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  “Sorry about that.” Ryan rested a hand on her arm.

  “You’d better go.” How could she be so stupid to consider a relationship with Ryan? His mother would make Britt’s life a living torture.

  He moved to join the others then turned. “A drive to the rehearsal dinner?”

  Not if I want to see the light of day tomorrow. “I have my car, but thank you.” She didn’t tell him she wasn’t attending. Kevin and Cara had extended an invitation, and Kevin insisted she be present, but Britt had been subjected to one too many wicked glares from the dragon lady for one evening.

  The pastor began the rehearsal ceremony.

  Britt quietly opened the boxes and twisted together a cluster of plastic holly berries to a twig of leaves. Shoddy decorations? The nerve. Tomorrow, she’d make the dragon lady eat her words, or Britt would shove the holly berry sprigs in the other woman’s offensive mouth.

  She continued to create the embellishments that would adorn the end of the first ten pews on each side of the aisle. Her gaze wandered to the altar where Kevin and Cara faced each other, holding hands and smiling. They were the ultimate example of love and almost gave Britt hope. What she wouldn’t give to have someone gaze into her eyes the way Kevin looked at his fiancée.

  Ouch! She rubbed where the wire pierced the tip of her finger. Reality bit hard. So much for self-delusion.

  A half hour later, the rehearsal concluded, and the wedding party proceeded down the aisle. Kevin and Cara stopped to get Britt’s promise to attend dinner. She surrendered, agreeing to join them after the decorations were done. Mrs. Jerome linked her arm through Ryan’s, chatting non-stop and guiding him out the doors of the church. Britt nearly laughed out loud at the woman’s attempt to dominate Ryan’s attention.

  “She’s one cold-hearted woman.” Nathan let the groomsmen and bridesmaids pass.

  Britt sighed. “After tomorrow, I won’t see the dragon lady ever again.” I just need to survive the next twenty-four hours.

  “How do you intend to accomplish that? You’re dating her son.”

  “One date isn’t dating.” She stared at the decorative sprig in her hand. The ornament’s existence could end with a quick snap. A symbol of her fragile relationship with Ryan. “I don’t see another date in our future.”

  “Why?” Nathan sat beside her, twisting holly berries to a leaf stem. “He’s an okay guy. And he brought you out of your slump.”

  She grabbed the sprig from his hands, once again stabbing the tip of her finger. “What slump?”

  “You smile more, and the sparkle is back in your eyes. And he convinced you to do the work you love.”

  “The interior decorating job is temporary.” Britt ignored his first comment, not wanting to admit her friend was right. She loved the flutter of butterflies and the soar in her pulse rate when she was around Ryan. “I have to return to my real job on Monday.”

  “Why?” Nathan nudged her shoulder. “Quit. You know you want to.”

  Yes, I do. She lost count of how many times she was tempted to walk into her boss’ office and quit. “I can’t. I’m not ready.”

  “You’re so afraid of the unknown, you won’t move forward. Take a chance.”

  Dare she? Britt shook her head. The peaceful setting and beauty of the stained-glass windows were enticing her hidden wishes. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

  Nathan jumped up, checking his watch. “Right, the dinner party hosted by the dragon lady. I’m sure to be chastised for arriving late.” He picked up a sprig. “You’re not coming?” He raised a brow. “I saw your crossed fingers when Kevin made you promise.”

  “I’d certainly earn the title of Ms. Crazy by subjecting myself to one more second of Mrs. Jerome’s torment. I’ll need a good night’s rest to get through tomorrow.” Smiling, she took the sprig from his hand. “But you have a marvellous time.”

  He bent to kiss her head. “See you in the morning.”

  Seconds later, the pastor walked down the aisle. “The tree you requested has been placed at the altar. Is there anything else you need?”

  “Thank you.” Britt wanted to surprise Kevin and Cara with an added decoration they wouldn’t expect. The plan was to have the lights in the church dimmed as the couple recited their vows with the main light coming from an evergreen tree with sparkling white mini lights. The holly berry sprigs adorning the pews would also accent the tree. “I have the lights and berries, so all I have to do is decorate.”

  “If you require anything else, let me know. I’ll be in the office.”

