No One Like You by Kate Angell Read Free Book Online Page A

good idea. “Trimming is an art. Do you know what you’re doing?”
    Landon grinned. “We learn as we go. We could turn the boxwood hedge into a train topiary.”
    “No train.”
    Her anxious expression had Halo saying, “Nothing will be ruined. Besides, nature grows back.”
    They looked determined. For whatever reason, they’d taken on Rylan’s picnic preparations as their own. It was a bit disconcerting.
    “Tell us what you’re planning,” Landon said.
    “We’ll make it happen,” said Halo.
    She claimed the moment and shared her thoughts. “I want everyone to feel comfortable. Each guest will know someone at the picnic. There should be areas to gather and talk.”
    “Ry’s family is pretty cool,” said Halo. “His hometown friends that we’ve met are nice, too.”
    “We need to make sure everyone has a good time,” Beth continued. “I scanned Rylan’s online photo album and noticed Shaye likes croquet. There was a photo of her playing on the beach. Dune played pro-volleyball. There’s plenty of room in the yard for a court. I want to set up both games.” She stared at the enormous banyan tree that shaded the porch. “A wraparound trunk bench would draw people to sit and visit. Picnic tables are a must. Maybe a couple porch swings. I’ll locate a rental service.”
    “I’ll haul the outdoor furniture, if the company doesn’t deliver,” Halo said, donating his time. “I have a pickup truck.”
    Beth appreciated his offer. “The picnic starts at four on Saturday. I’ll have soft drinks and beer available. Food will be served at six. People can eat and run or hang out. It gets dark by seven. I’ll need lighting of some kind.”
    “Tiki torches,” suggested Halo.
    Beth shook her head. “No fire.”
    “Christmas tree lights?” asked Landon.
    “Too holiday.” She bit down on her bottom lip, decided. “Large solar lanterns would work well. I can hang them in the trees. I’ll set them out in the sunshine during the day and they’ll glow brightly at night.”
    Halo scratched his chin. “How do you know this party stuff?”
    Beth had loved planning parties for as long as she could remember. Tea parties for her dolls and stuffed animals. Birthday parties for her friends. Decorating for high school dances. Becoming entertainment chairman for her college sorority. Hosting small family gatherings. Then opening her own business. Sadly, failure had come with her first society event. The bride’s family was old money. Influential and powerful. The community was small and tight. Gossip was their second language. No one wanted to hire her after the wedding fiasco.
    She’d yet to gather her courage to start over in a new city. Although she hoped to someday. She looked up at Halo. “I visualize, then create.” It was as simple as that.
    Landon scanned the yard and pointed to the far corner. “There’s a shed. Let’s see if Ry has a riding mower and garden tools. If he does, we’re looking at an hour max.” He jumped off the porch.
    Halo took the wide wooden stairs. They headed for the shed, which appeared a hundred years old. It leaned to the left as if blown by a mighty wind. Perhaps it had even withstood a hurricane. The roof slanted dangerously. The glass in the solitary window was cracked.
    Landon pushed on the door. The rusted hinges stuck. He put his shoulder to it, and it creaked open. The two men peered into the darkness, then stepped inside.
    Beth gave a shiver. They were braver than she was. How many spiders called the shed home? she wondered. Snakes? She suddenly felt a little guilty that she hadn’t shared with the guys that Rylan had a lawn service.
    She shrugged. The two men had stepped into her day and seemed intent on staying. She’d let them clip and mow. Then send them on their way.
    Atlas still stood by her side, she realized. Rue and the dachshunds had stretched out on the wide porch. The golden was attentive. Oscar and Nathan snored.
    “Hot damn. A classic push