help being fascinated by the family dynamics at play.
“Daddy,” Rachel cried out, racing toward her father with outstretched arms.
He wrapped her in a huge hug. “Did I make it in time for the rehearsal?”
“Perfect timing. Mom has been driving me crazy with her direction. She’ll be so surprised to see you. She told me you had a late studio session today.” She clasped his hand to lead him into the ballroom.
Rob threw a look at Churchill over his shoulder and waggled his eyebrows. “She might not be pleased to see me.”
Rachel gave her father a sympathetic smile. “You can hang out with Topper and his parents. They’re really cool, Dad. A lot like you.”
Ivy could feel tension rising in the air like a heatwave. When she saw Shelly rush by, she pulled her aside. “I think Eleanor is about to blow up.” She nodded toward the ballroom.
Shelly rolled her eyes. “Did you know she just asked me to bring in flowers and set them up in the front so they can take photos tonight? I pulled in Poppy and Sunny to help.”
“What? That wasn’t on the schedule.” Ivy wondered what Eleanor was up to. She nodded toward the ballroom. “Rachel planned to have her father on one side and her stepfather on the other, honoring them both. I don’t think Eleanor likes the idea.”
Sure enough, voices from the ballroom began to rise.
“What’s he doing here?” Eleanor screeched.
“Here we go,” Shelly said, peeking around the corner. “This is going to be good. I’d better wait before bringing in the flowers. I don’t want to get caught in the crossfire.”
Ivy shushed her sister. “We don’t talk about guests.”
“It’s not as if they can hear us over Eleanor,” Shelly said, feigning a hoarse whisper. “Besides, you just did.”
“I shouldn’t have.” Still, Ivy couldn’t help leaning around Shelly for a glimpse of the action. “Thank goodness our family isn’t like that.”
“I didn’t realize how lucky we were until I started working in the event business,” Shelly whispered. “At least the food throwing and furniture smashing hasn’t begun.”
Worried, Ivy chewed on her lip. “You didn’t need to share that with me.”
Just then, a caravan of black SUVs arrived in front of the inn.
Shelly glanced out a front window. “Did someone call the FBI again?”
“Maybe it’s Churchill’s family,” Ivy said, wondering if he actually was part of a royal family. She watched as Charlie and Diego swung into action, greeting the guests who spilled from the car.
Shelly frowned. “I hope they don’t think they’re staying here for the wedding. We’re full.”
Several tall, beautiful women emerged from the SUVs, along with equally handsome young men. Two black-clad young women brought out professional-looking cases and set up a clothing rack on wheels.
Ivy tore her attention from the melee in the ballroom. “Watch out for damage in there,” she said to Shelly. “I’ll tend to whoever this is.”
“Looks like Central Casting has arrived,” Shelly said, laughing.
Ivy recalled what Rachel had said about her mother wanting a dozen bridesmaids at the wedding. She pressed a hand to her mouth in horror. “I’ve got a terrible feeling you might be right.”
An angular, authoritative-looking woman marched into the house. “I’m with West Coast Elite Models, and we’re here for the York photo shoot.” Her eyes flicked to the shouts emanating from the ballroom. “Where shall we set up?”
This was news to Ivy. “In the ballroom,” Ivy began, gesturing the way. “But you might want to wait. They’re having a…discussion.”
The woman sniffed her displeasure. “We’re on a schedule now, and overtime is often a problem with clients.” She turned and motioned to her models and crew to follow her inside. On the clothing rack, Ivy saw what looked like bridesmaids’ dresses—and they were identical to the one Rachel’s cousin Carrie had brought in earlier. The models trooped after her.
As the woman marched inside the ballroom and called out for Eleanor York, Shelly tugged on Ivy’s sleeve. “We should be filming this. Or refereeing.”
“Shh,” Ivy said, growing flustered. “Don’t do either. Unless they start damaging things.”
Shelly arched an eyebrow. “Didn’t I warn you against weddings?”
“Not now,” Ivy said, desperately trying to stay calm.
Just then, Poppy, Sunny, and Misty came around the corner, their eyes wide. Gilda crept down the stairs holding Pixie, and Imani and Jamir were right behind her.
“What’s all the racket?” Gilda asked. “Pixie is very upset.” The little dog was shivering with fright.
“I’m sorry,” Ivy said, holding up her hands. “I’ll see to it.” She had to regain order in the