Why Not Tonight
Page 35

“That one,” Barry and Ellen said together, then laughed.
They all continued to brainstorm. Ellen’s mother wanted a photo booth with a fun backdrop of words like Wham! and Pow! Natalie and Ellen had a long conversation about flowers, with the bride deciding on black and white calla lilies trimmed with ivy. Once all the decisions were made, the parents signed off and the bride and groom tasted cake and cocktails.
Three hours flew by. When Barry and Ellen had left, still talking drinks with Silver, Natalie stayed behind to help Pallas tidy up.
“That was amazing,” Natalie said. “So much work, but really fun. I can see why you love what you do.”
Pallas stunned her by sinking into a chair and dropping her head to the table. “I can’t do it. I just can’t.”
“What’s wrong?” Natalie settled next to her. “Tell me what it is and I’ll fix it.”
Pallas looked at her, her eyes filled with tears. “It’s not bad, I swear. I’m thrilled, but I just can’t keep doing this.” She drew in a breath. “I’m pregnant.”
“What? That’s fabulous.” Natalie hugged her. “You’re going to have a baby. Why are you crying?”
“Because I’m exhausted. I’ve been sick since the first day. I can’t sleep. The doctor says I’m perfectly healthy but that I’m having a horrible reaction to my body’s changing hormones. She swears it will get better, but so far it hasn’t and I’m drowning here.” She tried to smile. “My mother is over the moon, which is its own kind of weirdness, but we don’t have to discuss that.”
She sniffed. “The weddings are too much. Especially this one. There are a thousand moving parts. I’m in the process of hiring an assistant, but that’s going to take a while. Do you think you could help me for a few weeks until I have someone in place?”
“What? Of course. I’d be glad to.” Natalie hesitated. “But, Pallas, I don’t know anything about weddings.”
“You did great today. You have excellent taste and people like you. That’s a big one. So if you’re willing, I’d love to hire you. And I do mean hire. I’d pay you for your time. I’m just so busy right now and I feel awful every second of every day.”
Natalie hugged her friend again. “I’m yours to command. I mean that. I’ll talk to Atsuko and see about shifting my hours so I can be available when you need me. I can make the flowers for the wedding at night or early in the morning. Seriously, I can do this.”
“It’s not too much?”
“No. It’s just enough. I want to help.”
Natalie was happy to be there for her friend, but just as exciting was the thought of extra income. If she added the money she earned helping Pallas to what she made from the flowers, she might have enough to take a two-or three-week sabbatical from her day job, and have two or three months of paid rent. That would allow her to focus on one or two big art projects and wouldn’t that be amazing!
“You’re the best,” Pallas told her. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“We’re both the best and this is going to be so much fun.”
* * *
RONAN DIDN’T KNOW why everyone had a burr up their ass about his birthday. When Mathias had told him about the party, his first instinct had been to say, “Hell, no.” The problem with that was Natalie had been standing right there, looking all happy and excited, and he just couldn’t figure out how to disappoint her. Which was why he was now stuck going to The Boardroom for some ridiculous party that he wasn’t going to enjoy.
He’d spent the day working from home so he could shower and change before driving into town. He was going to meet Natalie at the gallery and then walk over with her. At least she would be a distraction, he thought. A sexy one, but still. A party?
He had no idea who was going to be there. He supposed if things got awkward with his brothers, he would just mention Pallas’s pregnancy and that would change the subject.
He got in his truck and started down the mountain. He still couldn’t believe Nick was going to be a father. Elaine must have been giddy at the thought of a grandkid. He doubted Ceallach would care—not unless his grandchild showed artistic ability. As for Nick, Ronan figured he had to be two parts terrified, one part thrilled.
At one time Ronan had assumed he would have children. That he would be a typical guy, not doing enough around the house and spoiling the kids when their mom wasn’t looking. He’d never thought much past that—hadn’t considered who the woman might be or how many children he wanted. There had always been time. All that had changed with his father’s revelation. He no longer knew who he was or trusted himself enough to have kids. That required more faith than he could muster.
He drove through town to the gallery. Natalie was waiting for him outside, practically dancing with excitement in the warm evening air. She was always so happy, he thought, feeling his tension ease. So positive and sure. And beautiful. She had on some kind of floaty dress that fell to midcalf. The colors ranged from yellow to orange to red. Her hair was loose and curly and she was smiling long before he got out of the truck.
“You made it!” she said, rushing toward him. “I was afraid you’d come up with an excuse to duck out of the party.”
“Would I do that?” he asked before he kissed her.
“In a hot minute.” She gazed into his eyes. “Happy birthday. Your present is already at The Boardroom. I hope you like the food. I chose it and think I got all your favorites.” She raised herself on tiptoe and kissed his mouth. “You’re not mad, are you?”
“About the kissing? No. I kind of like the kissing.”
“About the party. You didn’t tell anyone it was your birthday.”
“Maybe no one asked.”
She sighed. “You’re going to be difficult, aren’t you?”
“Maybe a little.”
She linked her arm through his. “That’s okay. We’re celebrating the birth of you. Difficult is allowed. Come on. Let’s get going. I hear there’s going to be cake.”
Whatever irritation he’d been feeling had disappeared the second she’d started talking. He had no idea how she did that, but it was an impressive gift. With Natalie around, the darkness wasn’t so grim and the good parts were even better.
“Where did you go for fun back in Fool’s Gold?” she asked. “Was there a place like The Boardroom?”
“There was a bar called The Man Cave, but it opened after Mathias and I left. Despite its name and its affinity for all things male, women were welcome. Nick used to bartend there.”
“What? Why?”
“He avoided his art for a while. Things were complicated.”
“With your father.” She leaned in closer. “I know it’s wrong, but I really don’t like him.”
“Me, either. He has a lot to answer for.” Ceallach had managed to screw up all his sons. Despite that, each of them had found happiness. Not him, but the others.
“Did you like where you grew up?” she asked. “You must have. You moved from one small town to another.”
“Fool’s Gold is interesting. The entire year of the town is defined by the various seasonal festivals. There are casserole cook-offs and parades and bazaars. They have an elephant now. Priscilla.” He frowned. “I don’t know exactly how she came to be in town, but she’s much loved. Her best friend is a pony.”