Hershey's Choice Read online

  Britt followed the bride’s request for a Christmas theme by incorporating a winter wonderland. Thousands of mini lights hanging from the ceiling highlighted the large, white Styrofoam snowflakes dangling at varying heights. Swags of evergreen hung from the white linen covering the wedding party’s table. Red pillared candles and sprigs of holly brought attention to the bride and groom’s area. The white fabric-covered chairs were decorated with a wide red ribbon accompanied by a pine cone and a sprig of pine. Adorning the guests’ tables were glass vases filled with red-and-white striped candy canes.

  A table to the left held two Yule log cakes with branches of holly, and a variety of cupcakes. Centered on the table sat the five-tiered wedding cake. The red velvet cake was decorated with blush-colored, butter cream roses cascading down each level.

  Lastly, at the bride’s request, a snow cone machine offered six different delicious flavored syrups. Sticking to the wedding theme, Britt chose peppermint, cherry, lime, wedding cake, pineapple, and pink lemonade. She stepped backward, smiled, and took in the whole picture. Breathtaking!

  This wedding had been her best work. She longed to feel the satisfaction of seeing her work shine, as it did this very moment. If she had free control on event assignments, this would be the result. Having the sole influence with her clients, and the ability to choose her own caterers and decorators, was a necessity to create an outstanding final product. Maybe then she wouldn’t dislike her job as much. She was tired of her boss interfering. I’ve spent too many years busting my butt for that brainless man.

  “This exquisite room should prove you and I are meant to go into business together.” Rachel Crane approached, arms crossed over her chest and head tilted to one side.

  Rachel and Britt worked at the same place of business until Rachel had the sense to leave. She was now employed by another event planning agency, but wanted to branch out on her own. They continued to connect through events and the annual wedding fair and expo. Rachel was Britt’s go-to person when she couldn’t find a particular decorating item. She enjoyed working with Rachel, but through Britt’s current employer, she wasn’t permitted to seek help outside the company’s contacts. She didn’t find it necessary to tell her boss how many times she broke that rule. The client’s request should always come first.

  “With your keen perception into what a client wants, and my ability to understand your bizarre visions.” Rachel pointed to the decorated room. “We pull off quite an event.”

  “You are right.” Britt couldn’t deny how well they worked together. Rachel wanted to start her own business, but she wouldn’t take the step alone. She had been harassing Britt for the past year to join her in a new venture.

  “So what’s stopping us?”

  The unknown and the possibility of failure. Britt shrugged. “I want to do interior design.” She glanced around the room, admiring the beauty.

  “That’s exactly what you did here.” Rachel waved her arms in the air. “You spoke to the client, got their input, and created a masterpiece. How can picking out pieces of furniture for someone’s house be more rewarding?”

  Frowning, Britt held a breath. She’d never thought of event planning as interior design. The two avenues of work did have similarities. Starting a business would remove creative restrictions. Dare she second guess her choices? Take a chance? “I’ll think about it.”

  Gasping, Rachel grabbed Britt’s arms. “Don’t toy. Are you serious?”

  “Yes.” Her response was completely sincere. “Just give me some time.”

  “Most definitely.” Smiling, Rachel squeezed Britt in a tight hug. “Hey, is he your date?”

  Britt followed her friend’s gaze to the back corner of the reception hall. “Handsome guy, isn’t he?” She tapped her leg. Hershey stood from his seated position and ran toward her. “This is Hershey.” She patted his head.

  “You got a dog?” Rachel bent to one knee and scratched the dog’s back.

  “No. He belongs to Cara’s brother. The guy I told you about. He hired me to decorate his new house.”

  Rachel stood, beaming a wide smile. “Oh, Ryan.”

  Britt felt heat warming her cheeks. She played with the tag on Hershey’s collar, stalling for time and hoping to avoid this too-personal conversation. Honking horns beeped from the outside parking lot. Thank goodness!

