Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Erin, who was pretty much famous for being the peacemaker in the family, sensed Mila’s feelings and deftly changed the subject as she asked, “So, are we allowed to bring dates to this wedding?”
The distraction worked. Arch turned to his younger sister and said, “Sure. I mean, it’s friends and family.” Then his expression turned first curious and then mischievous. “Why? Is there something we don’t know? Who’s the plus-one you want to bring? Have I met him?”
Erin shook her head as if to say she had no one special in mind and then turned to Mila. “Are you going to bring a date?”
For some reason, the image of Hersch appeared in her head. Probably because they’d just been talking about him. How crazy that it had popped into her head so quickly, the idea of her and Herschel on an actual date, let alone in front of her family. But no one needed to know her private fantasies, so she simply replied, “Maybe. Or I might just go solo.”
Erin nodded. “I probably will too.” She lowered her eyes for a brief moment.
Something in her tone and demeanor suggested she would rather not be alone. It was pretty clear Arch had picked up on that wistful tone, too, because he said, “Hey, Jay will be coming, and he’s single. I’m sure he’d be your date.”
Mila couldn’t believe her brother. Really? Did he not know Erin at all?
“I don’t need a pity date, thank you,” Erin said. “Anyway, Jay is never single. He’s always with some lingerie model.”
“I thought you liked him,” Arch said.
“I do like him. But I’ve always thought he’s too much in people’s faces. I know that’s his job, but it sounds like he was pushy with Herschel.” She paused. “I know, I’m a journalist, and I’m supposed to be pushy too. But there’s a reason I work for the Sea Shell and write articles about local dogs and whales and who’s having their golden anniversary. I never wanted to be the kind of journalist who pushes hurting people to reveal secrets they’d rather keep to themselves.”
Mila smiled and felt vindicated. She loved how, in her own way, Erin had just eviscerated Jay and yet somehow still managed to be nice. She’d never be as diplomatic as her sister—her nature was too fiery—but it was a quality she deeply admired.
Betsy spoke up then. “I’m glad you brought up the idea of people bringing dates, Erin. We should really get an idea of numbers as soon as possible. Arch and Tessa, I’d like you two to sit down and really think about who you want at our friends-and-family gathering. Your father and I will do the same and keep the list as small as we can without offending anybody. That’s the hardest part of organizing a wedding, I think.”
Howie looked a bit concerned. “But my brothers and all their families are invited, right?”
They had seemingly endless uncles and cousins on their father’s side. It was partly why he had such a loving and friendly nature—he was used to being surrounded by people, sharing what he had as well as a joke or two.
His wife said, “We’ll talk about that, Howie.” Erin definitely got her diplomacy from their mom. It seemed to Mila that if Tessa was not going to invite her own sister and niece to their close family wedding, maybe Howie’s brothers and their families could manage with a fancy Scottish wedding in a castle as well. It was hardly the rotten end of the deal. But she knew how close her dad was to his brothers, so maybe they’d figure something out. Betsy and Howie had an amazing ability to make their family home welcoming for as many people as needed to be there.
Damien reminded them that Crystal Lopez could be a real asset. “You know she’s completely trustworthy. She could have sold me out a hundred times to the paparazzi and never has, even when she desperately could have used the cash. Why don’t you get her on board? She knows her stuff. It would sure take the stress out of organizing everything yourself.”
Tessa said, “I’m sure she’s excellent at her job, Damien, but I really want to plan my own wedding. At least, just this one for me and Arch and the family. Do you think Crystal would be on board to plan the big, showy wedding in Scotland?”
Damien nodded confidently. “Oh yeah. That’s the great thing about Crystal. She can do a small intimate party or a massive glamorous shindig for thousands. I’ll send you her number.”
Mila was surprised that, in his laid-back way, Damien was pushing Crystal so hard. Maybe there was something he wasn’t telling the rest of the family. Despite his rock-star persona, deep down Damien was an ordinary guy, just as thrilled by a solo swim in the ocean as he was by a huge crowd going wild for his riffs.