The Marrying Type

by Laura Chapman

  Elliot pursed her lips. The show sounded interesting. More than interesting—amazing. “Wouldn’t you rather have a real host do this? Like, someone who always has the right words and understands what they’re doing.”

  “You’re that person,” Marissa insisted. “You understand weddings and people. You’re the perfect fit.”

  “Can I take some time to consider?”

  “Of course.”

  Elliot went back to sorting her materials. She moved a spool of ribbon into the donate pile. She’d ordered it, along with several other pieces in the pile, from Paris. She imagined walking through a market, selecting fabric and flowers using touch and smell instead of grainy photos on a website. This new show would give her the option.

  Maybe they’d let her be part of the creative team. Marissa said she’d earned an executive producers credit for some of the later episodes of The Marrying Type because of her input. Maybe she could do the same for this yet-to-be-named show.

  The alarm on her phone sounded again. She needed to get ready. She’d come back to this mess—and her thoughts about this new proposal—later when she had more time. There would be plenty of time soon enough.

  ELLIOT WOULD’VE RECOGNIZED Eric’s mother even if he hadn’t shown her pictures years earlier. Eric and Sadie had her hair, her nose, and her smile. The eyes were the only difference—green instead of blue. Their eyes came from their father.

  And here she was. The proud mother of the bride, ready to embrace the wedding, beginning with this next big step: the rehearsal. Sadie was called away as soon as she made the introductions, leaving Mrs. Warner and Elliot alone, together. The woman squeezed Elliot’s hand, which she was still holding.

  “You’ve been amazing through this whole process,” she said. “We’ve talked more times than I can count, and you’ve been a dream to work with. You’re practically a daughter to me. In fact, you’re better at calling me than either of my children. I should adopt you.”

  The words made Elliot’s heart jolt. The woman meant them as a compliment, obviously, but she couldn’t understand what they did to her. If everything had gone differently, Elliot could’ve been her daughter-in-law.

  “You’ve been a complete lifesaver through this,” Mrs. Warner said. “Your updates made me feel like I was part of the process.”

  Elliot’s heartbeat settled. “Just doing my job.”

  “Which makes you a fantastic wedding planner,” she said. “So you’re not married?”

  Elliot shook her head. “I guess I haven’t found the one.”

  “Don’t worry. You will.” Mrs. Warner gave a full smile. “I bet every mother in the world would fight for a chance to set you up with their son. Speaking of sons . . .”

  Elliot froze. If the woman tried to set her up with Eric, she’d walk out of the rehearsal.

  “Have you seen mine? He was supposed to be here half an hour ago.”

  “I’m right here, Mom.”

  Eric appeared at his mother’s other side. Elliot’s breath caught as she scoped him out in his suit. He’d skipped a tie tonight and left the top button of his shirt undone. He looked amazing. And hopefully he’d missed most of their conversation.

  “I see you met the planner.” He offered a friendly grin. “I hope my mother hasn’t grilled you too much.”

  “Oh, you.” Mrs. Warner lightly pinched her son’s arm. “We’re having a nice time. If you weren’t completely impossible, I’d beg Elliot to take you off my hands. But I wouldn’t wish you upon my worst enemy.”

  Elliot stared at the checklist in her hands to avoid catching Eric’s reaction to his mother’s words. While he seemed to be in a better mood than when he’d left the tasting, she couldn’t handle the embarrassment. It was still sobering—and depressing—to realize he’d never actually mentioned her to his mom or sister. Catching Smyth’s eye across the tent, she excused herself, pretending she needed to speak with the other planner.

  Instead, she stepped out of the tent and gasped for breath. She needed to get through tonight and tomorrow, and she’d be done. With wedding planning and the Warner family. She should be happy. Or at least, she should accept it and move on.

  ERIC LONGED TO SHRUG out of the suit jacket. It didn’t matter how many times he’d had to don suits in the past few years, he’d never get used to torture by fashion. He’d promised his mother he’d leave it in place through the rehearsal and long enough for her to snap a couple of photos. But the second her camera was out of the way, the jacket was going.