  Britt watched the pastor return to the altar and exit through a side door. She lifted the boxes and walked down the aisle. She was prepared for the large tree, bringing an extra set of mini lights to cover the extra height.

  An hour later, her back aching from stretching and bending, she stepped backward and viewed the masterpiece. The tree looked amazing and lit the altar better than she’d hoped.

  “Wow.”

  Britt turned to identify the owner of the whispering voice. Her pulse skipped a beat. “What are you doing here? You should be at the dinner party.”

  Ryan joined her on the carpeted steps. “I snuck out.” His stare absorbed the twinkling tree. “Nathan said you were still decorating. I thought you could use some help.” He stepped closer to the tree and touched an artificial branch. “This is beautiful. I told my mother we had nothing to worry about.”

  “You were worried?” Britt frowned, curious to know why.

  “Cara’s been pretty tight-lipped about the wedding theme, which is unlike her.” He turned and shrugged. “Normally, she can’t keep a secret if her life depended on it. Her original theme was Christmas. Colorful and all the trimmings. I’ll admit my mother wasn’t the only nervous one.”

  She placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. Britt didn’t want to reveal any decor secrets. “The theme is Christmas.” She waved a hand toward the tree.

  He faced the tree then turned back. “This is an exquisite tree. Its beauty isn’t close to what Cara is telling at the dinner party.”

  “She’s revealing the wedding decor?” Surprise startled her and made her clasp her hands together.

  “Enough to have my mother down two full glasses of wine.”

  She wished she could have witnessed that moment.

  Ryan lifted a cluster of holly berries from a box. “Cara dropped small bombs during the party. Red and green flashing lights, silver garland hanging from the tables, reindeer napkins, and an officiating Santa.”

  Britt busted up with laughter. She rested a hand on her ribs and wiped a tear with her other hand. “Your sister is good.” She hoped Nathan recorded Mrs. Jerome’s facial expressions.

  “Please, tell me she’s lying.”

  His pleading gaze almost had her giving in. “The bride swore me to secret.” She twisted an invisible lock over her lips.

  “Well, I’m taking this lovely tree as a positive sign.”

  “Cara doesn’t know about the tree. It’s my surprise for the bride and groom.” Dare she make his pale face any whiter? Oh yeah! “Tomorrow, you might want to make sure your mother’s table has a plentiful supply of wine.” Britt pressed her teeth tight together, crushing her smile.

  His shoulders slumped, and he ran a hand over his jaw.

  She surrendered. “I promise there will be no Santa at the front of the altar.”

  “Thank you.”

  His smile warmed her to the core. She focused on the task at hand. “I put more holly berry sprigs on the tree than expected, so I need more for the pews. Want to help?”

  “Put me to work.”

  Britt showed him how to assemble the decorations. Staying busy prevented her thoughts from wandering. Ryan’s presence turned her to mush. Avoidance was the answer. Yet, she had asked him to stay. What’s wrong with me? This relationship spelled disaster. His mother would never give Britt a moment of peace.

  “Hey, beautiful. You’re quiet.”

  Please
don’t call me, beautiful. His sweet words would make walking away harder. “Too many injuries.” She held out her wire-poked fingertips. “This is what happens when I don’t pay attention.”

  “Let me finish these.” He took the berries from her hand. “I’m sure you haven’t stopped all day. Did you eat?”

  “I have been busy, but snuck in a quick lunch.”

  “What about dinner?” Ryan finished the last sprig and attached six to the benches. “You missed the rehearsal party. Why don’t we grab a bite somewhere?”

  As much as she wanted to, Britt couldn’t accept. “Dad texted me earlier. He made a chicken casserole and is waiting.”

  “Oh.”

  The disappointment clouding his gaze made her regret lying. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding. I’m excited about Hershey’s spotlight.” She closed the boxes and bent.

  “Me, too.” Ryan grabbed the boxes from her hands. “I’ve got these.”

  Britt shut off the lights and turned the lock as she closed the church doors behind her.

  Ryan followed to her car and placed the boxes on the back seat. He leaned against the door. “Most of the furniture arrived today. Can you come by on Sunday to help arrange everything in its proper place?”

