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“Would you look at this place!” Zoe Crenshaw craned her neck, looking up at the high ceiling, with decorative flat moldings painted in a pleasing shade of cream. The walls of the large room were painted in the same shade, with tasteful gold accents at the corners.
“I know,” Lauren agreed with her cousin.
They’d just arrived at the reception venue her mother had requested they visit. Her mom had enthused about the place, telling her it would be perfect.
But was it perfect for her and Mitch?
She looked down at her engagement ring, the round brilliant diamond in its gold band sparkling in the July sunshine streaming through the glass paneled windows. She loved the ring she’d chosen. She loved Mitch. But ...
“What is it?” Zoe glanced at her.
Lauren took in the perfection of the large room. The white and gold upholstered dining chairs, the podium, and above her, a large chandelier dripping with numerous crystal pendants.
“I don’t know if it’s really—”
“Hello, ladies.” A fussy short man in his fifties bustled up to them. He consulted his clipboard. “Crenshaw party?”
“Yes,” Lauren answered.
“I’m Reginald, owner and manager of this wonderful venue.” He beamed. When they didn’t say anything, he peered past them. “Is your fiancé accompanying you? Your mother told me over the phone that he would be here so we can go over everything together.”
“Mitch will be here as soon as possible,” Lauren replied.
“I’m Lauren’s cousin, Zoe.” Zoe smiled at him.
“Very good.” He nodded. “Let’s get started.” He checked his gold timepiece. “I have another party arriving in thirty minutes. Your fiancé will just have to catch up when he gets here.”
He ushered them over to a large polished mahogany table sporting a vase of red roses, and gestured to them to take a seat.
“Now, as you can see, this is a wonderful venue for a reception.” He waved his hand around the large room, the polished wooden floorboards gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Although it was a warm day, it was cool inside the building, the air conditioning humming faintly.
Lauren thought it was like a little castle, or perhaps a miniature stately hall – hence its name, Stately Vue Hall. She could see why her mother had been so enthusiastic about holding the celebration here.
“It definitely is.” Zoe nodded.
“How many guests will you have?” he asked.
Lauren blinked. “Umm...”
“She hasn’t decided yet,” Zoe said.
“Neither has Mitch.”
“That too,” Zoe agreed.
“Any idea at all of numbers?” Reginald asked, his pen at the ready.
“Not really,” Lauren admitted. “Not too big, though.”
“Are cats allowed in here?” Zoe enquired.
“I’m afraid not.” He shook his head.
“That means—” Zoe turned to her.
“Annie won’t be able to come.”
“Annie?” He frowned.
“My Norwegian Forest Cat,” Lauren told him.
“She works in the café with us,” Zoe added. “The Norwegian Forest Cat Café in Gold Leaf Valley. It only took us thirty minutes to drive here.”
Stately Vue Hall was conveniently situated halfway between Sacramento and their small town, another feature her mother had pointed out.
“No cats,” he confirmed.
Her long-haired silver-gray tabby would be disappointed. She’d left Annie relaxing on the sofa at home after they closed the café early to arrive here on time.
But ... would it actually be a good idea to have Annie at the reception no matter how small – or large – it would be? Her fur baby loved seating customers at the café, and joining her favorites at their tables, “talking” to them with her distinctive brrts and chirps, but would the crowd of people at the reception be too overwhelming for Annie? It was something she, Mitch, and Annie would need to discuss. Zoe as well.
“No cats. That’s no good.” Zoe furrowed her brow.
“Let’s move on.” He unclipped a sample menu and handed it to them. “We have different price options. For only thirty dollars per head, we have a two-course meal. A healthy green salad made with a variety of fresh lettuce leaves and cucumber, and a vegan pasta dish. We have vegans and vegetarians covered.” He beamed.
“What about meat eaters?” Lauren asked. Mitch enjoyed a good steak.
“It will be interesting for them to have something different for one meal. Our pasta dish is divine!” He kissed his fingertips. “Little pasta shells with a simple tomato sugo that is out of this world, with a touch of fresh basil leaves. We do our best for our budget brides.”
“Thirty dollars each is budget?” Zoe asked.
“Yes,” he replied. “You will not find anyone else who treats their budget customers with as much respect as we do.”
“We?” Lauren looked around the empty room.
“My assistant, Myrna. She was supposed to meet with you this afternoon, but she had to go to the dentist. She promised she’d be back as soon as possible.”
