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Chapter Fifteen

“We never diddiscuss how things went with your dad,” Kelly commented as she placed one of the table arrangements on the mirrored plate in the center of the table.

“Yeah, we kind of got sidetracked,” Tate said from beside her.

How she was getting any work done when he was practically glued to her side amazed her. Her skin still tingled from everything they’d done the previous evening and that morning when she’d shown him a few of her tricks.

“It was a good sidetrack for sure. But was it hard to leave him?”

Tate sighed and threaded his fingers through his hair, mussing it up and reminding her of how it looked when they’d woken up that morning. “It was hard, but he looked so happy to finally be home. Tyler was great as well. He had made sure that everything Dad needed was within reach. I called Dad while you were in the shower and he sounded good. A little tired, but I think it’s because he was so excited to be back in his own home and not a room at a facility.”

Even though she had a million more things to do, she went over and embraced Tate, inhaling his woodsy scent. “I’m glad, and I know you were worried about how Tyler would be with him.”

“I was and I shouldn’t have been. We’re family, and I need to let go of the control a little bit. I took on everything after Dad had his stroke. I couldn’t help it. But I now see that letting Tyler in helps me as much as it helps him. Although, I am still worried about the festival.”

Kelly released her hold on Tate and went back to work in setting up the flower displays. She ignored the tinge of guilt; she still hadn’t told Tate she’d sent the final plan in without him looking at it. “What are you worried about?”

“Well, the rehab center said that, as part of Dad’s recovery, I had to keep him away from stressful situations. Having the farm full of people for three days straight for the festival, not to mention all the time it’s going to take to assemble and disassemble the stands, is not a stress-free environment. There’s going to be so much activity.”

If the roles were reversed, she’d feel the same way. “I promise I will do everything I can to make sure that we keep it as stress free as we can for your dad.”

While she knew it was a tall task, it wasn’t impossible, and if she explained it all to Macy, she was sure Macy would understand as well. They’d speak to the volunteers and ask them to be as quiet as possible.

“I appreciate that, but it’s not going to be easy. Maybe between the two of us we can achieve it. Although, you’re going to be busy with the flower arrangements, aren’t you?”

It was going to be a mammoth task getting arrangements ready for two sites, but she had a plan, and when she had one of those everything always worked out.

“Yes, it’s going to be crazy busy, but I like that. And barring any unforeseen dramas that will keep me away from the farm, I’ll try to be there as much as possible.”

“Kel, I appreciate that, and even though I’ll be busy with the harvest, I’ll be able to oversee the arrangements as well. I don’t want you working yourself ragged just for me.” Tate placed a soft kiss on her lips. The urge to sink into him and prolong the kiss was strong. As if he could read her mind, he pulled away. “In a few hours, I’m going to show you just how much I appreciate your words.”

A shiver of desire thrummed through her, and her heart rate kicked up a couple of notches. “I like that idea.”

He laughed. “I think I need something to cool me down. Do you want a soda or water?”

“Water would be great.”

“On it.” He turned and headed for the ballroom exit. She would never get tired of looking at his ass in jeans.

“Tate?” she called out. He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Thank you for coming with me. As much as I would’ve understood if you’d canceled, I’m glad you didn’t.”

A soft smile played across his lips. “Me too, Kel. Me too.”

*

A few hourslater, Tate opened the door to their suite, and Kelly walked in and collapsed in the closest chair. “Thank goodness that’s over.”

“Are all brides as difficult as this one?”

Kelly laughed. “No, thank goodness.” Prior to the wedding her bride had been super relaxed, but today, she’d turned into bridezilla, hating every arrangement Kelly had created for her. Fortunately, her mom had stepped in and calmed the bride down and reminded her, with pictures from her phone, that everything she wanted Kelly had provided. Of course, the bride hadn’t apologized, but when her mom made the final payment, the amount had been increased by a couple of hundred dollars.

Kelly understood the pressures of getting married, and weddings turned the sanest of people into crazy ones.

“Well, I have to say you handled her tantrum better then I would’ve. I probably would’ve collected all the flowers and walked out. Or maybe done something to them all.”

“I could never ruin anything I’d spent hours creating. You’d feel the same if you were in my shoes. I guarantee it.”

“I suppose so.” Tate dropped a kiss on her forehead.