She’s happy, she’s excited, and she’s looking at me expectantly.
“Yes, I guess we are. Give Bizzy that damn baby announcement and let her look up the company.” I focus on Maria and add, “By the way, I’m not skittish, just misinformed of his timeline.”
She nods in understanding.
“Not necessary.” Mom reaches under the table and brings out a thick magazine. “I’ve already ordered the book of invitation choices. Mathis informed Maria that, since you’ve decided on a destination wedding, the guest list will be small. However, he wants to have a celebration party here in Miami. I was hoping you’d like something ritzy.”
“Ritzy sounds fun.”
“If you like this color I’m wearing, I’ve found a gorgeous mother-of-the-bride dress to show you.” She adds, “More importantly, we need to discuss your dress, and I can make an appointment for us to go shopping.”
That goddamned fucking sting hits my nose and travels to my eyes, which grow misty. “Shit,” I garble, reaching for my napkin.
“Miss Dixon?” a voice calls from behind me.
“Yes?” I answer the waitress.
“Dr. Bennett called and ordered a special bottle for you.”
“Let me guess, champagne?”
She presents a bottle of Cristal. “He instructed my boss to keep them coming until you had everything handled.” At this point, I can’t stop the tears that spill over. My mom and Maria reach to clasp my hands.
There’s no ring on my finger, no date in mind, and absolutely no idea where I’m going to get married. But, apparently, I’m going to plan my wedding.
Chapter 16
Mathis
I pull up to the Dixon’s house to find Kelly and Mitch waiting on the front porch. This isn’t surprising, considering Kelly has called twice today to make sure our plans haven’t changed. My phone rings, and the display reads Dr. Andrews’s personal cell. I hit ignore and shoot him a quick text that I’ll call him in a while.
When I get to Kelly, she launches herself in my arms, hugging me warmly and cupping my chin with a twinkle in her eyes. Mitch isn’t quite as affectionate but holds my handshake a little longer than necessary.
“We’re glad you’re here.” Kelly slides her arms through mine and ushers me into the house. “Cocktails and dinner are on the back patio tonight. I’m afraid my dining room is a bit of a mess.”
We pass through the dining room, and it’s exactly as Claire described it—a chaotic mass of wedding paraphernalia. Magazines, binders, silk flower arrangements, and swatches of fabric clutter the surface.
“I’m not sure why this is such a formal affair. We usually sit at the kitchen table anyway,” Mitch grumbles.
“It’s not formal, it’s classy, and you know exactly why it is,” she shoots back, dropping her arm from mine.
I press my lips together to keep from grinning when I see the patio set up. Mitch is right; it is formal compared to our usual dinners.
“Mathis, beer?” Mitch offers.
“Yeah, great.”
I take in the large backyard, noticing it’s been freshly mowed and all flower beds are bright and colorful. Beyond the pool and outdoor kitchen is another large span of grass leading to the intercoastal with a dock and boat lift. It’s a beautiful property with an incredible view. I’ve always admired it.
“You know, thi
s backyard holds a lot of dear memories. I always wondered if we’d add Claire’s wedding reception as one of those memories,” Kelly tells me softly.
“Sorry to squash that thought, but I promise we’ll add celebrations over the years,” I assure her.
“Can we get this show on the road? Kelly hasn’t slept since she got your call two days ago and asked her to keep this dinner private.” Mitch passes me my beer and jerks his head to the table.
I follow him, wait until they’re seated, and reach inside my jacket to pull out the large manila envelope folded in the pocket. “Before I hand this over, promise me you can keep this quiet for a few more days.”