As if on cue, a rear door opened and a bespectacled woman in her mid-thirties rushed over to them. Her dark hair was caught up in a bun and she wore a gray skirt and plain white blouse.
“I got back as fast as I could, Reginald,” the newcomer said apologetically.
“This is my assistant, Myrna.” He turned to her. “You might as well stay now. When the next party arrives, I must attend to them personally.”
“Of course.” Myrna nodded to him, then smiled at Lauren and Zoe. “Hello.”
They returned her greeting.
Myrna sat down next to Reginald. “Where are we up to?” She brandished her own clipboard and pen.
“You don’t have a tablet or a laptop?” Zoe’s dark brown eyes were curious.
“No need for them,” Reginald informed them. “I prefer things to be done the old-fashioned way.”
“To the detriment of us all.” A well-groomed woman in her fifties emerged from the rear. She wore a smart beige linen suit with the merest hint of pink in its shade, which suited her complexion and dark brown hair. “Hello, I’m Elizabeth, co-owner of this establishment. I’m happy to help you in any way I can.”
“Thank you,” Lauren replied, wondering if this meeting would have gotten off to a better start if Elizabeth had greeted them instead of Reginald.
“I have things well in hand, Elizabeth.” Reginald frowned at her.
Elizabeth looked like she wanted to argue, then smoothed her expression. “Very well, dear, but I will be here when our next party arrives.”
She nodded pleasantly to Lauren and Zoe, then left the room.
Reginald must have realized they were looking at him curiously. “Elizabeth is my ex-wife – and partner in our business.”
“Oh.” Lauren didn’t know what else to say.
“Now.” He rustled some papers on his clipboard. “We’ve gone over the budget meal option. For—”
“What about dessert?” Zoe asked. “Is dessert included in the thirty-dollar price point?”
“No,” he replied. “That is what your wedding cake is for. If you do not have a preferred supplier for your cake, we can recommend one. The starting price for a one tier cake for fifty guests is three hundred and fifty dollars.”
Lauren blinked at the price.
“What about beverages?” Zoe pressed. “Is champagne included for the toasts? Or—”
“No,” he replied. “Sparkling water is provided for the meal. Our budget brides make their own arrangements for alcohol. Naturally, there is a corkage fee and we provide a licensed bartender for an extra charge. Or we can provide the champagne and anything else you desire, but for a price.”
Naturally, Lauren thought. Her heart began to sink. Although it was beautiful, she didn’t think this place was right for her – or Mitch – or Annie.
She didn’t know how her mother would react. Since her parents were paying for most of the wedding, her mother had come up with some ideas of what she thought would be suitable. But she didn’t think they were her or Mitch’s idea of suitable. When he arrived, she’d talk to him.
“But don’t despair.” Reginald looked like he wanted to pat both of them on the hand. “For fifty dollars per head, you will receive champagne, wine for the meal, a delicious chicken entrée, and chocolate mousse for dessert.”
“Fifty?” Lauren’s voice was faint. If she and Mitch invited fifty people, that was already two thousand, five hundred dollars.
“Plus the venue fee of course,” Reginald added. “That is one thousand dollars for six hours.”
“How much is it for the budget package?” Zoe asked.
“The venue fee is the same, regardless of which menu you choose,” he told her severely. “And if you want a longer reception, we’re happy to accommodate you, at a price of one hundred dollars per extra hour.”
“We should get into the wedding business.” Zoe nudged her.
“So that’s two thousand, five hundred dollars for six hours, the budget menu, and fifty guests,” Lauren said.
“That is correct.” He looked at her in approval. “And we have two more menus. The seventy-five-dollar menu features your choice of steak or seafood, endive salad, and a dessert bar. The one-hundred-dollar menu features a seafood entrée, steak or duck, dessert bar, and complimentary sugared almonds as bonbonnieres for your guests. There are vegan options as well.”
Lauren didn’t even want to think how much those packages would cost with fifty guests.
“Are you okay?” Zoe whispered. “You look a bit pale.”
“I feel pale,” she murmured.
Her parents wanted to pay for the wedding, but they hadn’t specified a budget. Was her mother aware of how much this venue cost? She’d have to call her once she got home.
Reginald checked his watch, a frown on his face. “Is your fiancé coming this afternoon?”
“He said he’d be here,” Lauren told him. And Mitch always kept his word.
“Yeah.” Zoe nodded. “Mitch is a police detective. Sometimes he gets a bit held up.”
