“September twenty-second is the date.”
There was a pause. “Okay. Wow.”
I winced, knowing I was asking a lot on incredibly short notice. And that it was going to cost a pretty penny to get it done in time. “I’ve decided my mom’s right about the white, cream, and gold palette, so let’s run with that. I’d like small accents of red. For example, I’ll have a neutral bouquet, but my jewelry will be rubies.”
“Ooh. Let me think. Maybe red damask skirts beneath white tablecloths …? Or Murano glass chargers under crystal plates … I’ll pull together some options.” She blew out her breath. “I really have to see the location.”
“I can arrange for a flight down. When can you go?”
“As soon as possible,” Kristen said briskly. “I’m tied up tomorrow evening, but the morning would work.”
“I’ll work it out and send you the details.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for it. Eva … do you have your dress?”
“Uh … no.”
She laughed. When she spoke again, the tension I’d heard before was gone. “I completely understand wanting to hurry things along with a man like yours, but more time would help make sure everything runs smoothly and you have your perfect day.”
“It’ll be perfect no matter what might go wrong.” I rubbed the back of my ring with my thumb, taking comfort from its presence on my hand. “It’s Gideon’s birthday.”
“Whew. Okay, then. We’ll make it happen.”
My mouth curved. “Thank you. Talk to you soon.”
I hung up and looked at the building across the street. Next door was a small café. I’d walk over and get a latte after I contacted the designer.
I sent Gideon a text. Who should I talk to about flying the wedding planner down to the Outer Banks house tomorrow AM?
It felt a little weird to ask the question. Who would’ve thought I’d ever have private jets at my disposal? I wasn’t sure I’d ever be blasé about using them.
I waited a minute for a reply. When it didn’t come, I called Blaire Ash.
“Hi, Blaire,” I said, when he answered. “It’s Eva Tramell, Gideon Cross’s fiancée.”
“Eva. Of course I know who you are.” His voice was warm and friendly. “It’s good to hear from you.”
“I’d like to go over some of the design details with you. Cary said you can meet tomorrow?”
“Sure. What time works for you?”
Thinking of the trip to the Outer Banks with Kristin, I answered, “Would evening work? Say six-ish?”
Gideon would be with Dr. Petersen until at least seven o’clock. Then he’d have to commute home. That gave me enough time to switch some things up with our design plans.
“That works for me,” Blair agreed. “I’ll meet you at the penthouse?”
“Yes, I’ll see you there. Thanks. Bye.”
The second I ended the call, my phone buzzed. Looking at the screen, I saw Gideon’s reply: Scott’s making the arrangements.
I chewed my lower lip, feeling bad for not going through Scott first. I’ll ask him next time. Thank you! ☺
I took a deep breath, feeling like I should reach out to Gideon’s mother, Elizabeth.
In the front seat, Angus’s phone pinged. He lifted it, then looked back at me. “She’s on her way down in the elevator.”
“Oh!” Surprise turned to bafflement. How did he know that? I glanced at the building again. Did Gideon own that one, too? Like he owned the building her husband worked in?