Page 123 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I have Haisleyandmy business to worry about, so the last thing I need is to worry about a guy.
I need to focus on what’s best for me, and Brody McFadden isn’t what’s best for me.
“So, I don’t know what to do,” Haisley says as she flips open her notebook. “The flowers won’t be in by the wedding. Mom is pissed, of course, but I don’t want to go around and just start cutting down native flowers to make something for the day. It seems environmentally problematic. Mom is ready to have someone flowers overnighted here, but that seems so wasteful.”
“It is a solution though. Not that you want to pull those kinds of strings, even though you can. You could possibly have a florist make some arrangements and then have them fly in here for the wedding. We have about two days to spare.”
“We could, but that seems excessive.” She glances out to the water. “I wanted the wedding here because I love it here—the island is so beautiful that the event itself could just be intimate and simple. I know my parents want to show off their money, and they’ve earned it, but I just don’t want to do that, you know?”
“I get it.” I lean back on my hands and think about it. “What about the locals? Have you spoken anyone who lives here?”
“I have some friends in town, and they’ve offered suggestions, but there aren’t many people on hand here that can make arrangements, and a lot of the things they put together are imported for weddings.”
“Makes sense.” I twist my lips to the side, thinking. “What about leaves?” I ask.
Confused, Haisley says, “What do you mean?”
“Well, you can twist and maneuver leaves into different arrangements. You’re just looking for a bouquet, some boutonnieres and maybe something for the ceremony, right?”
“Yeah, four bouquets.”
“That’s right.” I look behind me toward the groves of foliage on the island. “Humor me for a second.” I get up and motion for her to join me. I pick up a bundle of fronds—I think they’re banana leaves, but I can’t be sure. They’re long, flat, and exactly what I was thinking. I fold a few over, looping and then gathering them at the base. I hold it out to Haisley. “We could do something like this—it looks like a faux flower if you layer them and bunch them together. I bet if we talk to your event planner and the hotel—they can arrange for them to be made. Hire some people in town to help out. It could be beautiful.”
Haisley examines the faux bouquet, and I’m rewarded with a smile. “This is beautiful.”
“You can even take a few of these stragglers.” I pick up some long thin leaves and I stick them around the bouquet. “See, like this and it can add dimension, up to you. You could even actually take a bunch of these folded leaves, make them into little bundles, and line them up like garland.”
“Oh that would be pretty,” she says. Her eyes meet mine and she adds, “I love this, Maggie. It’s such an efficient but pretty idea.”
“Would you like me to explain to your event planner?”
Haisley shakes her head. “I think she’s kind of sensitive since the seating chart idea. I think I’ll bring this idea to her myself, so she doesn’t get defensive.”
“Probably for the best. If you need help, just let me know.”
“You’ve already done so much.”
“That’s what I’m here for. I know for my brother’s wedding, I helped my sister-in-law out a lot, not as the event planner but just as her bridesmaid. Her maid of honor wasn’t really into this stuff, so I stepped up. I made wheat and pine cone bouquets for her wedding. It was absolute torture, I hated every second of it, but they came out beautifully and to this day, I have brides asking about them when they see my portfolio. I found a florist who will do them so I can save my fingers.”
“Smart,” Haisley says. “Have you always wanted to do weddings?”
“For a long time, yes. It’s been my passion ever since I was a kid and saw my mom’s friend get married. I truly love the process, the difference of opinions, and how every wedding is different, reflecting the couple…or at times, the family.”
“Your passion for it is so evident. Feels like the passion I have for my vacation rentals. I’ve worked so hard on them, tended to every detail and every theme. I love giving people an experience.”
“I love your properties,” I say, feeling sheepish. “I’ve obviously looked them up. I bet your dad was proud of you for being so entrepreneurial.” She grimaces, which surprises me.
“Actually, he wasn’t. Not in the beginning.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have thought that.”
“I know. He’s come around. But he’s old-school. He wanted, no, he demandedall of my children will workfor Hopper Industries. So, to say he was angry at my choice to leave Hopper and start my own business is an understatement. It’s taken a while for him to soften, and it took time to prove the business was viable, but he’s really proud of me now. And we’ve worked hard at rebuilding the relationship we lost there for a moment.”
“Wow. That’s inspiring.”
“Yeah, he’s a good man. Stubborn, opinionated, but very supportive once he’s on board.”
“Well, good for you for sticking to your goals. Funnily enough, I wastelling my assistant the other day about your rentals and how they would be amazing for bachelorette parties.”
