Evenings in the Rockies were cool, even in early August, so after double checking her form-fitting blouse, her boot-cut jeans and new cream-colored cowboy boots, Cami grabbed a summer sweater she could slide on later.
Cami met Vince at the bottom of the stairs, her heart pattering with excitement as he watched her descend.
“Wow. Have I said that enough lately?” He pulled her in, pressing a languid kiss to her lips.
“I don’t think you could ever overuse that word,” she murmured when they came up for air.
“Yes, he could,” Rosemary said from where she sat at the dining table. “But of course, he’s completely right. Those jeans were made for you.”
“And the jewelry is awesome,” Jonquil added.
“I guess I pass inspection.” Amused, Cami looped her arm through Vince’s and allowed him to lead her to the door. “Have a good night,” she called over her shoulder.
“Not as good as you, I’m thinking,” Rosemary shot back. Cami felt her face heat.
“You get caught coming in the other morning?” Vince asked when they were in the open air.
“Oh, yeah.”
He helped her into the car, then joined her and pulled into the street. He talked about work, but she could barely listen, thinking about the party ahead with little idea of what to expect. Her hatred of big parties, especially ones filled with strangers, filled her chest with anxiety, nudging at her usual core of confidence. She hoped she didn’t become too nauseated to eat—a problem she often dealt with at large social gatherings.
“What’s wrong?”
She smiled weakly. “I’m a little nervous.”
“Hon, I have a feeling this is going to be nothing like the parties you’re used to.” His hand covered hers in her lap and gave it a squeeze. “No need to worry. It’ll be fine.”
Time to deflect the comment before he realized how much her stomach churned. “If it were going to be like my other parties, I sure wouldn’t be wearing these boots.” She admired them again, liking them, despite their being so different from her usual footwear.
“I like those boots. And Rosemary’s completely right about the jeans.” She laughed in pleased embarrassment.
“I’m glad you’re coming with me tonight,” he said, twining his fingers through hers. “I enjoy being with you.” She shrugged, feeling awkward. “Besides, it’s my job.”
“It’s more than a job; it’s family pride and love of what you accomplish.” He squeezed her hand.
He understood. Tingles of emotion rolled through her. She didn’t think he would grasp the way she felt about it. “That too.”
Vince lifted her hand, pressing it to his lips. “You’re an amazing woman, Cami.” “Tell me again when we convince the happy couple they want to keep their wedding at the resort.”
He smiled against her knuckles. “I’ve enlisted some help there. Do what you do best, and before you know it, the bride will be begging you to keep her business.”
“This I gotta see.”
The first hour of the party went about as Cami had imagined it. She met dozens of new people, only a fraction of whose names she recalled ten minutes later. The food was a festive mix of Jell-O salads, spicy Mexican dishes, and old favorites. Upbeat tunes spanning three decades lilted through the air and the fresh scent of pine permeated everything—but because of the upcoming discussion, Cami couldn’t enjoy it. Vince knew everyone, asked them about their sister, son, cousin or grandmother. He talked about water shortages with the ranchers and the high school football team’s chances at the state title.
He helped her make connections not only with the locals, but about how they related to each other. And while Cami had been used to paying attention to those kinds of things in the city, Vince did it with a relish she never felt—and out of a genuine concern for everyone around him instead of in the scheming worry about social rank that motivated so many of her acquaintances. She knew every town had its social pitfalls and expectations. She wondered, though, if he cared more about the people than she did, or if he was really good at acting sincere.
Cami suspected it was the former and was fascinated to see how enmeshed in the community he was. No wonder he had returned to Juniper Ridge after completing his degree.
His ease and familiarity and the warmth of his hand in hers eventually soothed her, lessening her anxiety.
She and the future bride greeted each other in passing, and though Cami wanted to get it over with, she knew it was too soon to bring up the wedding. These things took planning and precision and nerves of steel—at least, they did if you didn’t want to be at the party. And despite everything, she would much, much rather have been cuddled with Vince on his sofa. Or wherever else he wanted to cuddle.
At dinner Vince maneuvered them so they sat with Jeremy and his date, Gage and his mother, and within hearing distance of the future bride. While everyone enjoyed the black forest cake the hostess had provided, Gage’s mother, Etta, started in, “Cami, I’ve heard so much about your conference center. The pictures Jeremy shot are breathtaking. Seriously, every bride within fifty miles is going to want to be married there.”
My cue. Cami plunged in enthusiastically, “You’re so sweet, but I have to agree. Things have come together now. The last of the furniture is arriving. I love the tablecloths and vases and all of the accessories we’ve ordered for the room. We’re using it for the grand opening gala and Delphi has kept all of the details so together. She’s amazing.”
Jeremy nodded reluctantly. “She’s very organized, efficient. Made sure everything I needed was handy when I did pictures there.”
“My niece and her boyfriend are talking about getting married. She’d love to stop by and see what you have to offer,” Etta said.
Cami glanced at the bride-to-be out of the corner of her eye and saw both members of the happy couple listening in. “The sky’s the limit. Sage has plans to offer wedding-morning massages for bride and groom so they can relax, along with facials or anything else they need to feel their best, and Jonquil is incredible with flowers. She’s working on the most gorgeous arrangement with roses and lilies. She had so many ideas for the big party. The pastry chef Rosemary just hired is to-die-for incredible. Her cakes are like edible joy. Everything’s coming together so well, I can hardly wait.” She turned to Vince, smiled. “And of course the grounds are more beautiful every day.”
“She wanted a fall wedding—I know, they’re in a hurry and scheduling is tight. Is there any way you could fit her in?” Etta asked.
“We do have a few open weekends left, and we just had a cancellation, so everyone but Jeremy is available that day.” She looked at Jeremy. “Your schedule must be pretty full.”
“Yes, but Delphi can check my availability and add sessions from her office, so she should have no trouble coordinating.”
“Great.” She turned back to Gage’s mom. “Didn’t I tell you everything’s falling right into line?”
“It sounds like it.”
Apparently Gage had his fill of the cheesy rah-rah talk because he changed the subject. Cami was just as glad—being that perky always made her face tired. Another glance at the bride and groom, though, showed them whispering quietly and shooting looks in her direction.