Page 43 of Last First Kiss

When this all started, Kami told him,Most people think of weddings as playing dress-up. A formality. They just do what everyone else has done, but bigger. For them, the real fun is the reception.

Jordan remembers the soft smile cresting her lips during the next part:

But there are some people who’ve dreamt their whole lives about the actual ceremony. What it’d look like. What they’d wear. How significant it would be to sayI doin front of everyone they love. Those are the clients you pay attention to. They’re the heart of what we do.

Jordan thought he understood what Kami was saying then.

Butnow? Now he gets it.

Amy hugs herself, her eyes constantly moving.

“Babe? What do you think?” Sam asks.

She bites her lower lip. “I like it.”

A quiet beat passes.

“But you don’t love it,” Jordan says for her.

Amy looks like she’s trying hard to hold on to a smile as Sam approaches her. Like she doesn’t want to disappoint him. She knows this is the sort of place she shouldwantto have her wedding in, but it’s not.

Sam rubs her arms, whispering to her. She nods along, as if he’s gradually convincing her. They’re too far away for Jordan to overhear.

Out of nowhere, the air is spiced with oak and amber. Right, Jamie’s still here. Like a ghost Jordan can’t seem to exorcise.

“Isn’t there one more option?”

Jordan stares straight ahead. “Mm-hmm.”

“Is it too late to check it out?”

Jordan unlocks his phone. It’s 3:32PM.The last venue isn’t far, but afternoon traffic’s already started. The congested streets and highways will add at least an additional fifty minutes to their drive.

Still, Jordan knows it’s worth it.

“Actually,” he says loud enough to grab Amy and Sam’s attention. He steps away from Jamie. “I think I have the perfect place to host your wedding.”

A genuine smile pushes Amy’s cheeks up. “Show us!”

Truly, Jordan’s saved the best for last.

Piedmont Conservatory sits on a giant stretch of land near the city’s edge. It’s a sea of lush greens and exotic botanicals and eye-catching views. Jordan almost booked the space last spring. Back when he was assisting Kami in planning an engagement party for the Sedwicks. He thought it’d be the ideal place to impress Uncle Kenny and help Kami land the CEO gig.

But she knew better.

“It’s great, but not for Emily and Warren,” she’d said. “Remember: We want to impress theclientfirst. Fulfill their dreams. No matter how unreasonable or excessive they might be.”

The Conservatory wasn’t right for the engagement party. But Jordan’s convinced it’s tailor-made for Sam and Amy.

After securing permission from Lilly, one of the client services assistants, he escorts them to the garden.

Immediately, Amy stops cold, eyes widening. When Sam joins her, his jaw drops.

From behind them, Jamie swears “Fuck” softly.

Jordan grins.

The pristine green lawn extends at least half a mile, bracketed by tall trees. In the middle of the grass is an arch with foliage twisted around it and a circle made of smooth stones. Pops of color come in the shape of orange cosmos and pink snapdragons and red tulips. The air is sweet with flowers and summer warmth. This far from downtown, it’s quiet enough to hear the breeze.