“How did you keep it a secret? I’m guessing you knew before we even left town.” I sat down.
“I knew, but I wouldn’t have spoiled that surprise. Not for anything.” She set sugar and creamer on the table. “Have y’all set a date? I know it’s only been a few days, but you did have a five-hour drive.”
“No date yet. We’re going to work on a budget, and I’m going to ask Lilith about what days are open at the venue. Getting married there is a must. That’s where he told me he loved me for the first time.”
Joji grabbed my hand as she dropped into a chair. “I would never dream of trying to replace anyone in your life. Having said that, I want you to hear me out. I may be small, but there is plenty of me to go around. I have a niece and nephew who I love to pieces. You are also part of my family. I’m not sure if you knew what you were signing up for when you took the job.” She let go of my hand and nudged my cup toward me. “I want to pay for the wedding.”
I started shaking my head before I even opened my mouth. “You can’t.”
She raised one eyebrow. “Can’t? Have you been checking my bank statements? I assure you I can.”
“That’s not what I meant. I mean, it’s too much.” Accepting this kind of help seemed like the complete opposite of growing up.
“Who else am I going to spend my money on? Goats?”
“Clint.”
She laughed. “He doesn’t want me for my money.”
“Forget I mentioned it. I don’t want to hear any more.” I covered my ears.
Her laughter continued. “Cami, please let me do this. I want to.”
“I don’t know.”
“Being an adult doesn’t mean you do everything yourself.”
I sipped my coffee, forgetting that I hadn’t added anything to it. My face puckered. “Is there a thought bubble hovering above my head? How did you know to say that?”
“I guessed. Will you at least talk to Harper about it?” She handed me the sugar.
“I’ll do that.” I almost couldn’t wait until he came over to talk about it.
“Good. Now let me grab my stack of wedding magazines. We can peruse them while we enjoy cake.”
Bones followed her down the hall. That dog loved her. And it was easy to see why. She was lovable.
When she tossed the beautiful magazines onto the table, I made a decision. I took a picture of the stack, making sure at least one of the titles was visible, then posted the picture without a caption.
Soon Mom would know my news. But I hadn’t actually told her. Not really.
After more than an hour of oohing and aahing over dresses and indulging in cake, Joji cleaned up the table. “You need to run. You have to be at the studio soon.”
“I can come back after work to help you make cheese.”
She shook her head. “Clint and I have dinner plans. Tomorrow maybe. Will you see Harper tonight?”
“He’s coming over and making me dinner. With all the recipes his brother-in-law sent us, Harper is becoming quite the chef. And I’m learning too.” I took a picture of the stack of empty containers waiting to be filled with cheese. “I love when he comes over to cook with me.”
“Enjoy your evening.” She hugged me. “And please think about what I said.”
“I will. I promise.”
As I hurried out to the truck, I posted the picture and added a caption about new cheese coming soon. Social media engagement leading up to the weekend market was way up after posting a few pictures. We needed to make lots of cheese tomorrow.
While driving to the studio, I thought through ideas for Lilith’s venue. The pictures from my picnic with Harper garnered numerous interactions. They spotlighted the beauty of the place. I needed to check the calendar to see when the next event was. Pictures of a party would be great in the feed.
I ran into the studio right on time. “I’m here. Anything new?”
Haley poked her head out of her office. “The owner from the barbeque place stopped in. He was looking for you.”
“For me?”
“He said he’d been talking to that cowboy chef guy and wanted to chat with you about internet stuff.” Her grin widened as she talked. “You’re famous in this town, Cami.”
Not wanting to be disloyal, I sorted through words, trying to form a well-structured sentence. Opportunity was knocking at my door, and I couldn’t ignore it. “What is the possibility that I could drop back to maybe two or three days a week? I don’t want to leave you and Nacha in a lurch.”
“We can manage that. Nacha isn’t out of the office much these days, and I know she doesn’t mind answering the phone. I’m glad you brought it up. You’re good at the social media stuff. And you don’t need to continue answering phones out of a sense of loyalty. When you need to quit altogether, let us know.” She sipped her coffee, looking at me over the rim.
“Thank you. I will keep you posted.” I turned on my computer.
“And in the meantime, you’ll only answer the phone. We can deal with the other admin duties.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, and we need to figure out an agreement for you as our social media manager. You’ve been doing that as a bonus. It’s time we worked up a contract for your services.” She tossed her empty cup in the trash.
Before I could jump up and down, thanking her, the phone rang. For the better part of the next three hours, I fielded calls, posting and planning whenever I had a few quiet minutes.
I’d found something I loved doing, and I was good at it. It was almost too good to be true.
Harper set grocery bags on the counter. “You can work on stuff while I cook.”
I hopped onto the counter. “Thanks. Did you have a good day?”
“Pretty good. You’re in a chipper mood. I’m guessing that means your day was also good?”
I tugged him close. “You were right.”
One eyebrow lifted as a smile spread across his face. “I’m going to like this conversation, I think.”
“I talked to Haley about cutting back my work hours. For now, I’m rolling back to three days, but that may change to two. And I’m meeting with the guy from the barbeque place tomorrow.”