  His sister cleared her throat, forcing him to stop toying with the tie to lead her down the aisle for the first of however many takes it took to get right. Elliot had ducked out of the rehearsal early leaving Smyth in charge. While Smyth seemed like a decent guy, he was maybe even more of a perfectionist than Elliot.

  Eric wondered where she’d gone. Maybe she planned to phone in this wedding now that her family was selling the business. She probably had a date with her lawyer boyfriend. That wasn’t fair, he decided. In the past few months, even years ago, she’d never given any indication of being a quitter or lazy. No, she’d signed up to run this wedding, and she wouldn’t let the sale keep her from fulfilling the job.

  Remembering the dark smudges under her eyes, he wondered if she’d been sleeping well. Maybe she’d seemed more than a little tired during the first part of the rehearsal. He hoped she wasn’t getting sick. He frowned, deciding he’d send her a text message after this wrapped up to make sure she was okay. While he may have decided to step aside to give her a chance to be happy in another relationship, he still cared.

  “Are you ready for round one?” Sadie asked, bringing him back to the present.

  Catching the bright smile on his sister’s face, he vowed to put his worries aside for the next half an hour to give his sister his best. Offering her his elbow, he leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Let’s get you fake married, sis.”

  She started to speak but choked on a laugh. Following her gaze, his eyes narrowed when he caught sight of what had her distracted. The man who’d been out with Elliot—the infamous Ben Wick—had Heloise wrapped in a steamy kiss. Rage came fast and strong.

  “The two-timing son-of-a—” He took a large stride in their direction, stopping when his sister tugged on his arm.

  “Oh, let them be,” she said. “It’s only Heloise being Heloise. Maybe this isn’t the perfect time for her to make out with her boyfriend, but you don’t need to get mad. At least she’s sober.”

  His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Heloise is dating him?”

  Sadie nodded, watching him closely.

  “But what about Elliot?”

  The confusion cleared from her face, and she slowly smiled. “Elliot went on one date with Ben. They didn’t see a future in it but stayed friends. When Heloise needed a lawyer, Elliot asked him to help out. I guess after he saved her from jail, sparks flew and now he’s giving her mouth-to-mouth.”

  “He’s not here with Elliot?” he asked.

  Sadie grinned when she said no. Eric barely had time to process this news before Smyth called everyone into their places. While following the planner’s orders, Eric worked his way through the questions running through his brain. The biggest ones being why had Elliot decided to sell her company so suddenly, and why didn’t she seem happier about it?

  Lowering his voice once again, he asked his sister, “Why isn’t Elliot here? Is she sick?”

  “She’s probably heartbroken. Poor thing.”

  The anger from earlier returned. “You just said she wasn’t dating that guy.”

  “She’s not.”

  “Then why is she heartbroken?”

  Sadie rolled her eyes. “For being such a smart man, you’re awfully dense. She’s upset because that man is here.” She glared toward Will, who was standing on the outskirts of the tent laughing with Elliot’s former assistant, Claire. “First, he stole her company out from under her, and tonight he couldn’t even let her have this last event.
”

  “What do you mean he stole the company?” Eric’s brow wrinkled. “He bought the company from her family.”

  “Only because her father and sister made the deal. She didn’t want to sell, but they outnumbered her.” Sadie’s eyes filled, and he reached over to pat her hand. “Can you imagine having your own family sell you out? She put her soul into saving the company, and now she’s lost every bit of it. Even the planning app she designed belongs to Weddings by Will.”

  “I didn’t realize she wasn’t in on the deal,” Eric said.

  “She’s trying to make peace with it. She might be angry with her father and sister, but they’re still family.” Sadie discretely blotted her eyes and wiped her nose. “If the wedding wasn’t tomorrow, I’d fire them for screwing her over.”

