Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
A my walked up the driveway to Mrs. Brantley’s house. She’d been told to arrive at 10:40 a.m. and not to park her car within a block of the house. With that in mind, walking from her office made more sense than driving, and she’d managed to time it just right.
She wasn’t sure why she had such a specific time for her arrival, but she knew it must have something to do with Cassie’s wedding. That seemed to be the only thing on everyone’s mind right now.
As she entered the gate to the backyard, several female voices came through the screen door. When she stepped inside, Mrs. Brantley clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. Paige, Bella, and Simone were here. She knew Michelle wanted to participate in these meetings but had to work.
“Ladies, this is the last time before the wedding that we’ll all meet together. Cassie mentioned last night that she’d heard several of us had gotten together over here. She wondered if she had somehow missed the invitation.”
A collective gasp went around the room.
“We cannot risk that happening again. I don’t need to tell you all that if Cassie learns about this wedding, she will try to manage it because that’s what she does. She plans weddings, and she’s brilliant at it.”
Bella spoke up. “But she can’t take this one over because she’ll immediately get stressed out, maybe even call it off.”
“Exactly. So from now on, we will have secrecy the CIA would be proud of.”
“So we all send text messages? Or emails?” Simone asked.
“No!” Mrs. Brantley shouted.
Amy jumped.
Then Mrs. Brantley added in a lower voice, “Sorry about that. I’ve given this situation a lot of thought, and even messages and emails have potential issues. What if Cassie were near you when you checked an incoming text? Or worse, what if you accidentally sent the message to a group that included Cassie?”
“That could easily happen,” Bella said. “I often send messages that include everyone at this table.”
“So what do you have in mind?” Amy asked.
Mrs. Brantley turned toward her with a smile that felt both welcoming and unnerving.
“I think we need someone to act as the go-between. That would seem more natural to an onlooker. To exchange information as we plan and work, one woman visits each person involved in planning Cassie and Greg’s wedding.”
Paige said, “I see your point. It would look much worse if Greg or one of the other guys was dropping in on each of the women.”
Bella chuckled. “That could start World War III if Cassie got the wrong idea. Greg would never be unfaithful, but it could look that way.”
Mrs. Brantley blanched at the suggestion. “So we need someone who could legitimately go to each house or business. Someone who could talk to every person in a day and not draw any suspicion whatsoever from Cassie.”
Amy went through the list of women. They were all friends, but it might still look odd if Bella visited Simone, Paige, her, and Michelle within a few hours.
It seemed her thoughts and Paige’s were in alignment. “I’ve gone through the list of the people involved, and I don’t see anyone who could do that.”
Mrs. Brantley focused on Amy. “The woman who owns the newspaper could.”
Amy considered that for a moment. “Hmm. You may be right. But I’d need a good reason for suddenly becoming so social.”
“Write an article?” Simone suggested.
“I did articles on each of the businesses when I started the newspaper, but the town could be due for an update because very few people were reading the paper at the time. Maybe I could talk about summer weddings and interview everyone.”
“Perfect,” Bella said. Then, she looked toward Mrs. Brantley for confirmation.
Simone grinned. “I couldn’t have come up with a better idea myself.”
For a moment, Amy felt as if she’d done something quite good. Then she realized that she had simply been the one Mrs. Brantley had chosen and would now have a lot more to do.
Mrs. Brantley glanced at the table they were seated around. Then she got up and came back with the coffee pot to top off some mugs. “Let’s have a quick discussion, and then we need to break up in case Cassie decides to drop by. And ladies, please try to act normal around her. If you usually get together and hang out once a week, don’t stop.”
Bella frowned. “I just realized I didn’t reach out to her last week like I normally would. I’ll take care of that as soon as we end here.”
Mrs. Brantley set a plate filled with brownies in the center of the table. “Everything is in good shape as far as plans go. We have the venue scheduled. The portable bathrooms will be delivered on time.”
Simone grabbed a brownie. “You need to sell these in addition to the cookies I’ve already been telling you to sell.” After a bite, she gave her meeting report. “Nick is going to do the food. Greg gave him a budget, and he will work within that.”
Amy reached for her purse. “If you think we have time, I have samples of wedding invitations. I know that we need to get these few mailed out ASAP.”
Mrs. Brantley shook her head. “Let’s not stay long enough to discuss that. If you want to hand them to one of the ladies, then we can work on passing them around.”
“As for my task, I have shades of pinks and yellows to go through for the wedding colors.” Paige tapped a folder on the table in front of her. “I don’t know if that will help, but I didn’t mind looking.”
