place.
He headed out quickly, and she didn’t try to stop him.
The Grand Hotel held an impressive ballroom that boasted 360-degree windows in order to view the beach. The usual classic wedding theme of beach, sand, and sun had been replaced by a winter wonderland, combining the bride’s slight obsession with Christmas with just enough elegance.
The ballroom was decorated with hundreds of twinkling white lights twisted around frosted twigs, zigzagging throughout the rooms and dripping from the ceiling. Mistletoe, mini pine trees, and poinsettias filled the tables and empty spaces. A giant evergreen decked out with decorations and tinsel was the main draw, and huge boxes of gaily wrapped presents were crowded underneath. Fake snow floated down and burst over the dance floor in timed intervals. Bella had to admit, it was one of her masterpieces, completely transporting guests back to the magic of the holidays.
As she checked in with the staff to make sure everything was running smoothly, she watched the groom lead the bride into a faulty yet enthusiastic spin on the dance floor. Their joyous laughter rivaled the soaring music of holiday carols and reminded her of why she loved her job.
She’d certainly never planned to work at Sunshine Bridal. None of her sisters had, but each of them had been forced to pick up the reins in different ways, especially once their parents retired. Her vision of life had always been simple—revolving around her childhood sweetheart and his dreams, rather than hers.
Matt had been working his way up the ladder at an investment firm, and she’d planned to happily settle down and be a stay-at-home mom. When she got pregnant with Zoe, they’d excitedly planned to have at least three more, both craving a big family. With his eye on yet another promotion, she’d never worried about them financially. Hell, she’d never worried about them emotionally, either. They’d been as madly in love after twelve years together as the first day. So when a drunk driver took his life, she’d had no road map for how to take care of herself, let alone a baby.
Thank God Avery and Taylor had stepped in to take over the business, and her sisters had slowly allowed her time to heal before bringing her on board. Since she needed a job, the business had been a lifesaver. But lately, Bella realized besides being good at her job, she also found that planning weddings satisfied something in her soul. Watching her work help give a newlywed couple a happy beginning reminded her of all the good things in life.
It also reminded her there was hope for some people. Being a part of a love story soothed a raw piece inside her she’d lost since the accident.
A child dressed in a bright-red dress tore past her, and Bella shook her head. It was always more challenging when children were invited to a reception. She and Gabe had come up with a fun list of activities throughout the evening to keep them entertained, but so far most of them were dancing and seemed to be having a good time.
She glanced at her watch. Almost time for the Santa surprise.
Her gaze scanned the room and snagged on Gabe. She studied his lean, pantherlike body clad in an elegant black suit, reluctantly admitting he was a perfect male specimen. He was chatting with a bunch of women at the bar, but even from this distance she spotted the invisible armor he wore while he worked. He handled guests with a deft expertise that balanced the sharp lines of friendly competence while deflecting overfriendly gestures. As he spoke, pointing across the room to answer some type of question, he’d already retreated a step back, keeping that essential one foot of space between him and the clients.
Guilt pricked. She’d hurt him today. Dammit, she hadn’t meant the words the way they came out. But being in that conference room alone with him, those dark eyes probing her gaze, she’d been desperate to push him away and keep her sacred space. She wasn’t comfortable blurring the lines of personal and work. She needed to keep them clear.
She’d apologize later. Preferably over a text message after this wedding weekend was behind them.
He pivoted on one heel and walked across the room toward her. The suit fabric seemed to bend to his will, emphasizing cut muscles and stretching across broad shoulders. One rebellious curl spilled over his forehead, practically begging for a woman’s fingers to smooth it back. From the crowd