  A spike in excitement elevated her pulse. She opened her mouth to speak.

  He held up a hand. “Sorry, rude of me to ask. You’ve spent your vacation managing this wedding and helping with my house. You deserve one free day before returning to work.”

  “Nathan told me to quit.” She sighed then reached for the door handle.

  Ryan placed a hand over hers. “I totally agree. You should do interior design. You’re the best.”

  “Well, what type of designer would I be if I didn’t see a project through to the end?” She smiled, feeling her hand warm under his. “I’ll be there on Sunday.” Britt would complete the work on Ryan’s house then say goodbye to him and Hershey. She swallowed past the lump in her dry throat. “I should go. Dad is waiting.”

  He moved his hand from hers and stepped backward. “Goodnight, Britt.”

  Britt opened the door and sat inside. “Goodnight, Ryan.” She shifted into Drive and pulled out of the parking lot. Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. If saying goodnight was so difficult, how would she get through a goodbye?

  ****

  Ryan paced the aisle of the church. He had yet to see Britt. After last night, he wondered where they stood. He thought they were moving forward, but her quick retreat had him worried. She couldn’t leave fast enough.

  Am I overreacting? Britt was working her butt off the past few days. Her quiet disposition last night could have been exhaustion, or from the tranquil setting of the church. I’m being melodramatic. She had plans with her father. But Britt’s rejection stung, the hurt going deep. He’d never been affected by a woman so quickly. Ryan was falling, too fast.

  Dylan approached, struggling with his tie. “I hate these things.”

  “Come here.” Ryan adjusted his brother’s tie. “You were supposed to be at Kevin’s house this afternoon to get ready with the rest of the groomsmen. I called your place several times.”

  “I slept in.”

  “Because you left the rehearsal dinner last night to party until three in the morning at a lounge downtown.” Nathan shoved Dylan’s shoulder.

  “Really?” Ryan shook his head. “You couldn’t go home after dinner?”

  Dylan raised his arms. “Not my fault. Blame the bridesmaids. They insisted I go.”

  “And you can’t say no to a pretty face. Not even the night before your sister’s wedding.” He awaited the day a woman would knock Dylan off his partying high-horse. Ryan smiled, staring past Nathan’s shoulder. She’s here!

  Britt wore white high heels, highlighting her tanned legs. The lavender pencil skirt and matching short-sleeved jacket hugged her curves, and her honey-highlighted brown hair bounced freely over her shoulders.

  As he watched her approach, Ryan struggled for a calming breath. Happy wouldn’t be the word to describe her face.

  Britt’s lips were pressed together, her eyebrows drawn inward. “Dylan, where is your handkerchief?” She jabbed a finger at his empty pocket.

  Dylan’s cheeks flushed to a dark pink. “I…umm…I don’t…know.”

  “Come with me.” She grabbed his lapel. “You’re lucky I have a spare.” Britt turned to Ryan. “Guests are arriving. Cara doesn’t want families separated on each side. Sit them where they want, with the exception of the first rows.” She then focused on Nathan. “Can you cover for Dylan until I’m done?”

  “No problem.” Nathan nodded.

  As quick as she appeared, she disappeared.

  “What did you do?”

  Ryan frowned, not understanding Nathan’s question. “What do you mean?”

  Nathan greeted the first guest, jutting out his arm to guide the female down the aisle.

  Ryan then escorted a couple, and another, and another. He had to wait several trips back and forth before a short pause in traffic. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re in the dog house, my friend.”

  Damn, more guests. Ryan forced a smile and greeted an aunt and uncle. Their chatter delayed him from receiving clarification on Nathan’s statement. When he saw Dylan and another groomsman arrive, Ryan breathed a sigh of relief and grabbed Nathan’s sleeve, pulling him to the side of the church foyer. “What are you talking about?”

  “I know my best friend. She’s not happy, and by the way she avoided making eye-contact, I’m guessing you did or said something to upset her.” Nathan crossed his arms over his chest.

  “We’re fine.” Ryan wasn’t sure those words were true. “I came here last night to help Britt decorate.” He didn’t speak of her strange distance toward him. “I offered dinner, but her father made chicken and was waiting. She’s coming by my place tomorrow to help arrange the furniture.”