  “The guests are arriving. Time to disappear.” Rachel scratched Hershey’s back one last time then hugged Britt. “Have fun tonight, but not too much. I need you focused on business. Our business. Keep flirtation with Ryan to a minimum.” Rachel giggled and scurried out of the hall.

  Britt couldn’t remember what she had said to Rachel, during one of their recent wedding conversations, which would have her friend thinking she and Ryan were flirting.

  A warm breath of summer air entered the room. She flicked her hair from her shoulders, thankful for the air-conditioned hall.

  Guests walked into the room and formed a line in front of the guest book. Kevin’s family approached, boasting over the decorations.

  “Britt, you’ve done an incredible job.” Kevin’s mother hugged Britt. “Everything is beautiful.”

  Kevin’s father gently squeezed Britt’s hand. “Superb work, my dear.”

  Other guests gathered and expressed their admiration. While Britt appreciated their compliments, she was overwhelmed with requests for her business card. A newly engaged couple had just set a wedding date, a young woman was hosting a baby shower, and an older couple had an upcoming fiftieth anniversary.

  Britt lost count of the numerous proposals for work. Apprehension plagued her response. She couldn’t give out her card. They’d call the office and get assigned to another event planner. Reaching in her purse for a pen and notepad, Britt wrote their names and telephone numbers. “I’m having new cards printed. As soon as I receive them, I’ll contact you.” What am I doing?

  “Britt, you’re the best!” Kevin wrapped her in a warm embrace.

  “I’m at a loss for words.” Cara swiped a tissue under her eyes. “What you’ve done here is amazing, and the tree in the church was a beautiful surprise.” Smiling, she dabbed her eyes again. “And Hershey as the ring bearer was adorable.”

  “I’m impressed.” Nathan kissed Britt’s cheek. “Your best work.”

  Ryan approached, glancing from floor to ceiling. “This is a picture from a magazine. Incredible.”

  Britt was flattered. Their praise was welcomed and boosted her confidence to take a chance on going into business with Rachel. “I didn’t do this alone.” She held up a hand. “I had help.”

  “Well, Cara and I can’t thank you enough.” Kevin and Cara pulled her into a trio-hug.

  The caterer and two waiters arrived. The chef took his spot behind a table of warming food, and his waiters poured champagne into glasses.

  “You guys need to take your place at the head table.” Britt placed her hands on Kevin’s shoulders, turned him toward the wedding party’s table, and gave him a gentle shove.

  “You’re off duty.” Kevin glanced over his shoulder. “Sit and have fun.”

  “Save me a seat,” Nathan whispered in her ear then followed Kevin.

  The butterflies in her stomach had yet to settle. Their fluttering confirmed Ryan’s presence behind her. She turned. “They’re waiting.” Britt pointed to the head table. She met Mrs. Jerome’s gaze.

  The dragon lady glared from across the room.

  Britt shivered. She had hoped the beauty of this room would ease the older woman’s dislike. Did nothing melt her frozen heart?

  “We need to talk.” Ryan reached out for her hand.

  Britt took a step backward. “You’d better go before the daggers your mother’s stare is throwing actually strike me.”

  Ryan stepped to the side and blocked her line of sight to his mother. His attempt to protect Britt from threat calmed the butterflies.

  “She’s taking this situation too far. I know she’s pissed because she was removed fr
om the wedding planning, but that was Cara’s decision. I’m tired of my mother treating you badly.” Frowning, he turned. “This stops now.”

  She grabbed Ryan’s arm. “Please don’t. Not tonight.” His gallant actions warmed her from head to toe. “This day belongs to Kevin and Cara.”

  He paused then faced Britt and placed a hand on her cheek. “You are the most caring person I know.”

  His hand warmed her cheek. She found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. “I…umm…we… you…my date is waiting.” The words stuttered from her lips, her composure not as calm as she hoped. His gentle touch affected her more than she cared to admit. She turned to face the table where her companion sat waiting. The air-conditioned room cooled her cheek where Ryan’s hand rested just seconds ago.

  His brows creased to a frown then softened as his gaze settled upon her table. “He’s working that bowtie.”