  Eric mumbled something incoherent as his brain went back to work. In ten minutes, everything he believed he’d known as gospel had undergone a complete shift. For one, Elliot was single. The realization made him want to high-five the rest of the wedding party.

  The only thing holding him back from celebrating was the other issue at hand. Elliot’s family had sold the company to Will without her permission, and their decision had upset her. He’d like nothing more than to chew out Walter Lynch, but it wouldn’t do much good. Walter lived his life the way he wanted, and wouldn’t let something like his daughter’s wishes get in the way.

  From across the tent, he heard Will let out another gut-popping laugh. Eric’s jaw clenched. He could do something about that at least. Discretely pulling out his cell phone, he typed a quick message to his business manager.

  Send me a copy of the paperwork that went through. Need it before tomorrow morning.

  Slipping the phone back in his pocket, Eric continued to work through the motion of events he’d need to put into action tomorrow. Just as soon as he got his sister married, he’d help Elliot work through this business issue. And after that, he’d see about getting the girl.

  From The Marrying Type Transcript

  Filmed: September

  Airing: December

  Announcer: The Warner-Crawford wedding is here at last. And that means we finally get to meet the elusive Mrs. Warner. What does she think of the wedding progress now that it’s under way?

  Mrs. Warner: It’s going to be gorgeous. Elliot from Engagements has outdone herself. She’s made me part of the process even when I can’t be here. I hope she’ll plan Eric’s wedding.

  Announcer: Did she say one of America’s premiere bachelors was having a wedding? Is he headed down the aisle soon, too?

  Mrs. Warner: My son is a smart, talented, and handsome young man. He’ll be a perfect husband and father. When he gets around to it.

  Announcer: But who’s the lucky woman?

  Mrs. Warner: Eric has never brought home a woman . . . or man for that matter. There’s been no serious talk of a woman . . . or man. Not since he was in college. I hope he’s not hiding anything, because he worries about upsetting me. Whatever he wants, I support and love him. All I want for him is to find a woman . . . or man who makes him happy.

  Announcer: And what are Mr. Mogul’s thoughts on marriage?

  Eric: She said what? I can’t even respond to this. No matter what I say I’ll offend someone. But for the record, I’m single.

  Announcer: Hear that ladies . . . and gentlemen? Eric Warner is available, and according to his mother, waiting for the right person, whoever he or she might be.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.”

  ~ Mark Twain

  THE LYNCH GARDENS BUSTLED with activity Saturday afternoon as the Warner-Crawford wedding came to life. Elliot surveyed the scene with satisfaction. The florists were setting out strategically placed arrangements. A string quartet warmed up their instruments. Extra hands arranged chairs in rows facing the makeshift altar.

  The fact that everything came together so well after the personal angst she’d experienced along the way should have worried her. Instead, she said a silent prayer of thanks for small blessings.

  A lump formed in her throat as she considered that this was it. This was her last wedding. She busied herself fussing with table settings for another hour. Smyth paused to watch her work, then, shrugging, stepped in to help.

  “You put together a good wedding.” Smyth came to stand next to her, joining her in watching the preparations. “The vendors adore you, and the mothers of the bride and groom are ready to write the president to ask him to give you the Congressional Medal of Honor.” He lowered his voice. “We missed you at the rehearsal dinner last night.”

  “I was exhausted and needed to re-energize for today. Thanks for covering for me.” Elliot gave a half smile to soften her tone. “It sounds like everything went flawlessly last night with you and the new master and commander. Where is he?”

  “Who?”

  “Will. I figured he’d be in the middle of everything with two camera crews here to capture the festivities.”

  “You might want to check your attitude a little.” Smyth gently patted her shoulder. “Everyone understands you’re upset, but we still have a wedding to put on for a bride and groom you adore. Don’t let Will sour their day.”

  He was right. This was Sadie and Adam’s day. Neither of them had anything to do with her attitude. She needed to plaster her happy smile and pretend everything would be okay while her heart broke.

