Happily This Christmas (Happily Inc #6) - Susan Mallery Page 0,98
assumed being alone was just plain easier. Only now that he and Wynn were involved, he wasn’t sure he could say that anymore.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
JOYLYN WAS DETERMINED to get through Holly’s wedding without bursting into tears. Her hormones had settled down a little, so she thought she might have a chance, but it was going to be difficult, especially when the day was going to be so beautiful.
She had a quick moment to text with Chandler before he headed for the airport to start his long trip home. With luck they would be back together late that night—otherwise in the morning. Either way, she had less than twenty-four hours to go, and that was its own miracle.
Holly and Rex had arrived the night before, getting two rooms at the Sweet Dreams Inn. The ceremony would be at four with cocktails from five to six and the dinner after that.
Joylyn had picked up her friend at the inn and driven her over to Weddings Out of the Box. Even though it was only eleven in the morning, Renee was already there, with her team hard at work.
“You’re here!” Renee said, hugging them both before smiling at Holly. “How do you feel?”
“Excited. Happy.” Holly blinked back tears. “Grateful. I still can’t believe everyone did this for me.”
“We are very special people, so let’s accept that and move on. I want to show you everything we have. Your wedding is going to be even more beautiful than you imagined.”
Joylyn squeezed her friend’s hand. “Aren’t you excited? I can’t wait to see how it all turned out.”
“I’m still having trouble believing this is real,” Holly admitted. “But I’m also thrilled to be here.”
“Good.”
Renee led them into what Joylyn remembered as the main open area. Only now it had been partitioned in several smaller rooms. A pretty foyer had been decorated with Christmas trees and lanterns filled with large, white candles.
“Guests will be directed through there,” Renee said, pointing to an open doorway.
Joylyn and Holly walked through and found themselves in a big room. There was a center aisle with wooden chairs on either side. Sprays of white roses and red dahlias, accented with seasonal greens, were attached to the chairs on the aisle. Long red and green ribbons trailed to the floor. At the far end of the center aisle stood a stone fireplace. It was huge—maybe ten feet square, with logs piled in the opening. Twinkle lights lined the mantel, while two Christmas trees stood on either side.
Joylyn stared at the fireplace. “I don’t remember seeing that before.”
“It’s portable,” Renee said.
Holly stared at her. “How is that possible? A portable fireplace?”
“I know. A gentleman in town called last week. He heard about your wedding and offered it to us. The whole thing is on wheels and runs on propane. There’s a venting system out the back.” She grinned. “We’ve tested it twice and it works great. It gets a little toasty so we’ll wait until the last minute to turn it on, but it’s going to be so beautiful.”
Joylyn hugged her friends. “The pictures will be amazing.”
“I can’t believe all this is happening.”
From there they walked over to where the reception would be held. The tables were set with white tablecloths with a Christmas plaid runner down the center. Dahlias and roses and greens covered the plaid runner. Votive holders of different heights were nestled in with the flowers. A gold charger anchored every place setting.
“And the cake will go over here,” she said, pointing to a smaller, square table at the far end of the room.
They saw the bowls of red ornaments decorated with Holly’s and Rex’s names, along with the date. In the kitchen, they peeked in the large refrigerator and looked at the simple white four-layer cake.
“The caterer will get it in position in about an hour,” Renee told them. “She’ll add a cascade of red roses down one side and then let it come to room temperature. By the time you and Rex are ready to cut it, the cake will be ready.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” Holly told her, brushing away tears. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Oh, we thought of a little more,” Renee said, grinning at Joylyn.
Holly looked between them. “What is she talking about?”
“I have no idea.”
Renee led them to the Bride’s Room where two massage tables were set up and two masseuses were waiting for them.
“Welcome to your own spa day,” Renee said. “First a massage, then mani-pedis, then you get your hair and makeup done. There