Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Probably not. They know we’re coming early. I want to see how the setup actually works out, with the tents and tables and everything. Charlie Lexington should be out there as we speak, ready to greet vendors and make sure everything runs smoothly. We’re going to make sure that she has no need to even think about our side of things.”
“How are we going to keep the flowers from wilting?” Vickie wants to know. “If we set up too early, they’ll die in the heat.”
“We’re starting with the vines,” I inform her. “That’ll take us half the day, and they’re heartier. Then we’ll work on the more delicate flowers. We’ll bring the van back here to load up the flowers mid-day.”
“I like it,” Ida says, nodding.
“Now, before anything else, I want to remind us all that we signed contracts that include nondisclosure agreements earlier this week, and it’s imperative that we remember ourselves at all times. No photos of the guests, no asking for autographs, no posting to social media. I have permission to take photos of our work when we’re finished, but that’s it. No selfies with Erin’s family.”
“We understand,” Vickie says with a nod. “And we won’t do anything to embarrass you.”
“Or get me sued,” I remind her. “If you breach those contracts, you’ll be fired on the spot. I have to be a hardass on this one, guys. My business is on the line.”
“We’ve got your back,” Ida agrees, nodding.
“Let’s do this.”
I load up the last of the sandwiches and donuts because I know we’ll need the fuel later, and we head out to the vehicles. Sharla gets into the van with me, and the others pile into Ida’s car, and we’re off, headed out of town to the ranch.
“I’ve never seen the ranch,” Sharla says. She’s excited, barely able to sit still in her seat. “I’ve heard it’s gorgeous, and of course, I’ve seen the photos that Millie posts on social media. I admit, I’m so excited to get a glimpse of some of Erin’s famous family.”
I spare her a glance. “Sharla, like I said at the shop, I need you to be professional this weekend. I get that the people at this wedding are celebrities, but we have a job to do, and I want to make sure that Erin and Remington are comfortable.”
“I won’t embarrass you,” Sharla promises me. “I won’t ask for autographs or photos or anything.”
“Good, because you know what’s on the line if you do.” Sharla’s the youngest of us, and I know that she’s already starstruck, and we haven’t even seen anyone yet.
“I know,” she says. “I’ll be a wallflower and get my work done, but man, it’s so cool.”
“I can agree with you there. It is cool. It’ll be something we never forget, that’s for sure.”
As I pull in ahead of Ida, there are two armed security officers at the gates of the Wild River Ranch.
“Hi, I’m Summer Quinn, the florist. This is my employee, Sharla, and I have three more in the vehicle behind me.”
The man checks his list and nods. “Thank you. Just a reminder, there is to be no photographing the guests today.”
“I understand. I did have it added to my contract that I can take photos of the flower arrangements for my website.”
“I see that here. That’s not a problem.”
“Thank you.”
He nods and gestures to someone else, and then the gate opens, and we drive through.
“He was sexy,” Sharla says, dancing in her seat. “And I’m glad he’s not mad at me because, with those muscles, he looks like he could do some damage.”
“I think that’s the point.”
I drive us past the farmhouse and barn, out to the field where the event center will be. There’s already a massive tent in place, with another, smaller tent to the side. A row of mobile toilets and wash stations sits about twenty yards away behind a temporary, discreet wood fence.
“Wow,” Sharla whispers as I come to a stop. She’s staring up at the mountains. “Holy shit, Summer.”
“I know. It’s so freaking beautiful.”
The sun is rising over the peaks before us, sending a soft, golden glow over everything, and it’s enough to steal your breath away.
“New life goal unlocked,” she whispers.
“What’s that?”
“To get married out here someday.”
“That’s a damn good goal to have. Come on, let’s get going.”
Just after we arrive, other vendors come pouring in behind us. Sound equipment, tables, chairs, food and drinks, and a team of five photographers.
“Okay, since the tent is up, let’s start with the vine borders around it, just like I sketched out.”
“We’ve got it,” Ida says with a nod, and we get to work, all of us with specific tasks that I outlined well before today.
I enjoy the hive of activity bustling around us, and as the morning progresses, more and more bodies appear, as if from thin air. The air practically hums with energy and excitement, all of us excited to be pulling together to make something magical.