  “He gave me less trouble than Dylan.” Britt smiled at Hershey, who sat patiently by the table. “I had an extra tie, and since Hershey is an official member of the wedding party, I thought he deserved recognition for a job well done.”

  “He came pretty close to stealing the spotlight from the bride and groom.” Ryan chuckled. “Are you sure you don’t mind watching Hershey? I can take him home.”

  “Not a chance.” She nudged his arm with her shoulder. “I promised Hershey a dance, and I intend to keep that promise.”

  The guests began tapping spoons against their glasses. In smiling response, the bride and groom stood and kissed.

  “Save a dance for me, too.” Ryan winked and returned to the wedding party.

  As Britt walked to her table, she shook her head. “Where have you been?”

  Dad slid onto a chair and leaned back, sipping a glass of champagne. “What are you talking about? I’ve been here the whole time.”

  Does he think I’m daft? She sat beside him, staring sternly. “You weren’t at the church.” She reached in her purse and passed Hershey a dog bone.

  Dad scratched behind Hershey’s ear. “Wow, the place looks great. How did you get those snowflakes tied?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Not working.”

  “What?” He held out his hands.

  “You’re a pro at arriving late and pretending you’ve been there the whole time. You fooled Mom, but not me.” Britt always knew when her father was delayed for one of her mother’s parties or events. His leisurely appearances should have irritated her, as it had her mother, but her aggravation grew from not being included on those disappearances that caused him to be late.

  He popped the end of a candy cane in his mouth. “I should have known.”

  “So, where’d you go this time? A drive to the park or the cottage?” His last-minute arrival didn’t surprise her. Dad disliked weddings almost as much as she did.

  “I was hoping to sneak in without being noticed. You’re my cover? Tell me what I missed at the church.”

  “I’ll tell you about the ceremony.” She raised an eyebrow. “If you give me a good reason why you were late for Tom’s son’s wedding.”

  Dad snapped the end of the candy cane between his teeth. “I met with my boss. No more trucking. I resigned.”

  Britt set her champagne glass back on the table. The sparkling liquid dripped over the rim from her shaking hand. “You did what?”

  “I’m done.” Lines creased his forehead. “I thought you’d be a little happier.”

  “I am.” Inside, she was jumping for joy. “Your retirement just seems sudden.”

  “Not really. I’ve thought about leaving for quite some time.” Dad rested a hand on her cheek. “Seeing the look on your face each time I left broke my heart.”

  She couldn’t think straight with so many questions rattling her brain. “What will you do? Trucking has been your life.”

  He reached for her hand and held it tight. “No, my dear, you are my life. Driving a truck was a job.” Dad gave Hershey one of the dog treats she had left on the table. “I don’t really have to do anything. I have enough money saved. Maybe I’ll get a dog.” He winked. “Or I could paint and draw. I’ve been working on your secret project for Ryan’s house. Drawing has inspired me.”

  She wrapped her arms around her father. “I’m beyond happy.” Tears clouded her vision. “This is a big deal. We need to celebrate.”

  “Hold on the celebration. You’re not accustomed to having me home all day, every day. Aren’t you worried I might drive you crazy?”

  “Not one bit.” She had waited too long for this day.

  Dad stood and kissed her forehead. “The line for food has dwindled. Let’s grab some plates.”

  Britt and Hershey followed her father to the supper buffet. Leaving the road had to have troubled Dad’s thoughts for a while. He didn’t know what the future held, yet he was willing to take that first step. She was proud of her father. He had the strength she didn’t possess. The ability to seize an opportunity.

  The buffet table had seafood, chicken, and plenty of vegetables. Enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Dad placed scallops, mushrooms, and roasted potatoes on his plate. Britt opted for a few slices of chicken breast, mashed potatoes, carrots, and gravy.

  A half hour later, the caterers cleared the supper dishes. The bride and groom cut their cake, and the guests rushed the dessert table. Once the meal was complete, the lights dimmed, the bar opened, and the bride and groom took their place in the middle of the room for their first dance as a married couple.