He pulled me to his lips. “I’m proud of you. And so happy that people see how talented you are.”
I leaned my forehead against his. “I want your opinion on something.”
He cocked his head without pulling away. “You look amazing in the leopard suit, but I think a dress of some sort might be better for the wedding.”
“If money wasn’t an issue, when would you want to get married?”
His shoulders tensed. “Cami, I’d marry you tomorrow, but letting your dad have any part in this is a risk. I’m not sure it’s worth it.”
“Joji wants to pay for everything. She made me promise I’d talk to you about it.” I inhaled, trying to shed the guilt I associated with accepting the money. “At first I was set against it, but I keep thinking about how amazing it would be to be Mrs. Harper at Christmas. Am I crazy?”
That brilliant twinkle danced in his green eyes. “Less than a month? That’s the best thing I’ve heard since you said yes. And while I understand that accepting her offer is uncomfortable, I think being able to give that to you means something to her.”
“So it’s not selfish to accept it?”
“No, Cami, it’s not. And it isn’t like you are going to throw a million-dollar event.”
“Oh my gosh, no.” I giggled as he pulled me off the counter and into his arms.
He carried me to the sofa. “Dinner can wait a few minutes. We have a wedding to plan. Well, you do. I’m just here to do whatever you tell me. What about working on the goat farm?”
“I’ll talk to her about that. If she needs my help, I can drive out and do stuff. But being here was a temporary thing.”
“Then you’ll have more time to grow your business.”
“If that’s okay.” Excitement flared in my chest.
“Tot
ally.”
I patted those fireman muscles. “While you’re cooking, I’ll let Joji know, and I’ll send Lilith a note about dates in December. The chapel will look beautiful with greenery.”
“And mistletoe.” Harper rubbed my back. “I know the next few weeks will be crazy. So, please ask if there is anything I can do.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll have a honey-do list a mile long.” I kissed his cheek before climbing out of his lap. “Let’s start cooking. I’m starved.”
“I’ll start. You go talk to Joji.”
“Okay. Be right back.” Walking to her house, I thought of my mom. Inviting my parents to the wedding felt like a risk my heart couldn’t take. Even after everything that happened, I wanted them there for my big day, but having my heart smashed again would hurt too much.
I knocked. Because when Clint’s truck was outside, I never walked in without notice. Joji had said he came over to watch movies and television. But as a teen, I’d learned what euphemisms were. My mom would say that she and my dad were going to watch television, but I guess they didn’t realize I could hear when their television was on. And when it wasn’t.
Shaking that memory, I smiled as the door opened.
Clint grinned. “Evening. Joji’s in the kitchen.”
Driven by an impulse I couldn’t name, I hugged him. “Thanks.”
He held me a second longer than I’d expected. “I’m excited for you Cami.” Stepping back, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “And if there is any way I can help you, let me know. Joji’s family is my family.”
Maybe that was his way of offering to walk me down the aisle. I had to think about it longer before deciding. But no matter what he meant, I appreciated his approval.
I’d been trying to reshape my life to win my parents approval, making choices that fit me. I’d learned that I thrived off approval, but finding it in the right places was key.
Joji walked to the door. “Did you talk to Harper?”
“Yes, and we’d love to accept your generous offer.” Before I finished speaking, I threw my arms around her. “We want to get married before Christmas if possible.”
“Fun! That’s perfect.” She shooed me toward the door. “We’ll talk more tomorrow, but tonight, spend time with Harper.”
“He’ll need it. Wedding planning isn’t for the faint of heart.” Clint winked.
The next few weeks would be a whirlwind, but at the end I’d be having the best Christmas ever.
Chapter 27
Harper
Parked along the curb in the posh Houston-area neighborhood, I stood out like a sore thumb. Hopefully, the police wouldn’t show up. That was a wrinkle I didn’t need.
Putting a smile on Cami’s face was the reason I’d traveled three hours, but this mission had to be done in two parts.
When the Maserati pulled out of the driveway, I waited until it was down the street and around the corner before pulling up to Cami’s house.
I knocked at the front door and adjusted my collar. I shouldn’t be nervous. It didn’t matter to me what her parents said. I was here to invite them to the wedding. If they declined the invitation, I’d take that secret to my grave.
If they showed up to the wedding, my bride’s smile would be extra bright. And I’d do almost anything to make that happen.
The door opened, and Mrs. Phillips gasped. “Is Cami here?” She stepped outside and looked toward the truck. “Is she okay?”
The concern in her voice gave me hope that perhaps she felt differently than her husband.
“Cami’s fine. She’s not with me. In fact, she doesn’t know I’m here.”
She stepped aside and opened the door all the way. “Would you like to come in?”
“Thank you.” I followed her through the grand entryway into a sunlit room.
She pointed at a chair as she sat in another. Tears brimmed in her eyes. “When is the wedding?”
This would be easier without the small talk.
“In a week.”
“So soon?” A tear streaked down her cheek. “I’ve been seeing her pictures. She seems happy.”
“She is, but she misses you.”