Before Paige could present those, Simone said, “I have ideas for cupcake flavors. Let me know when you’ll need them, and I’ll have an assortment of cupcakes ready for her. In whatever shades we choose.”
They heard something outside, and everyone stilled. The side gate opened and closed with a slight clatter.
Mrs. Brantley pointed to the doorway that led from the kitchen to the living room. Everyone rose as quietly as they could and hustled out. They went down the hallway, into the bedroom at the end of the hall, and clustered together without a word. Simone left the door open enough to hear the conversation.
“No one was in their shops, so I thought I’d stop in to see if they were visiting you,” Cassie said from the kitchen. “You’re always the destination.”
Amy hid a gasp with her hand.
“You just missed Bella. I invited her over for tea and to chat about babies. It’s been a while, but I still remember enough to share.”
Cassie laughed.
Then Mrs. Brantley said, “I was just thinking about going over to the diner for lunch. Would you like to go with me?”
“It’s a little earlier than I usually eat, but sure, let’s go. And if I decide I’m not hungry?—”
“You’ll get a piece of pie and coffee.”
Cassie laughed. “Exactly. It’s always the right time for Dinah’s pie.”
Amy heard the screen door close, and the voices faded away as they left. They all waited another minute before Bella released a big breath. “That was close.”
Paige said in a low voice, “I’d like to get through this without having to lie all over the place. I’m sorry Mrs. Brantley had to do that.”
Bella whispered, “I was the first one here. Mrs. Brantley assigned me that time. And she made a point of giving me advice about babies. I didn’t think anything about the conversation at the time, but now I know she was setting everything up, just in case.”
Simone inched open the bedroom door. Silence greeted them. Then the sound of toenails skittering down a wood floor approached them. Cookie came to the door and nosed his way inside. She reached down to rub behind the dog’s ears. “It’s a good thing he didn’t come here and rat us out by barking.”
Bella stepped into the hall and paused for a moment, listening. She whispered, “I think the coast is clear. Let me sneak out first.” She tiptoed up the hallway and peered around the corner into the kitchen. When her shoulders relaxed, Amy knew Cassie had indeed left. Bella returned to the group. “Give it ten minutes just like we did coming in.”
Amy thrust the invitation samples at Bella. “Let’s give her what we have right now. She can be the first to review everything. Then I’ll start with her interview and move from person to person.”
Paige handed Bella the color swatches.
Simone shrugged with her hands up. “I will only have samples to taste. Those aren’t on me.”
Amy outlined their plan. “I’ll first set up the article idea with Cassie. On that day, I can pick up cake samples and take them to her. Could you have a set of samples for me and her? I’ll tell her we’re having each person give input on all aspects of the article.”
Simone grinned. “That’s a genius idea. I certainly can. Remember, you’re asking about flavor and decoration. Decor colors too.”
Bella disappeared down the hall. By unspoken agreement, the four remaining women sat on the edge of the bed. When only she and Simone were left, Amy checked her watch.
“I really need to get back. I need to plan another—” Amy breathed deeply before finishing the sentence. “Proposal. Hopefully for today or tomorrow.”
Simone grinned. “The last one came out great. Are you getting more interest on the website?”
“I checked right before I came here. Interest is growing, and readers are loving it. I haven’t had more subscriptions, but people have been visiting my website. That gives the ads you guys run increased exposure.”
Simone said, “Why don’t you get out of here next? I’ve already been proposed to and accepted.” She grinned. “I’d rather not stay in this room, though. I think I’ll sit in the kitchen and have a cup of coffee as if I’m waiting for Mrs. Brantley to return. I’ve actually done that before. She’s told me to go right in and have a seat.”
In the kitchen, the only activity was Cookie getting a bite to eat from his bowl.
Simone poured herself a cup of coffee, served herself a brownie from the plate, and placed it on a napkin in front of her. “I want to make sure I have the whole picture set in case someone stops by. Almost no one would come here and not have something sweet.” She grinned cheekily.
Amy chuckled as she headed out the door. She knew Mrs. Brantley was busy, but she really should consider opening a cookie bakery. Simone could add cookies to her lineup, but she’d said multiple times that she really loved making cakes.
Amy didn’t blame her. When you were good at doing something, why add something you didn’t enjoy? The town already had a cake bakery and a place that made the world’s best pies, so they probably didn’t need anything else sweet. Then again, she could promote Two Hearts in the newspaper as a sweet place to visit. Tourists would probably love that.
Now that she was the courier for their operation, she needed to think through the plans. Everything for the wedding that hadn’t been ordered yet had to be ordered this week.
Their aces in the hole were that Simone could make the cake and Bella the bride and bridesmaids’ dresses. Almost anyone else would have a hard time pulling that off.
