Love on Beach Avenue(13)

“The main goal of today is to figure out your personal style and how you want it reflected in your wedding. Are you still obsessed with purple and silver?”

Ally laughed. “Guilty as charged. But is that overdone or tacky?”

Avery cocked her head. “It’s a classic combination that’s cool and sophisticated. There’s one important thing you need to remember. I don’t care if you come to me with zebra patterns—if it’s what you want, I will make sure it looks beautiful. That’s my job. Your job is to tell me everything you love and would like to incorporate for your day. Okay?”

Ally beamed. “Yes. Isn’t this exciting, Carter?”

He caught Avery’s gaze. Oh, she was good at this. Dislike shone in her eyes, but it was banked just enough that someone not looking for it wouldn’t notice. But he did. “Extremely. I can’t wait to see what’s next,” he drawled.

Avery’s chin tilted up. She turned in her chair, directing her attention toward Ally, refusing to include him in the discussion. The snub teased a smirk out of him. At least she was amusing.

“Tell me a little about how you see your day unfolding—from ceremony to reception to everything in between?”

His sister gave a sigh. “I really want to say our vows on the beach. I know weather can throw us a curveball, but I’d like to try. I’m imagining the ocean in the background with a beautiful white trellis. Simple, but elegant. Same thing with the reception. I’d love something that makes everyone feel like they’re in a garden, with tons of flowers and stone walkways, and a fabulous dinner. The food is really important. I can’t stand regular wedding fare with the traditional three options. I want something outside the box.”

Avery nodded, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “Got it. Unique cuisine—sit-down or buffet?”

“I guess sit-down, but I don’t want the guests to feel stuck for too many hours while they wait for food. Oh, and I want a DJ, not a band, and none of those traditional things that have been overdone. No bouquet-throwing, or garter toss, or ridiculous themed dances with props.”

“Not even the Macarena?” he teased. “That’s a fan fave.”

His sister grinned. “Not unless you lead the charge, big brother.”

“Right. No Macarena.”

Avery didn’t even bother to look at him. “How many guests do you want to invite?”

“About seventy-five. I love intimate round tables so people can talk. I don’t want those giant ones where no one can hear you speak over the music.”

“Got it. Because of the timing, I’m restricted to certain vendors, but I have a few ideas. There’s this amazing gourmet restaurant with a terrace that may be able to fit that many guests. Would you be willing to cut the list to fifty if you liked the place?”

Ally wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know.”

“Why should she have to make such a sacrifice?” he said. “I’m sure you have enough contacts to give her both—right?”

Ally hit her brother’s shoulder. “Shush. I told you no fighting.”

He threw up his hands in defeat. “I’m not! I’m just asking an important question about her vendor list.”

Avery smiled at his sister, but her voice flicked with ice. “My contacts are substantial, but I like knowing what aspects are flexible since it’s rare to find a venue that is an exact match to all of the bride’s wishes. Wedding planning is quite complicated. It’s totally understandable if you can’t keep up. I can finish with Ally if you’d like to wander around town and get a cup of coffee.”

Amusement flickered again. Damned if she wasn’t trying to get rid of him. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and settled deeper into his chair. “No, thanks. I find this fascinating. I’m learning so much.”

Her smile never slipped. “Good. Now, I’ve always pegged you as daring but elegant. You’ll take risks as long as they don’t run the verge of tacky. Correct?”

“Exactly.”

“What about Jason? Likes, dislikes, anything I need to avoid?”

“No, he’s totally open.”

“Great. Anything specific you’d like to incorporate for yourself?”

His sister’s face clouded, though a smile touched her lips. “Yes. Before our mother passed, she wrote me a letter. I’d like this quote included someway in my wedding theme.” She reached in her purse and pulled out a piece of paper, carefully smoothing it out and handing it over.

A lump rose in his throat, and the familiar grief shook through him—the undeniable realization that their parents wouldn’t watch Ally walk down the aisle, and the frustration that he had to be both mother and father to her. He was afraid he’d fail on both fronts on the most important day of her life.

Avery read the quote aloud, her voice a mix of smoke and honey, drifting and pouring over his ears. “‘I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.’”

The Elizabeth Barrett Browning quote hit him like a sucker punch. He reached over and squeezed his sister’s hand, trying to impart strength.

“It’s beautiful,” Avery said. “I think I can do something special with this if you give me some time to brainstorm.”