“What brings you here? If there is anything I can do . . .”
I held out the embossed invitation. “I wanted to invite you in person. Having you there would mean the world to Cami.”
She trailed a finger over the card. “You drove all this way to invite us?”
“If you decide not to go, Cami will never know.” My tone was kind, but I didn’t filter the raw truth.
“I know how it looks, but I do love her.” Her composure was cracking.
I nodded.
She wiped her eyes and let out a breath. “How long will you be in town?”
“I have one more errand to run, then I’ll head back to Stadtburg.”
“Will you stop by here before you leave?” She clasped my hand. “Please.”
“Of course. Give me about an hour.” I stood.
Mrs. Phillips hugged me. “Thank you. You’ll never know what this means to me.”
“Thank you for not slamming the door in my face.”
She patted my arm. “You love her. That’s what matters to me.”
“I do love her. That’s why I came.”
Her smile returned. “I’ll see you soon.”
After a quick wave, I climbed into the truck. The first part of my mission had gone well. I still didn’t know if Cami’s mom would show up to the wedding, but I hadn’t been slapped or had the door closed in my face.
I wasn’t sure neither of those would happen during the second part. I doubted Mr. Phillips would slap me. Getting slugged was more of a possibility.
When I parked outside the office building, I checked my phone for messages before walking inside. Cami hadn’t asked many questions about why I couldn’t do the cake tasting with her, and I prayed she wasn’t suspicious about my absence.
The lobby was spacious and open with light pouring in all the windows. I walked up to the front desk, and a young woman smiled. “How may I help you?”
“I’m here to see Mr. Phillips.”
Her brow furrowed as she typed on a computer. “What name should I give? Do you have an appointment?”
“My name is Ethan Harper. And I don’t have an appointment. You can tell him it relates to his daughter.”
Shocked registered on the woman’s face, but she recovered quickly. “Give me a second, and I’ll see if he’s available.”
I moved away from the desk, giving her space to make the uncomfortable call.
Would I be sent away? Called into his office? Or would he simply rush down the grand staircase and slug me in the lobby?
The curiosity was eating at me.
A minute later, Cami’s father appeared at the top of the stairs. “I’ll see you now.”
Taking the stairs two at a time, I made it to the top quickly. “Thank you for seeing me. I won’t take up much of your time.”
“At least we agree on that.” He walked down the hall.
I followed.
His assistant stared as I strode through the office. I could only hope that the sweat circles under my armpits weren’t visible.
Mr. Phillips closed the door with a little too much force, then dropped into his chair. “Why are you here?”
I’d rehearsed what to say during the drive to Houston, but my brain still felt like it was a cat trying to get traction on a tile floor. “I love your daughter, and despite the way you’ve treated her, she loves you. And because she does, having you at her wedding would put a smile on her face. That’s why I’m here.”
His jaw clenched.
But I continued my monologue. “In one week, she’s going to walk down the aisle and become my wife. I’m requesting that you attend the wedding.”
He shifted as if stabbed by the news of the wedding date. “Are you here asking me to pay for it? Or did you just come to grovel for my blessing?”
Focusing my thou
ghts on Cami, I forced myself not to react in anger. “I don’t need your blessing, and I’m not asking for your money.” I scrubbed my face. “I’m just asking you to show your daughter that you love her. Please.”
Anger colored his face. “You can leave now.”
“Thank you for your time. Also, she doesn’t know I came here. As much as she’d love to have you there, she was afraid you wouldn’t come if she asked. I was trying to save her that rejection.” I dropped the invitation onto his desk. “If you love her, you won’t rub her nose in that rejection.”
I slipped out of the office, avoiding the stare from the assistant.
That had gone about as well as expected.
I had time to kill before showing up at Cami’s house again. Why hadn’t I asked why her mom wanted me to stop by again? All I wanted to do now was race home to Cami.
Sitting in a coffee shop, I texted her. I hope your day is going well.
It is. Busy but good. I’m tasting cake later at Tessa’s. Since you’re busy, Eli volunteered to give me a guy’s perspective. Her reply gave no hint of suspicion about what I was really doing.
I responded right away. With cake involved, why am I not surprised? Love you. I’ll message again when I’m finished.
Love you too. She chased her last text with a heart.
After coffee, I drove back to the house.
A pile of luggage on the porch surprised me. Was Mrs. Phillips sending Cami’s stuff back?
The door opened, and Mrs. Phillips set another bag on top of the pile. “Oh! You’re here. I didn’t mean to pack so much. I’m sure Cami needs help, and I want to be there. Will you take me to a hotel close to Stadtburg?”
I imagined Cami’s face at the moment she saw her mom. “Absolutely. Cami has an extra bedroom. I’m sure she’d love to have you.”
“Wonderful. Thank you. I’ve started to call her so many times. I just wasn’t sure she wanted to talk to me.”
“She misses you.” I picked up two of the bags. “Let me load these, then we can be on our way, Mrs. Phillips.”
“Perfect. Please call me Nora. Once we leave, I need to text David and let him know I’ll be gone a week.” She rubbed her temples. “He won’t be pleased.”
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