“He’ll call me if he can’t make it.” Lauren looked at her phone. No missed messages or texts. “He’ll be here.”
“Let’s talk about dates.” Reginald looked at the sheets of paper on his clipboard. “We are very popular, but I have one available date in the next six months. Three o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon. In October.”
“We can’t have the wedding for six months?” Lauren slumped back in her chair.
“You can have it in October.” Reginald’s pen was poised over his clipboard. “Let’s pencil you in for this date, and we can decide on the menus later.”
“I need to talk to Mitch about this first.” Lauren found her voice.
“Yeah, people work on Tuesdays.” Zoe frowned at Reginald. “We’d have to close the café, and Mitch would have to get time off work, plus everyone we’re inviting would need to take the afternoon off.” She turned to Lauren. “Does your Mom know about this?”
“I think she assumed it would be a weekend wedding.” Like Lauren had.
“Yeah, Saturday would be better,” Zoe agreed.
Reginald looked shocked. “All our Saturdays are booked until next year. If you wanted such a specific day, you should have contacted us a long time ago.”
“But I’ve only been engaged for six months,” Lauren protested. She touched the diamond in her ring and instantly felt better. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I’m sorry, but—”
“Have I missed anything?” A tall man strode into the large room. Lean and muscular, he wore fawn slacks and a white long-sleeved shirt. His dark brown hair was cut short, and his brown eyes looked serious.
“Not really.” Lauren smiled at her fiancé, catching the faint scent of his light citrus aftershave.
“We were discussing dates,” Zoe told him.
Mitch sat down beside her, nodding to Reginald and Myrna as they were introduced.
“The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned.” He captured Lauren’s hand, and smiled tenderly at her.
Reginald cleared his throat. “As I was saying to your intended, that will not be possible. Unless you prefer a Tuesday afternoon.”
“No,” Mitch replied. “Sorry, but our friends work, and we wanted to invite them.” He turned to Lauren. “Didn’t we?”
“Of course.” She nodded. They hadn’t sorted out the guest list yet or had much of a conversation about exactly who to invite. They’d have to talk about it – perhaps tonight.
“We can pencil in a date later.” Reginald made a note on his clipboard. “Now, I have gone over the menus, but I’d be happy to explain them to you.”
“No need,” Mitch replied. “Lauren can fill me in afterward. I want what she wants.” He squeezed her hand.
“An admirable sentiment.” Reginald nodded. “That leaves the question of the wedding cake. As I previously explained, if you do not have a preferred baker, we can recommend one. The price for a simple one tier to serve fifty guests starts at three-hundred and fifty dollars.”
“You’re undercharging for your cupcakes,” Mitch whispered in her ear.
Lauren stifled a smile.
“We’ll have to consider that,” Zoe told Reginald. “We were thinking of having some tastings. Do you do that?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “We can provide you with three samples from our recommended provider.” He leafed through his papers and handed Zoe a sheet. “Here is all the information. Just call me when you’re ready and I’ll set it up.”
Zoe scanned the paper. “It says there’s a charge.” She sounded indignant.
“You’ll find most things have a cost,” Reginald informed her, “especially when it comes to weddings.”
The roar of a high-performance car outside caught Lauren’s attention.
“Ah.” Reginald stood. “That must be our next client.” He nodded to them. “Let me know if you’re serious about having your reception here, and I’ll do everything I can to help. Good afternoon.” He bustled through the front entrance, no doubt wanting to greet the new arrival.
Elizabeth, the ex-wife, swept through from the rear.
“I couldn’t help overhearing, dear.” She spoke to Lauren. “If you really want to get married on a Saturday, I might be able to help.” She pulled out a little diary from her skirt pocket. “I have a cancellation list – Reginald probably forgot to mention that.” She shook her head. “He is getting a little older.”
“Yes, we are interested in a Saturday,” Zoe said.
Lauren shot her a look.
“What? We – you – are,” Zoe protested.
“We might need to think about it,” Lauren replied.
“I’m happy with whatever you want,” Mitch told her.
She smiled at him.
“What about a horse-drawn carriage?” Zoe asked Elizabeth. “Can you organize that?’
Elizabeth looked a little surprised but didn’t hesitate. “Of course, my dear. Whatever your heart desires.”
“I’m the one getting married.” Lauren nudged her cousin in a teasing manner.
“I know that.” Zoe grinned. “But it’s only going to be once. Why not make it super special?”
Elizabeth looked at Zoe shrewdly. “If you ever want to work in the wedding industry, call me.” She fished a card out of her pocket and handed it to her.
