Page 38 of Finding Home at Hearts Hotel

Maggie checked her wristwatch, her focus returning to the schedule. "The girls' dresses will be here tomorrow morning. They need to come in for their final fittings so I can adjust the hemlines."

"I'll make sure the girls are here right after lunch," Isabel volunteered immediately, taking the task on her list. "They are so excited to try on their dresses, they've been talking about it all week."

"Thank you," Maggie sighed, a massive wave of gratitude filling her chest. "That is a huge help."

"Rosa is handling all the decoration details in the large ballroom of the Hearts Hotel," Linda told her, checking another box on her ledger sheet. "She says the drapery is already being hung."

"I can't believe that room is still in such good condition," Anna said, her eyes turning nostalgic as she looked toward the window. "We got married in that exact ballroom. It was a beautiful evening, and the light through those high arched windows was spectacular."

"It's a beautiful room," Penny agreed, nodding in confirmation.

"Thank you for fixing it for me," Maggie said, her gaze locking with Penny's. She knew how much work had gone into restoring the historic plasterwork and polishing the old hardwood floors after years of neglect. "I know how much effort your restoration crew put into that space."

"It was only a pleasure," Penny told her, a genuine smile softening her features. "Honestly, the workmanship in that ballroom is extraordinary. The details on the crown molding and the structural supports are things you simply don't see in modern construction."

"Yes, it was part of the old, original hotel structure that George’s grandfather built," Anna explained, her voice dropping into a reverent tone as she shared the history. "The family never had the heart to alter the classic design. They just kept it up, maintaining the woodwork and the plaster, until the doors were eventually closed in recent years to try and preserve the space from any wear and tear."

"Well, now that it's open again," Penny said. “And I’ve finished renovating it.” She glanced between the women there. “We’re starting our venue hosting business there.”

They raised a toast to their combined business venture, which would be headed by Penny.

“And my wedding will be our first big event there,” Maggie said proudly. “Here’s to my wedding, the upcoming vow renewals, and…” Her eyes twinkled as she locked onto Isabel and Penny. “Two more weddings around the corner.”

“Wait, what?” Anna spluttered, her eyes going wide. “Who?”

“Owen proposed last night,” Isabel confessed and held up her hand to show the gorgeous antique ring. “It was his grandmother's.” She snorted. “And no, he never gave it to Debbi.”

“Isabel,” Anna breathed and hugged her, with Lila right behind to do the same thing.

“That is so great, honey,” Lila cooed. “You and Owen make such a great couple.”

Isabel thanked them and then glared at Maggie. “But you, Mags, were not supposed to say anything until after your wedding, when we were going to announce it.”

“I’ve told you all this,” Maggie sighed. “It makes my day even more special if my heart is happy for my friends.” Then she raised a brow. “Like Lila and Tom.”

“What?” It was Linda’s turn to look at Lila. “My stepfather Tom?”

“Maggie!” Lila hissed. “When did you get so loose-tongued, sweetheart?”

“Must be the combination of champagne and great happiness of finally marrying the love of my life,” Maggie said cheekily. “And you can’t get cross with me because this is my wedding week.”

“Maggie…” Linda drawled. “You’ve had a wedding month.”

They all laughed at that, until Linda turned back to Lila.

“Did you and Tom finally make your engagement official?” Linda asked and Lila blushed.

“Linda…” Lila said. “We…” She swallowed and Maggie saw Linda’s eyes narrow. “We went and got married at the court.”

“You did what now?” Linda asked, stunned.

“We weren’t going to say anything,” Lila said. “But… while we were in Miami this past month we kinda got married on the spur of the moment.” She pulled a face. “We were going to tell you all when we got back. It was this romantic spontaneous thing we did. But when we got back there was just so much going on we didn’t get a chance to.”

“Then how did Maggie find out?” Linda asked.

“She kind of caught us together at the bakery,” Lila told Linda.

“I was there inspecting the cakes for the next day,” Maggie told them.