he wouldn’t commit, claiming to not know where he’d be with the business deal he’s been working on. I was disappointed with his response and haven’t brought it up since. I suppose I could mention it tonight under the guise of needing confirmation for his dinner plate. The truth is, I’ve already secured his ticket when I purchased my own, in hopes of him attending with me.
“Well, I hope he can make it. I’ve heard he fills out a tuxedo pretty nicely.” The comment came from Debbie, and a bubble of shocked laughter spills from my throat.
“Debbie! I can’t believe you said that,” I tease, grinning like a loon, mostly because I’m just as curious to see him in a tux. I imagine the photos online don’t do him justice.
The older woman shrugs as she giggles. “Well, it’s true. Rumor has it, he has a nice rear end.”
“You’re married,” I proclaim, trying to hide my blush behind my hand.
“But not dead, sweetheart. I’ve heard all the rumors about your Matthew Wilder,” she whispers with a wink. “You’re a lucky, lucky woman.”
“Anyway,” I jump in, clearing my throat. “What is left on the gala?”
Edith is just sitting there, grinning. “Not much. Are you still available to oversee the set-up process?” she asks.
I volunteer for this job every year. I love organizing and overseeing the transformation from empty ballroom to gala ready. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m meeting with the hotel’s event manager that morning at ten.”
“Sounds great. I’m so grateful for your assistance,” Edith says.
“Absolutely my pleasure.” And it is. She’ll work the shelter that day, while I’m at the hotel ballroom.
Edith slips a few printed photos out of the folder in front of her, sliding them across the table. “All right, there are only a few final decisions to make. Let’s choose the floral centerpieces.”
***
The meeting wraps up when the family arrives to meet Shadow. Not wanting to overwhelm the young boy and his parents, or Shadow, I head out back to the barn. Dolly’s standing outside, watching me approach. “Hey, girl,” I say as I reach the fence.
Dolly moves my way when I extend my hand and allows me to rub her nose. “You sure are a pretty one.”
She whinnies and nods her head, as if agreeing with my statement.
Smiling, I mentally run through the list of last-minute details we discussed in the meeting earlier. The color scheme is gold and navy blue, and the centerpieces are going to be stunning with the décor the ballroom has. Crisp white pillars, gold twinkle lights, and greenery with navy blue ribbons throughout will really tie it all together. And then there’s the favors I commissioned through a local chocolatier. She’s making gourmet chocolates in the shapes of dogs and cats for attendees to take home at the end of the evening. The band is from Boston too and comes highly recommended by the hotel. The lead singer sounds like a younger version of Whitney Houston. And throw in tons of donations for the silent auction, including trips, spa services, gift baskets, and, I believe the event is going to be as successful, if not more so, than last year.
Edith will speak again about the importance of donations and what they go toward. We’ve even been working on a slideshow presentation, showcasing this year’s adoptions, along with the animals still waiting for their fur-ever homes. Nothing tugs at the heartstrings—and the wallets—like photos of shelter animals.
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket and grab it. My small smile widens when I see a reply from Matthew.
Matthew: No plans.
I quickly type out my reply, not knowing how busy he is. If I wait too long, it may be another hour or two before I catch him again.
Me: I was thinking of making you dinner at my place tonight.
Matthew: Dinner I don’t have to order from downstairs and listen to boring
conversations about who makes more money? Count me in. I have a few things to wrap up, but could be there around seven, if that works.
Me: Perfect. See you then, Cowboy.
Matthew: I’ll be there.
With a quick check of the clock, I slip my phone back into my pocket. It’s nearing three thirty, which gives me just enough time to stop by the market and grab a few things to make the spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe I found online. I screenshotted it months ago, but never had a reason to make it. Until now. I can stop by the