“Thanks.” Zoe glanced at the card and put it in her purse.
“Now, let me put you down on the cancellation list.” Elizabeth held her pen in the air.
Lauren looked at Mitch. He nodded.
“Okay.” Wondering if she was doing the right thing, Lauren gave her name and phone number.
“Wonderful.” Elizabeth smiled at her. “I’ll be in touch if a Saturday crops up – and you’d be surprised at how many cancellations we get at the last minute.”
“Really?” Zoe’s eyes widened.
“Oh, yes. The bride discovers that the groom has cheated on her at his bachelor party, or the bride decides to run off with another man on the night of her bachelorette party.”
“What happens then?” Mitch frowned.
“We call the next person on our list, and sometimes they can quickly organize their wedding guests and bring their wedding forward. We charge a non-refundable deposit when you book your date with us. Did Reginald mention that?”
“I don’t believe he did,” Lauren answered.
“Oh dear.” Elizabeth tutted. “He is slipping. Never mind, I’ve told you now. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No, I don’t think so. Thank you.” Lauren just wanted to go outside in the fresh air, even if it was warm out there, and think things – and talk things – over with Mitch.
“Thank you for your help.” Mitch smiled at her politely.
“Any time,” Elizabeth told him.
She walked them toward the entrance, just as a pretty blonde girl entered, accompanied by a hearty-looking man. His prematurely graying tufts of hair were slicked back.
“George Montson. And this is my daughter Brianna.” The man nodded to Elizabeth and Reginald. “We have an appointment.”
“Oh, Daddy, it’s perfect!” Brianna looked around twenty, her hair flowing in waves down her slender back. Her expertly cut white halter dress displayed her figure to advantage. White kitten heels, and a matching white handbag that probably cost more than a single tiered wedding cake, completed her outfit.
“Wow,” Zoe muttered.
Lauren nodded.
“We’ll have the orchestra over there.” Brianna pointed to the far corner of the room. “Lots of flowers, of course, and a huge wedding cake, because I’ll have so many guests, and–”
“How many guests?” Reginald looked ready to write down a figure.
“Three hundred, isn’t that right, Daddy?”
“That’s right.” He smiled proudly. “Brianna’s friends, our extended family, and my business associates.”
“Of course, of course.” Reginald looked delighted. “I’ve already sent the menu packages to your office. Have you had a chance to look them over?”
“We’ll have the most expensive one, won’t we, Daddy?” Brianna looked at her father appealingly.
“Yes.” Her dad nodded.
“Excellent.” Reginald sounded gleeful.
Lauren calculated a cost of thirty thousand dollars. She looked at Mitch, who raised his eyebrow.
“Whoa,” Zoe murmured.
“Now, what about the cake?” Reginald inquired. “We have connections with a wonderful baker who—”
“Can he make this?” Brianna whipped out her phone and practically shoved it into his face.
“Of course,” he assured her. “He is a genius and can bake anything you desire. A five-tier cake with cascading pink rose sugar flowers is child’s play to him.”
“We’ll need to have a tasting.” Brianna made it sound like a warning.
“We usually charge for the tastings, but for you, my dear, it will be complimentary.” Reginald beamed at her.
“It’s not complimentary for us – you,” Zoe muttered.
“Mmm.” Lauren nodded.
“Now, which date were you thinking of?” Reginald asked. Elizabeth joined the three of them.
“Yes, dear, which date?”
“Saturday, August fourteenth,” Brianna announced, as if expecting applause.
Reginald blanched.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible. We’re fully booked for the next six months. Unless you would like a Tuesday in October at three o’clock.”
“That’s your date.” Zoe turned to Lauren, outraged.
“Except we didn’t want it,” Lauren reminded her.
“Oh, yeah.” Zoe nodded.
“But I’ve told all my friends that’s when I’m getting married!” Brianna looked like she wanted to stamp her foot. “It’s my dream date! I have to get married on that day.”
“Is there any way we can fix this?” Her father appealed to Reginald and Elizabeth. “Name your price. I can’t have Brianna upset.”
Reginald consulted his clipboard. “I’m afraid the other party have fully paid for this date. I cannot cancel it.”
“How much?” Brianna’s dad pulled out his fancy leather wallet. “Ten thousand? More? Consider it a bonus.”
Reginald looked affronted. “I’m afraid I cannot. If word got out, my whole business could be ruined.”
