Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,13
features weren’t classically attractive, but she had a presence that made you want to keep looking. Energy buzzed around her figure like a nest of bees. She was taller than he was, colorful, and larger than life. This was a woman who would not be easily dismissed, so if she had a problem, Gabe was in trouble and he’d better fix it.
Instead of a blistering tirade, she threw her head back and gave a loud, joyous laugh. “Darling, I absolutely loved it! Your Santa routine was classic, and every single detail was perfection. Oh, how I despise cookie-cutter weddings, and though Eloise likes that princess trope far too much—I mean, really, a horse-drawn carriage?—the rest of it was unique and so enjoyable.”
He relaxed. “I’m glad. Our goal is to always give couples the wedding of their dreams.”
“I’m Eloise’s second cousin, Adele,” she said, offering her hand.
He respected her firm, short shake.
“I happen to be getting married myself and would love for you to do mine. Now, who is your lovely partner?”
Surprise shot through him. Usually brides requested a detailed planning session before jumping on board. Still, business was business. “Bella Sunshine-Caldwell. She’s one of the owners. Let me call her over so we can chat.”
He spoke briefly into his earpiece, and Bella quickly flanked him, introducing herself to Adele.
“I was just telling Gabe how much I adored the wedding and that I must have you both for my own.”
“How wonderful! I’m honored you’d choose us. How long are you in Cape May? Would you like to come in for a meeting?”
Adele waved a hand in the air and straightened her fuchsia shawl. “Oh, I have no time for that, darling. I’m just so over the stuck-up planners I’ve met, and Eloise has told me how nice you’ve both been—not fake nice, there’s a difference you know! Anyhoo, I can send over all my preference sheets. It’s March second, so of course we’d need to celebrate the theme. We already have the reception place booked—I just need everything else done.”
Gabe was used to overenthusiastic clients and tried to pull out more important details. “What is the reception venue?”
“The Housing Works Bookstore Café. I absolutely adore old things. Charm, vintage, character. Why do new when you can polish up old?” She winked. “Kind of like me, right?”
Gabe grinned. Damn, he liked her. She was so unpretentious, and fun. Planning her wedding would be a pleasure, but her venue was definitely not in Cape May. Not something he’d usually take on, but if he had the time, it might be nice to expand his client list.
“Where’s the bookstore located?” Bella asked.
“It’s in Manhattan.”
Gabe nodded. “Well, we usually only do weddings in Jersey, but I’d be happy to discuss. It may sound like a year is far out, but it’s never too early to sit down to go over some details. You said there was a theme?”
Another hearty laugh. “Darling, it’s this March, not next! And our wedding date is on Dr. Seuss Day, my favorite author on the planet, so we’d need to do all the things to celebrate. Nothing is too outrageous; we must do something to liven up the crowd. Edward’s friends can be a bit stuffy.”
He shared a knowing glance with Bella, and his initial enthusiasm drained away. Damn. Why did the interesting brides and grooms have to be outlandish? There was no way they could plan something in two months, especially with a theme like that.
Bella spoke warmly, with the perfect touch of regret. “Oh, Adele, I must apologize, but we simply won’t be able to take on another wedding only two months away. It sounds wonderful, and I know it will be a perfect day.”
“Don’t be silly, you must. I’ve already fired my last few planners, and I can’t do it alone.” She flashed a brilliant smile and did another wave of her hand. “I’ll pay whatever is needed, of course. Now, I don’t want to ruin Eloise’s brunch by talking about my business, so I’ll call you, and we’ll get moving ASAP! Thank you, my darlings, this shall be epic!” She blew air-kisses and drifted back into the crowd, her red hair and bright clothes a beacon.
“Now that would’ve been my greatest achievement,” he said, still a bit bummed he wouldn’t get a crack at the unconventional wedding.
Bella grinned and shook her head. “That would be something, all right. Let’s just be grateful we can decline this one smoothly. Can you imagine squeezing in another wedding this