  “What is it?” Annie asked.

  “A plan of what we need to do to get Todd’s barn ready for Carolyn’s wedding. Carolyn’s going to meet me tomorrow after school to go over all of the details.”

  Tess read the list and smiled. “I love the way your mind work
s.”

  “But have I remembered everything?”

  Tess nodded. “I can’t think of anything else. What time do you want us at Todd’s ranch?”

  “If we start clearing out the barn at eight o’clock next Saturday, we should get most of it done in one day. What we don’t get done can be finished on Sunday.”

  Abby and her family came out of the changing room in their jeans and t-shirts.

  “Thank you, again,” Abby said. “I’ll send you all invites to our wedding.”

  Tess smiled. “That would be lovely. Have a great day.”

  Abby’s mom gave everyone a big hug, including Sean. Within minutes, they had the loft to themselves.

  Rachel made a cup of coffee and grinned at Sally’s brother. “How was your first Bridesmaids Club meeting?”

  Sean picked up a cookie and smiled. “Noisy, but it’s got its compensations. I’d come every weekend if Tess and Annie promised to bake these cookies again.”

  “Don’t encourage him,” Sally said. “Sean’s a sucker for a woman who can bake.”

  Rachel groaned. “I knew there was a reason I should have listened to mom.”

  “It’s not the only reason I’d date someone,” Sean said with a twinkle in his eyes.

  Sally put her fingers in her ears. “My brother’s flirting with one of my friends. Tell me when it’s over.”

  Sean walked across to Sally and pulled her fingers out of her ears. “Show me your list. I might be able to help.”

  She pushed the piece of paper into his chest before he changed his mind. “I’ve divided the list into categories; volunteers, generator, trash removal, hay removal, and emergencies.”

  “What kind of emergencies were you thinking about?” Sean asked.

  Sally ticked things off her fingertips. “Thunderstorms, snow, bad backs, and ax-wielding murderers.”

  Sean glared at her. “Don’t joke about what’s happening.”

  Tess nudged Sally’s arm. “Sean’s right. We care about you. We’re not going to let any scumbags near you.” Molly, Annie, and Rachel nodded in agreement.

  Sally was touched by her friends’ concern. “In that case, I say we leave the project plan as it is and concentrate on Annie. Are you ready for the grand opening of your catering business?”

  Annie took one of the cookies Tess was passing around on a plate. “Everything is ready to go. Advertising is on track, orders are slow but steady, and I’m answering queries from potential customers each day.”

  “Did you hear back from the retirement village?” Molly asked.

  Annie nodded. “I’m doing a cooking demonstration for them next Thursday. If the residents like the meals, they can place their orders from there.”

  “Are you excited?” Rachel asked.

  Annie nodded. “But with the excitement comes bucketloads of nerves. What if my business fails miserably?”

  “You can come back and work for me,” Tess said. “If you don’t give it a go you’ll never know how amazing it could have been.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Sally said. She raised her glass of water in the air and made a toast. “To new adventures and new beginnings.”

  “And keeping you safe,” Tess added.

  Everyone, including Sean, drank to that.

  ***

  Sally closed the driver’s door on her pickup. She smiled at Matthew as he parked beside her.

  He stared moodily back. “Tell me again why we had to get into town at seven o’clock on a Monday morning?”

  “It’s the opening of Annie’s new business today. I’ve got a gift for her and I want to see if I can help.”

  Matthew locked his truck and slipped the keys into his pocket. “I hate to break the bad news to you, but you’re not that great a cook.”

  “You didn’t mind eating the dinner I cooked last night.”

  “I was desperate. Besides, we’re trying to make you feel better. It can’t be easy living with us.”

  “Not to mention the drug lord breathing down my neck.”

  “That, too.” Matthew glanced around the parking lot. “Is it safe for Annie to work here on her own?”

  “Don’t be fooled by what you think you see. There’s enough security around this building to stop an army from invading.”

  Matthew took a closer look at the building. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. Now let’s go and see Annie.” Sally pushed a security code into a panel on the front door. She waved at the camera above them and within seconds, she heard a loud click. She pushed the door open and made sure her brother was following her.

  “I’m impressed.” Matthew ran his hand along the new mahogany reception desk. “It’s the most upmarket storage facility I’ve ever seen.”

  Sally smiled to herself. “Dylan never does anything by halves. He went into business with John Fletcher for this project.” She glanced back at her brother to make sure he hadn’t wandered off. “When we get into the kitchen, don’t touch anything. Annie will probably be stressed to the max. I don’t want to see you eating any of the food she’s preparing for other people.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “And make sure you wipe your boots at the door. She won’t want dirt on her clean floors.”