  Could she be any more dramatic? It wasn’t all bad news. She’d managed to smooth—if not repair—the damage to her relationship with the family.

  Smyth cast a sideways glance at Elliot. “I think you have another fan.”

  “Who?” she asked.

  “Eric Warner.” Elliot followed Smyth’s gaze and caught him inspecting one of the flower arrangements with his mother. Like he’d sensed her staring at him, Eric turned. Instinctively, she wanted to turn away, but instead, mustering as much courage as she could, she waved.

  Though he did not smile, his face softened, and he returned the greeting. She dropped her arm and went back to work. “You’re right. He’s a good guy.”

  “Then what are you waiting for? Not to get all southern matriarch, but you’re not getting any younger.”

  She smiled at his choice of words. “It’s a little late for dreaming about second chances. After tonight . . . We’ll have no reason to see each other again.”

  “It’s never too late when it comes to love.”

  SEEING THE EXCITEMENT on Sadie’s face when she entered the bridal suite almost brought Elliot to tears. They had been on a whirlwind journey, together, and today one of them would have her happily ever after.

  “Don’t start.” Sadie held up her hand when she caught the unshed tears in Elliot’s eyes. “If you lose it, I will, too.”

  “I suppose you’re paying me to keep it together,” Elliot said. The woman smiled, together. “You look lovely.”

  Sadie stared at her reflection in the mirror. With her hair and makeup done, she was well on her way to looking like a bride.

  “It’s thanks to you, Elliot. You’re a pro and you know it.” The bride turned to the hairstylist who had finished her final touches. “Thank you, you did a wonderful job. Would you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes, and please tell the others to stay out, too?”

  The stylist nodded and smiled at Elliot on her way out.

  “Was there something I can help you with?” Elliot asked.

  The bride’s request for privacy made her nervous. She hoped there were no bombshells to drop. Maybe she was pregnant. If so, she was not far enough along anyone would notice. No one would ever have to know. Elliot had a bottle of sparkling grape juice. She could sub it out at the bride and groom’s table without anyone noticing. She would swear to everyone their child was a honeymoon baby. Oh, God. Maybe Sadie was having second thoughts about getting married. El
liot would personally drag her down the aisle if she must. What if . . .

  Sadie interrupted her thoughts by speaking once they had their privacy.

  “It might not seem like the best time, but I have a confession,” she said. “I’ve wanted to tell you for weeks, and today I realized I can’t wait any longer.”

  “Is it something to do with the wedding?” Elliot asked. If it was, surely she could settle it quickly and they could get on with the day.

  “No, I mean, a little, but you have everything covered.” Sadie twisted the tissue in her hands. “Okay, I’ll just come out with it. I know about you and Eric.”

  When Elliot sat in stunned silence, Sadie continued.

  “He was more than a classmate at UVA. You’re the girl he dated. He asked you to marry him. He loved you.” Sadie raised her eyebrows. “But more importantly, he still does.”

  Somehow, Elliot found her voice. She had too many questions to stay silent.

  “How?” she asked. “How did you find out? How long have you known? Why do you think he . . . ?”

  “How come I think he loves you?” she asked. “I’ll get there, but I’ll start with your first question. Before he left UVA, he told us he was dating someone serious, but he wouldn’t tell us your name. He said he didn’t want to jinx it.” Sadie shook her head at the idea of her brother being superstitious. “Even before he told us about the girl—before he told us about you—we suspected it was serious. Mom finally cornered him about it when he didn’t come home for spring break. He admitted he was in love, and he wanted to marry the girl. He even asked Mom for our grandma’s ring.”

  Elliot tore her gaze away and stared at the floor. Would her guilt about the past ever end?

  “Instead, Eric came home at the end of the semester, packed for California, and never said another word about the girl from school.” Elliot’s heart sank lower. “He tried to put on a brave face, but he didn’t fool us. He was in pain, but he wouldn’t let us help.”