to you too.”
“Perfect.” She paused. “And you’re also reaching out to the girls at Meet Me at the Altar?”
“Definitely. I know I don’t know the girls there personally, but I know their reputation. Plus, I remember you praising them.”
“Oh, they’re wonderful! I only wish we had met them before they set up their offices. I would have loved to have them here with us.”
“You have so many amazing businesses in the complex with you already,” Cammie said with a smile. “And who knows? Maybe somewhere down the line, you’ll join forces and have some sort of mega complex!”
Hailey groaned. “I don’t know if I could stand any more construction!”
They both laughed before Cammie spoke again. “I know you’re all several hours from here, but I felt like you’re both the absolute best at what you do and I can personally–or somewhat personally–vouch for you. The last thing I want is to bring in vendors who don’t know what they’re doing. Maybe next year I’ll have more time to interview and research, but as long as you don’t mind the drive…”
“We’re used to it. And if Josie, Skye, and Leanna aren’t convinced it’s worth the travel, I’ll give them a call. You know how persuasive I can be.”
That made her laugh because there was no one more persuasive than Hailey James-Pierce.
Well, except maybe her mother.
Judith James was the woman who started Enchanted Bridal so many years ago, but it was Hailey and her three business partners who turned it into the premiere bridal business in the southeast.
“I know you can, and if I need you to call them, I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, now that we have business out of the way, how are you doing? How is it to be living back in the mountains?”
“I’m enjoying it more than I thought. Things have been so hectic–I had to find a job and a place to live…”
“I thought you were staying with your parents?”
“Um…yeah. That didn’t last. But I did find a great little house to rent, so everything’s good now.” She glanced at the clock and realized it was getting late and she still had another dozen or so calls to make.
“Say no more,” Hailey said with amusement. “I love my parents, but I don’t think I could ever live with them again.”
“Exactly.” She paused. “Listen, Hailey, I am so excited to be working with you again, but I really need to go. Tons of calls to make and I’m sure you’re busy, too. I promise we’ll catch up when you’re here.”
“Sounds good, Cammie. And thanks for thinking of us!”
“Well, you are the best of the best! And thanks again. I can’t wait to get things started!”
After saying goodbye, she hung up and let out a happy little sigh. This was going to be good for her. The opportunity to head up such a big event and have it run smoothly would ensure that her boss would be impressed with her.
“Nothing can stop me now!”
Little did she know those would be her famous last words…
1
Eight fifty-seven in the morning and Cammie Parker was already running late.
As she quickly made her way across the massive lobby of the Emerald Grove Resort, she prayed no one would stop her. This was her first chance to head up a planning meeting and it would not be cool to be late.
Eight fifty-nine.
Quickly turning a corner, she sprinted down the hall and stopped at the door to the offices. Taking a deep breath, she ran a hand over her hair–which was thankfully pulled back in a sleek ponytail–and opened the door.
“Good morning,” she said and cursed how breathless she was.
The receptionist, Anna May Massey, looked up from the front desk and smiled. “Good morning!” Then she studied Cammie for a moment. “You okay?”
What was the point in lying? “I was running a little late and pretty much sprinted here from my car.”
Standing, Anna May laughed. “Well, take a minute to catch your breath, and then we’re meeting in Dixie’s office at nine-fifteen.”
Cammie watched as Anna May walked away and almost sagged with relief. She wasn’t late–not really–and she had a few minutes to pull herself together. Working at the resort was a bit of a dream come true. Not only because of the timing, but because she had lived not far from it since her sophomore year of high school–and before moving to Raleigh several years ago–and Emerald Grove was a place that always called to her. And now, here she was!
Grabbing a bottle of water,