Page 61 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Chapter Thirteen

Callie sat on one of the comfy stools at Nate’s kitchen counter, focusing on her latest project. She hummed along with the radio, singing the lyrics when she remembered to pay attention, but mostly she was lost in her art. After dipping her brush into a glob of gold paint, she added another elegant swirl on the stem of the red wine goblet she held. Scrutinizing each stroke, she compared her work to the champagne flute and white wineglass she’d already finished, making sure all three pieces followed a relatively similar pumpkin vine pattern she was creating on the glasses in varying sizes. Her phone started ringing as she blew gently on her simple design, giving the drying process a head start. She paused to glance at the readout and smiled when Molly’s number filled her screen. “Hey, there,” she answered.

“The bride and groom just finalized their cake selection,” Molly said without returning Callie’s greeting. “They’ve decided on the second option I was showing you before you left.”

Callie winced, remembering the dozens of intricate marzipan leaves cascading down three stunning tiers. “Can you make it happen?”

“Yeah,” Molly said on a sigh. “It’s going to take some time, but they’re going with four-, six-, and eight-inch squares, which will simplify the process a little.”

“What can I do to help?”

“Exactly what you’re doing now.” Molly sighed again. “I just can’t believe Leah dropped her project in our laps like this—so last-minute. I know her sister’s having health issues, but five days to plan a wedding?”

“Clearly, Leah has every confidence that we can pull it off.”

“And we will. I’m just worried about her. This isn’t like Leah at all.”

“I imagine this must be taking a huge weight off her shoulders—knowing she can count on you.”

“That’s why we’re going to kick some ass. Leah’s name means something in the event planning business. We’re going to make sure it stays that way.”

Callie smiled, loving Molly’s big heart. “Everything’s all set at the Inn?”

“Yes. Cletus and Annie sent over some menu ideas the bride and groom are going to decide on tonight—classic beef, chicken, and fish entrees. I think there were a couple of shellfish options too.”

“Sounds like we’re off to a great start. The Inn’s taking care of the meals, you’ve got the desserts under control, and you know Gwen and I are going to pitch in however we can.”

“And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

Callie blew on her design one last time and set the glass on the counter. “Of course.”

“I know Gwen keeps mentioning that you’re her new best friend, but you actually get to be mine.”

Callie laughed. “I’m flattered. I’ve never been fought over by two people.”

Molly chuckled. “You’ll have the mock-ups ready for tomorrow?”

“I’m finishing them up as we speak.”

“Awesome best friend, let me add. Gwen never said ‘awesome best friend.’”

Callie grinned, always amused by the Carter sisters’ playful banter. “I’ll see you in the morning, but call if you need anything before then.”

“Okay.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

After setting down the phone, Callie grabbed the small white pumpkins and bouquets of orange autumn chrysanthemums she’d already taken the time to arrange and set them in their places by the decorated glasses, getting a feel for how the centerpieces would look on the tables. She narrowed her eyes, making small adjustments here and there, then nodded her satisfaction. “Perfect.” Now she just needed to take a couple of pictures and send them off in an email for the frantic bride’s approval. “They’re perfect,” she said again as she stood and walked to the stove, giving the beef stew simmering in the big blue pot a quick stir. She breathed deep, savoring the heavenly scents of Fall cooking on such a chilly night. If all stayed well in Sanderson for the next ten minutes, Nate would be home joining her for dinner.

She grinned, loving her new routine—their new routine. For the last fifteen days, she’d woken in Nate’s bed, eating breakfast with him at his kitchen table before they kissed goodbye and she headed out for her morning jog. She spent her afternoons at the bakery with Molly, then out running errands for the Sanderson Women’s Society tea party that had gone off without a hitch just last night. But it was her evenings with Nate that were her favorite—when he came home to enjoy a hot meal she’d prepared for them, then either took her up to the deck to look at the stars or snuggled with her on the couch to watch TV, always making love before they finally fell asleep. On occasion, he got called away to deal with a traffic accident or medical emergency, but their day-at-a-time approach to their relationship was working well. She’d never lived so simply—so beautifully. Or at least, not since she’d left Oregon for New York. Her career had given her little time to enjoy the small things—the important things that made life worth living. And she got to share them with Nate.

She moved back to the counter to start cleaning up her mess and glanced at the wineglasses again, stopping with the bottle of paint in her hand when one of the swirls on the base reminded her of the locket she’d drawn and had been compelled to turn into stained glass during her scattered moments of free time. Despite her busy schedule, the golden disk was never far from her mind. Something about the piece fascinated her as much as it disturbed her. She still had no idea what possessed her to sketch it or why she’d woken afraid from dreams she couldn’t remember, but something about the jewelry seemed familiar. Shaking her head, she pushed her thoughts away and took her paintbrush to the sink as the front door opened.

“Honey, I’m home,” Nate called, dropping his keys into the bowl on the entryway table.

She grinned as she put the brush into a glass to soak. “Hey, you.”