“Our business, dear,” Elizabeth reminded him. “The judge awarded me half, since I helped you buy this place and worked alongside you for so many years.”
“You two are divorced?” Brianna’s dad chuckled. “You seem like an old married couple.”
“Unfortunately.” Elizabeth frowned at her ex-husband. “It’s a shame that California is a community property state. I try to make the best of things.”
“If we can get back to the matter at hand.” Reginald’s tone was brusque. “Now, you can have the first Saturday in February, or—”
“It has to be Saturday, August fourteenth.” This time Brianna did stamp her well shod foot, her white kitten heel coming dangerously close to Reginald’s black leather loafer.
“Let me put you on our cancellation list.” Elizabeth whipped out her little book. “Just in case that day opens up.” She made a note.
“Brianna is marrying Bobby,” George said.
“This is Bobby.” Brianna scrolled through her phone, then brandished it in Reginald’s face, then showed Elizabeth. She turned to Lauren. “You can see, too.” She seemed to notice Mitch for the first time, and gazed at him appreciatively.
Zoe crowded next to Lauren, as they glanced at an ordinary young man in his early twenties, with light brown hair. He looked a little stunned in the photo, as if he couldn’t believe he was standing next to such a perfect goddess as Brianna, much less be engaged to her. But Brianna showed off her huge diamond ring in the image, a proud smile on her face.
Brianna suddenly gazed shrewdly at Lauren. “Is her wedding date on a Saturday? When is it?”
“I’m afraid I cannot divulge such sensitive information,” Reginald told her severely.
“I don’t have a date,” Lauren informed her.
“Not yet,” Zoe added.
“Oh.” Brianna’s expression fell.
Lauren guessed she was about to demand that day. Perhaps she was wrong.
“Well, sweetie, what do you want to do?” George asked his daughter.
“I’ve got to have my wedding here, Daddy. It’s absolutely perfect.” Brianna gazed at the decorative high ceilings. “Can you just imagine this space filled with pink roses?” She glanced at Lauren, Zoe, and Mitch. “That’s my signature flower.”
“Hmm. Maybe we need signature flowers,” Zoe mused. “Maybe mine should be lavender because I like purple. No, lilac, no—”
“We can talk about it later,” Lauren said. “I just want to go home.”
“Good idea.” Zoe nodded.
They said goodbye to Reginald and Elizabeth, and made their way out to the bright sunshine, the crunch of gravel under their feet. Lauren could hear Brianna still arguing that she absolutely must have her dream date next month.
“Phew.” Zoe theatrically mopped her brow, her brunette pixie bangs bouncing against her forehead.
“Do you want to wait for a Saturday here?” Mitch asked Lauren.
She looked up at him, taking in the concern in his brown eyes. She loved everything about him, not just his dark good looks, but the way he listened to her, was protective toward her, but realized she was her own person, and appreciated her independence.
“No. I don’t think this place is really us, although it is beautiful.” She admired the graceful architecture. “But Mom seemed keen on having the reception here.”
“I hear you.” He nodded. “If all this planning gets too much, we could always elope.”
She wondered if he was joking, but the serious look on his face convinced her otherwise.
It was a tempting thought – just her and Mitch – unless Annie could somehow come to the secret ceremony as well, but ...
“I think my parents would be disappointed if they weren’t there.”
After a moment, he nodded. “Mine would be, too.”
“And Zoe, and our friends.”
“Yeah. Chris is going to be my best man.”
The paramedic, Mitch’s closest friend, was dating Zoe.
“I’ll call Mom when I get home and tell her that there aren’t any dates available.”
“Except for Tuesday.” He smiled ruefully.
Lauren looked around, but her cousin had vanished.
“Let’s go home.” Mitch put his arm around her as they strolled to the cars. Zoe was already in the driver’s seat of Lauren’s white compact car.
“I thought I’d give you two some alone time,” Zoe called out of the open window. “If you want to talk to Mitch on the way home, I can drive myself.”
They agreed to do that, Lauren sliding into her fiancé’s vehicle. Zoe waved goodbye, tooting the horn as she drove off.
“Is Zoe going to be your maid of honor?” Mitch started the engine.
“I need to talk to her about that. And we need to make a guest list, organize the cake, and I haven’t even started looking for a dress yet.” Her stomach clenched in panic. “As well as find somewhere to hold the reception.”
“We could always hold it at the café,” Mitch joked, accelerating away from the posh venue.
Lauren blinked. Could they?