  Nathan’s brow rose. “Hmm, are you sure?”

  “Britt wouldn’t say she’d be there if she didn’t have any intention of going.” Ryan knew her well enough to know when she committed to something she’d see the project to the end.

  “That’s true, but keeping her word isn’t what I’m talking about.” Nathan leaned against the wall. “Robert couldn’t have been home until late last night. He visited my mother. She makes lasagne, and they play cards for a few hours.” Nathan cleared his throat. “Since my dad passed, Robert always visits my mom when he’s home.”

  Ryan felt his heart sink. Britt lied. Why?

  “Kevin assured me you’re a good guy, but if you hurt—”

  “I’d never do anything to hurt Britt. I care about her.” Ryan straightened his stance.

  “Other guys have said that, too. The last guy she dated forgot to tell her he already had a girlfriend. She’s had her fill of two-timers.” Nathan shook his head. “Then there’s her dirt bag of a boss. She has walls built for a reason.”

  Nathan clarified so much. Ryan now understood Britt’s hesitance to enter a relationship. “Nathan, I’m not those guys. I really like Britt, and I believe she feels the same. I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s special. I think I’m falling into the more than like category.” He hoped Nathan’s nod gave approval. Now, Ryan had to somehow convince Britt to give him a chance.

  Chapter Seven

  My brother is really in to you. Please don’t break his heart. Dylan’s whispered words troubled Britt. Thankfully, she didn’t have time to respond. After inserting a handkerchief into Dylan’s jacket pocket, she ushered him back to the groomsmen to resume his duties. Her hands shook and her brain froze. Why would Dylan think she’d break Ryan’s heart? She couldn’t ponder that question further. Too much work to be done.

  Cara’s parents had arrived.

  Britt waved to Dylan to escort his mother to the front row, and she then led Mr. Jerome to the room where Cara and her bridesmaids waited. Britt gathered the groomsmen together, lining them beside Kevin an
d Nathan at the altar. She caught Ryan’s gaze, ignoring the flutter in her pulse and the wobble in her knees. This was not the time to swoon over how incredibly handsome he looked in his tux.

  From her spot at the side of the double doors, Britt pointed at the first bridesmaid, cueing to begin the bride’s procession.

  With everyone in place, the pianist began the wedding march.

  Cara and her father emerged from the back room and walked to the entrance. Ooohs and aaahs whispered throughout the church. Cara, who had threatened her mother that she’d wear a green wedding dress, stood proudly in a blush tulle ball gown with ivory silk organza flower appliqué and lace embroidery. A blush tulle wrap with cap-sleeves complimented the sweetheart neckline. Cara mouthed a thank you to Britt then began the short walk to her teary-eyed groom.

  The music stopped, and the ceremony started in hushed tones.

  Britt went into another room to fetch the secret wedding participant. She returned and waited for the pastor to request the rings. Kevin and Cara believed Ryan had their rings, but that wasn’t the case.

  Ryan stepped forward and met Britt’s gaze.

  She inhaled a deep breath. This moment counted on one evening of training.

  Britt placed the silk pillow’s ribbon in Hershey’s mouth. She placed the gold rings on the pillow and whispered in his ear.

  The dog slowly stepped one paw at a time toward the altar, heading to Ryan. The looks of amazement on the guests’ faces were priceless. Hershey approached the altar and dropped the pillow in Ryan’s hands.

  Ryan whispered in his dog’s ear.

  Hershey then turned and pranced back down the aisle toward Britt.

  Guests clapped, Cara cried, Kevin grinned from ear-to-ear, and Ryan winked.

  Success. Britt released the breath she had been holding.

  The ceremony continued. Hershey jumped on the bench and sat beside her. “Good boy,” she whispered, leaning her head to his.

  Twenty minutes later, the bride and groom kissed. Within moments, the wedding party assembled at the nearby park to have photographs taken under the tall, red maple trees. This was Britt’s chance to slip out to the Ridgecrest Golf Club reception hall. Before going to the church, she had checked to make sure her decorating instructions were on track, but as she entered the room for a second time, Britt was overwhelmed by the room’s beauty.