Who was she kidding? This would be a phenomenal amount of work in a short time, no matter what. She hoped they’d succeed in giving Cassie and Greg the wedding of their dreams.
Amy made a quick stop at the newspaper, jotted down a few ideas about the article she had to do as their cover story, and then went to Dinah’s. After all the talk about lunch, she was hungry now too. She found Simone walking in the same direction. After Simone had crossed the street to reach her, she said, “You too?”
“If you mean being ready to eat now, yes.”
They both laughed.
Simone nudged her with her arm. “I feel like we shouldn’t be seen together, as if that alone would seem suspicious.”
Amy looked around carefully before she answered. “Remember, we’re not supposed to speak about such things outside.”
Simone nodded. “You’re right. Let me say that I’ll be glad when this situation is taken care of.”
Spoken like a true spy.
They entered Dinah’s and found Mrs. Brantley with Cassie, Bella, and Paige.
“We all got hungry at the same time!” Bella said, and she looked directly at them, challenging them not to say anything about having just overheard a conversation about eating.
When they reached the others, Amy completely ignored the subjects of weddings and meetings. She inhaled deeply. “The special smells wonderful! Could two more squeeze in at your table, or should Simone and I take a two-top?” The four already seated scooted around, moving their plates and drink glasses with them.
Michelle came over. “Let me get a menu for you two.”
Amy stopped her. “Don’t bother for me. I’ll take the special.”
Simone sniffed the air. “Chicken noodle soup?”
“Chicken and dumplings.”
“Sold. I’ll have that and a cup of coffee. I’m sure I’ll want pie at the end too.”
Murmurs went around the table that everybody would be having pie.
After lunch and that pie, Cassie pushed back from the table. “I have a bride coming this afternoon for a new client appointment, so I’d better get over to my office to start preparing.”
Even after she’d left, they stayed on neutral topics. Amy questioned the group. “Does anyone have a phone number for Mr. McDonald? I was told he’d be good to ask about as a possible site for the next proposal photo.”
Michelle brought over a coffee pot for refills. “I overheard you. I loved those photos with the cow! If you need goats, you can use my backyard. I’m a little closer to town, and you only have to deal with four goats.”
Mrs. Brantley held out her cup, and Michelle poured. “I thought you had two.”
Michelle grinned. “They’re so much fun that we got two more.” Then she frowned. “They’re also mischievous. We had to add a fence in the middle of our yard to give us a private area. The goats were eating the flowers, and one of them took a liking to the laundry hanging on the line. I love to sleep on sheets that I’ve hung outside to dry.”
Amy’s mother had done that when they were young. They’d smelled wonderful.
“To make up for their lost space, we expanded their fenced area. Now, I get to have flowers and sheets that aren’t nibbled on, and the goats have more room to run.”
Amy looked at the group. “Do you all think that would be a good place to take pictures? I’ve never been to Michelle’s.”
Mrs. Brantley said, “I think it would be great. They have a pretty yard and a charming house if that ends up in the photos.”
“Then I accept your offer, Michelle. Is tomorrow too soon?”
Michelle laughed. “Anytime from now on is fine with me.”
Amy thought through her day. “I need Paige to take the pictures.”
Paige said, “This afternoon is better for me than tomorrow.”
“Then I guess we can do it.”
Bella tapped her on the arm. “I think you may be forgetting one important detail?”
Amy stared at her, nothing coming to mind.
“You’d better check with Scott to make sure he’s available.”
They all laughed.
“That’s probably a good idea,” Bella said, chuckling.
Amy shot off a text to Scott. He responded immediately, saying he was available, and he would get photo-ready.
“It’s all set. I’m going to go change for my photo shoot and meet you out there, Paige, in…” Amy checked her watch, “about an hour? Does that work for you?”
“That’s perfect. I’ll do a quick bit of research to see if I get any ideas for the photos to make these different from last time.”
“At least there’s no danger of a cow wanting to be part of it. Michelle, could I get a cup of coffee to go? I think I’ll need caffeine for this.”
Michelle grinned. “Give me just a sec. And I’ll tell you where I leave the goat treats. They’re quiet and happy when they’re eating. Mostly.” She shrugged. “If you’re among the goats and not just in my little backyard, I can’t guarantee you won’t have a goat nosing in between the two of you. Oh, and watch out for Bernie. He likes to butt into people. But Sally is sweet.”
They all broke apart, and Amy went on her way. She had just enough time to change. She texted Scott, asking him to pick her up at her house. As soon as she sent it, she realized he didn’t know where she lived, so she sent off the address, along with directions in case GPS didn’t find it. One of the questionable joys of living in a small town was sometimes technology didn’t work right.