  Matthew looked down at his feet. “Anything else?”

  “Remember to ask intelligent questions. It will earn you extra bodyguard brownie points.”

  “Are you sure we’re related to each other? I’m finding your bossy streak hard to digest.”

  Sally waved her security card in front of a silver panel and pushed Matthew through the doors. “As long as that’s all you digest in here, I’ll be happy.”

  Annie was mixing some dry ingredients in a bowl when Sally and Matthew walked into the kitchen. She looked up and smiled. “You got here early.”

  Matthew gave his sister an I-told-you-so stare. “My thoughts precisely,” he muttered. “No one told me being Sally’s bodyguard would mean lots of early mornings and late nights.”

  Sally poked her brother’s arm. “You’re supposed to be seen and not heard.”

  “You only get that option when you pay me.” He turned to Annie and gave her one of his most charming smiles. “Congratulations. I hope your business is a huge success.”

  “Thanks, Matthew. Would you like something to eat?

  Matthew sent a superior stare in Sally’s direction.

  Sally jumped into the conversation before Annie made her brother a ten-course breakfast. “We don’t want to interrupt. Matthew doesn’t need anything to eat.”

  “Are you sure?” Annie asked.

  Matthew glanced at his sister before smiling at Annie. “How about I make you a drink while you keep baking?”

  Annie picked up an empty cup and pointed across the room. “Coffee machine is over there. Thank you.”

  Sally was sure there must be an ulterior motive behind Matthew’s good manners, but it was too early to work out what it might be. She pulled a parcel out of her bag and passed it to Annie. “This is for you.”

  Annie opened the wrapping paper and unfolded the gift. “You printed my logo on the front of some aprons? They look so good.”

  “I ordered different colors so that you could coordinate them with what you’re wearing. What can I do to help?”

  Annie looked around the kitchen. “What if you and Matthew unpack the boxes on the shelves over there. I don’t need the equipment this morning, but it needs to go away.”

  Matthew left a mug of coffee beside Annie. “Wise choice.”

  Annie took a sip of the coffee and grimaced. “Thick and black.”

  Sally put her bag on the floor and walked across to the coffee machine. “At least I can make a decent cup of coffee.”

  Annie went back to her recipe, and Sally and Matthew unpacked boxes. Before too long there were pots bubbling on the stove, meat dishes cooking in the ovens, and three apple crumbles half made.

  Annie glanced at the clock on the wall before mixing roll
ed oats, sugar, and cinnamon together. “Have you seen the black pickup since last week, Sally?”

  “Nope. I’m beginning to think it was all in my imagination. Did you want these kitchen scales put anywhere special?”

  Annie shook her head. “They’re my spare ones. They can go in any of the drawers on the far wall.”

  Sally opened a drawer and slipped them inside.

  “Maybe the baddies don’t know you’re living with your family?”

  “Or maybe they’ve made their point already,” Matthew added.

  Sally didn’t want to think about Mitch Zambezi or the people he worked with. “Todd called me last night.” Matthew made a choking noise and Sally glared at him. “He’s going to start clearing out the barn earlier than next Saturday. He figured that with so many bodyguards and security people floating around, we might as well put them to work.”

  Matthew crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Sounds like I’m working for the right person, then.”

  “Be careful what you wish for,” Sally said. “I’m going out to Todd’s ranch after school tomorrow. You and Sean are going to help us empty the barn.”

  “No way. Tuesday’s Sean’s day to babysit you. You only need one of us at a…” Matthew’s gaze shot to the monitors on the back wall. “Are you expecting anyone, Annie?”

  “No one’s supposed to be here except you.” She wiped her hands on a dish towel and walked toward the monitors. With one flick of a switch, the camera zoomed in on the front gate.

  “It’s a black pickup,” Sally whispered. “Can you see the license plate?”

  Annie pushed another button and Sally gasped. “It’s them.”

  Matthew was already talking on his cell phone. He finished the call and checked all of the windows and doors. “The police are on their way. Don’t move out of the kitchen.”

  And just like that, Sally understood why Todd had been so paranoid.

  ***

  By the time Todd arrived at Annie’s kitchen, the parking lot had at least six vehicles crowding the front entrance. He didn’t know how the hell he was supposed to get in, so he rang the buzzer beside the front door and waited.