  Dad reached for the leash hanging on the back of her chair and clipped it to Hershey’s collar. “I’ll take him for a walk.”

  “This is a no-pets-allowed zone, but the manager made an exception for Hershey.” Britt passed him a small, plastic fire hydrant hanging from a keychain. “Use one of the bags for scooping.”

  Nathan arrived, his tie and jacket discarded. “For you.” He passed her a snow cone.

  The snow cone machine had been receiving rave reviews. She was anxious to sample one and was curious to know what flavor Nathan had chosen. She took a long sip from the straw. Setting the cup on the table, Britt covered her mouth with a hand. A burning of warmth travelled down the length of her throat to the pit of her stomach. “What’s in there?” She coughed.

  “Pineapple, but I had the bartender add a shot of rum and coconut cream.”

  His smile was devilish. Britt took another sip from the straw. Now, knowing what to expect, its flavor didn’t burn with as much wrath. The piña colada reminded her of lounging by the lake at the cottage on a warm summer’s day. She nodded an approval. “She’s pretty.” She pointed to the dance floor.

  “Who?” Nathan followed the direction of her finger.

  “The bridesmaid you were dancing with.” Britt wiggled her eyebrows.

  “She’s a friend of Cara’s. I had to dance, because we were teamed in the wedding party.”

  “You should ask her to dance again.”

  His cheeks flushed. “I don’t even know her name. Besides, I think she’s into Dylan.”

  “If you were to put in a little effort, you’d have her complete attention.” Since his father’s passing, Nathan put all his time into the bakery. She could count on one hand the number of dates he had, and none of those women received a second date.

  “You’re one to talk.”

  He stirred the straw in his cup, crushing the ice.

  She didn’t ask what shots were added to his snow cone.

  “You have Ryan’s attention, yet you act like he’s invisible.”

  “I don’t—”

  “You blatantly ignored him at the church.” Nathan leaned forward, elbows on the table. “What’s up? I thought you liked him.”

  “I do, but the situation is growing intense.” She took a long swig of her drink. A small chunk of ice cooled the back of her throat. “He’s ready for a serious relationship. I’m not sure I can take that leap.”

  “Because you’re afraid of putting your heart on the lin
e.”

  She wished Nathan would stop interrupting. “There’s that, and his scary mother.” Britt flicked a finger toward the woman crossing the dance floor. Mrs. Jerome’s quick approach closed the distance.

  Nathan moved to stand.

  But, the dragon lady pushed a hand against his shoulder, sending him back to his chair. “There’s no need to get up. I won’t bite anyone. Unless provoked.” She winked.

  His wide-eyed gaze shifted to Britt.

  The uncertainty in his eyes matched her thoughts. What unkind words does the dragon lady want to inflict upon me this time?

  Mrs. Jerome turned.

  Britt held a breath, waiting for the slaughter.

  “The church was beautiful, and you’ve transformed this hall into a lovely winter wonderland scene. I underestimated you, and I owe you an apology. Thank you for making today a day my daughter will always hold dear to her heart.” She then walked away as quickly as she had arrived.

  Nathan touched a finger under Britt’s chin, closing her gaping mouth.

  “Well, that was surprising.” Dad returned with Hershey.

  “Ditto,” Nathan said.

  Britt glanced at her trembling hands. She had been ready to defend her competence as an event planner, even if it meant making a scene. Kevin would eventually forgive her. Mrs. Jerome had pushed Britt’s buttons too many times, but a butchery of her design skills didn’t come. The woman’s civilized words were the last thing Britt expected. “She’s obviously had too much to drink, or she was coerced by Mr. Jerome to offer a compliment. I don’t think she’s signing a truce.”

  Ryan rushed to Britt’s side, placing a hand over hers. “I thought she’d leave you alone today. I’m sorry. I’ll speak to my mother.”

  She wanted to hug Ryan. His compassion warmed her heart. I can’t walk away from this amazing man. “Your mother was actually nice. She complimented my design.”