Savour the Moment: Now the Big Day Has Finally Arrived, It's Time To... by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

back one way or the other after I’d checked with my partners.”
    Laurel shook off the excess egg wash, blotted the rosebud with a paper towel before sprinkling it with superfine sugar. “You booked the band.”
    “I can unbook the band. All for one.”
    Laurel laid the first flower on the wire rack. “I guess I’m making baklava.” She glanced at Mac. “You in?”
    “We’ll make it work. I know all about crazy mothers. How much different is a crazy grandmother? I’ll go add it to my schedule, and talk to Emma about the flowers. Let me know the cake design when you decide on it.”
    “Thanks, Mac.”
    “It’s what we do,” she said to Parker. “I’ve got a shoot,” she added, and ducked out again.
    Parker picked up her own cup of tea. “I’ll get someone in to help you if you need it. And I know you hate that, but if you need it.”
    Laurel drizzled the next flower. “I can put something together. I’ve got emergency layers and fillings in the freezer for just such occasions. I think I’ll work up something to kick Greek Grandma’s ass—and shut her up. Maybe Primrose Waltz.”
    “Oh, I love that one. But it’s a lot of work, as I remember.”
    “It’ll be worth it. I’ve got the fondant, and I can make the primulas ahead of time. Mia’s got a couple younger sisters, right?”
    “Two sisters and a brother.” Parker’s smile bloomed. “And, yes, we’re both thinking we’re planting fertile seeds for future business. If you make up a list, I’ll take care of the marketing.”
    “That’s a deal. Go call the MOB and earn her grateful tears.”
    “I will. Hey, how about pajama and movie night?”
    “Best offer I’ve had all day. See you there.”
    Laurel continued to coat the flowers, thinking the only dating she was doing these days was with her best pal Parker.

    W ITH THE LAYERS BAKED, WRAPPED, AND IN THE FREEZER TO SET THE crumb, the crystallized flowers drying on the rack, Laurel prepped for her tasting. In the lounge off her kitchen, she set out the albums of designs along with the flowers Emma had arranged for her. She fanned cocktail napkins with the Vows logo, stacked spreading knives, spoons, teacups, wineglasses, and champagne glasses.
    Back in the kitchen she sliced a variety of cakes into slim rectangles and arranged them on a glass platter. In small glass dishes, she placed generous dollops of different frostings and fillings.
    She slipped into the bathroom to freshen her makeup and hair, then buttoned on a cropped jacket, and changed out of her kitchen shoes into heels.
    When her clients rang the buzzer, she was ready for them.
    “Steph, Chuck, it’s good to see you again. How was the shoot?” she asked as she gestured them in.
    “It was fun.” Stephanie, a cheerful brunette, hooked her arm with her fiance’s. “Wasn’t it fun?”
    “It was. After I stopped being nervous.”
    “He hates getting his picture taken.”
    “I always feel goofy.” Chuck, sandy-haired and shy, ducked his head as he grinned. “I usually am.”
    “Mac had me feed him a cookie because I’d told her we’d had cookies on our first date. When we were eight.”
    “Only I didn’t know we were dating.”
    “I did. Now, eighteen years later, I’ve got you.”
    “Well, I hope you left room for cake. How about some champagne, or wine?”
    “I’d love some champagne. God, I love this place,” Steph enthused. “I love everything about it. Oh, is this your kitchen? Where you bake?”
    She made a point of bringing clients through her kitchen, so they could get a feel for it—and see it sparkle. “It is. It was originally used as a secondary or caterer’s kitchen. Now it’s all mine.”
    “It really is beautiful. I like to cook, and I’m pretty good at it. But baking ...” Steph fluttered her hand side to side.
    “It takes practice, and patience.”
    “What are these? Oh, they’re so pretty!”
    “Crystallized flowers. I just made them. They have to set several hours at room