Mid Life Love: At Last (Mid Life Love #2)(32)

“Um, well...” Miss Corwin slowly regained her composure. “We um...We need to discuss the more intricate aspects now...What color scheme did you have in mind for your special day?”

Jonathan looked over at me.

“I...” I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he was having my dream venue custom built. “I was thinking angel white and champagne as the main colors—with hints of blush pink, ivory, and pastel yellow throughout. Nothing too heavy though; maybe a pop of color in the petals down the aisle or in the decorations at dinner, but not enough that it’ll take over the main colors.”

“That sounds beautiful, Miss Gracen.” She nodded. “We can fine tune the smaller things next week, but just so I have an idea about the bridal party numbers...” She clicked her pen. “Who is your maid of honor?”

“I have two. My daughters, Ashley and Caroline.”

“And how many bridesmaids will you have?”

“Three—my best friends Sandra and Helen, and his sister Hayley.”

“Thank you...” She scribbled their names down. “Mr. Statham, who is the best man and how many groomsmen will you have?”

“Corey Walters is the best man. I’ll have two groomsmen.”

“Very well. I’ll bring samples of your color choices next week. Oh, and while I’m searching for a place to build your venue, could you keep me informed about the status of your dress? I always like to match some of the floral arrangements to the theme of the bride’s attire if possible.”

“You’ve already bought your dress, correct?” Jonathan squeezed my hand.

“Not yet. I’m going shopping for it this weekend with my mom.”

He raised his eyebrow, but Miss Corwin kept talking. “I assume we’re going with black tuxedos for the groomsmen, Mr. Statham?”

“Yes.”

“Great! Well, since I have to find a place to build your venue, if you two don’t have any questions for me...” She looked back and forth between us, waiting for us to say something. “I’ll have the proposed budget for you on Monday, Mr. Statham. And Miss Gracen I look forward to seeing you again later.”

We both stood up and shook her hand, thanking all of her team members for having us on such short notice.

I helped them pack their binders and posters away and traveled with them down to the lobby.

“Wait here.” Jonathan said to me as he escorted them outside to the waiting limo he’d ordered.

As soon as the car pulled off, he walked up to me and pulled me into his arms. “Please tell me you were just being coy with her about your wedding dress.”

“Coy?”

“Is it hideous? Show me a picture of it and I’ll let you know my thoughts.”

“No...” I rolled my eyes. “I honestly don’t have it yet. I’m going shopping for it this weekend.”

“You told me you started shopping for your dress last weekend.”

“No I didn’t.”

“Yes. You did.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “That’s the reason why you came home late last Friday.” He pulled his phone out and scrolled through his texts. “Friday. Five forty eight pm: Jonathan, I’m going to be late for dinner tonight. I scheduled a late appointment with a dress boutique at six. I promise I’ll make it up to you—Claire.” He raised his eyebrow in anticipation of an answer.

“Okay...I did have an appointment, but it wasn’t at a dress shop.”

“You lied to me?”

“I couldn’t tell you what it was for because it’s...It’s for our anniversary.”

“So, you lied to me?” He pulled me even closer.

“Jonathan, it was a consultation appointment. After our anniversary, I’ll be happy to show you the timestamp on my receipt so you can see that I wasn’t lying to you. I did have something scheduled.”

He blinked. Then he stared into my eyes for a long time—not saying anything at all.

“Am I supposed to be staring back at you right now? Are we playing a game of some type?” I smirked. “First one to blink actually acts like an adult for the rest of the night?”

“Yes, future wife...” He tightened his grip around my waist. “We are going to play a game. It’s called, Jonathan is going to teach Claire a very strenuous lesson about lying to him...”

Chapter 6

Claire

I stood still in the center of a platform, trying my hardest not to roll my eyes. I was at a bridal boutique, patiently counting down the minutes until Greg drove me back home.

The dress I was trying on had been selected by my mother, so I was sure it looked terrible, but I’d appeased her and tried it on anyway.

“Please don’t drive Jonathan away like you did last year.” She zipped up the gown. “I almost smacked you for that. I ought to slap you right now for insurance, to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

I rolled my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror. “That was over eight months ago.”

“I don’t care how long ago it was. If I had a hot, sexy billionaire chasing me like he chased you, I would have given in the moment he asked me out. Hell, I probably would have slept with him the first night too.”

“Thank you, mother.” I shook my head and frowned at the dress’ neckline. “I’ll be sure to give that same advice to Ashley and Caroline one day...Anyway, I’m not sure if I like this dress. I don’t think he’ll like it either. There’s way too much beading across the top.”