a discount for using all three of the services in a package. Nothing crazy, but enough to make people want to spend more. I’m designing fliers for all of it.”
“You are such a great manager, Hay. That theater just took a big step forward because of you.” He sipped his soda, watching as Ava shoved a sweet potato in her mouth with a squeal.
“It just fell into my lap with Jackson and Amy’s idea. I would never have thought of it otherwise,” I stabbed some salad, chewing slowly. “That was such a great night.”
“The wedding? It was,” he agreed, as he prepared his baked sweet potato. “I can’t wait for ours.”
“I was thinking about that. How does next Fall sound? We could do some pictures with the leaves as a backdrop, and figure out where to have it. It doesn’t have to be the theater.” I smiled.
“That place means a lot to us, but I get it. You work there,” he agreed, handing Ava her sippy cup when she asked for it. The girls taught her to sign a few months ago, and it worked out perfectly.
“What about a beach wedding in the summer? California maybe, or even a destination wedding? That could make it a wedding and a honeymoon all at once.”
“I like that idea,” I said, having not thought of it with all of the excitement behind the last wedding. “The only drawback is whether or not Gram is up to traveling like that.”
“Yeah, you’re right. We can talk to her about it and get an idea. That way, we can keep planning.” He smiled, and Ava chose that moment to throw a pea at him.
We took her back to our place after dinner, settling her down with her toys. Gray went to ask Gram if she was up to coming over, returning with her a few minutes later. She settled on the couch, smiling as Ava came over to hug her. “Are the girls okay?”
“Mari is sick with the flu or something like that, and Becca is working. We just took this little lady to dinner.” Ava snuggled against Gram. “So, we want to talk about weddings.”
“Yours, I hope,” Gram said, smiling at us.
“We are tossing around doing it on a beach in the summer. Perhaps in California or further away. It is up to how far you feel like you can travel.” Gray smiled at her as she seemed to consider the idea.
“How far?” Gray and I gazed at each other at her question.
“I mean, that’s open. We can do tropical far away or closer. Once you got on and off the plane, I think that you’d be well taken care of.” I smiled as she grinned.
“I can get around fine, you know.” Her eyes twinkled.
“I know, Gram. I just don’t want to make you go through a long travel day. We’ll stay for a few days once we all get there, and Hayden and I will take our honeymoon after that. It’s perfect.”
“We’ll invite the whole family. Some friends. We want to keep it small,” Hayden offered. “I got it! Hawaii is a straight shot. We could all just relax on the plane and get a place close to the water.”
“I went there with Tom a few times. We loved it, and I think it’s a perfect place to watch you two get married.” She touched both of our hands as Ava toddled off to play with some toys.
“Well, then. I am going to start doing some research. I’ll check with everyone for a date in the early Summer.” Gray leaned over to kiss me, making me laugh with joy. Gram stayed until her bedtime before heading out, and we played with Ava until she fell asleep on our couch.
There was a tap at the door some hours later, and I walked over to see Becca at my door. “Hey,” she greeted me when I opened it, stepping inside.
“You look tired,” I said as she offered me a weak smile.
“She fell asleep,” Becca said, looking at the toddler with her soft, dark blonde curls fanned out on the table. “Mari is sick. Like sick, sick. Do you think Ava and I can take the spare room tonight? We don’t want her exposed, and we’re so close that she can call me if she needs anything.”
“Sure. We just made up the bed in there. You’re more than welcome.” Gray told her as she smiled her thanks.
“Do you work tomorrow?” I asked as she shook her head.
“You