Page 33 of Forty, Flirty & Fall Inn

"That's...nice."

"You know, I always thought Sage needed a man with stability.After that whole Derek situation."She shakes her head."Terrible business.Running off with that young thing.But you seem much more reliable."

I open my mouth to correct her assumption about Sage and me, but the music starts and everyone turns toward the back of the room.

The next hour passes in a blur of vows, readings, and Buttercup the goat somehow managing to eat half the ring pillow before anyone notices.

I catch glimpses of my team working around the edges—Kenji behind the "DJ booth," two others "adjusting lighting" while actually installing sensors.

Sage flits around like a hummingbird on espresso, managing crises with the kind of efficiency that would make Fortune 500 CEOs weep.

She prevents the groom's mother from making an inappropriate toast, redirects a lost flower girl, and somehow produces a replacement ring pillow from thin air.

"She's something, isn't she?"

I look over to find an elderly woman sitting beside me, wearing what appears to be an entire jewelry store.

"I'm sorry?"

"Sage."She nods toward where Sage is now helping bustle the bride's train."Girl never stops moving.Been that way since her grandmother passed."

"You knew her grandmother?"

"Rose?Everyone knew Rose.Built that inn from nothing, she did.Sage is trying so hard to save it."The woman sighs."Too proud to ask for help, though.Just like her grandmother."

Before I can respond, the ceremony ends and chaos erupts.Guests flow toward the reception area, and I spot my opening.

"Kenji," I murmur into my earpiece."Status?"

"Main routers are in.We can start the server installation once they move outside for cocktails."

"Roger that."

I'm making my way toward the back office when a hand lands on my shoulder.

"Lucas!There you are!"It's the groom's mother, and she's listing slightly to starboard."I need a dance partner!"

"I don't?—"

"Nonsense!Everyone dances at weddings!"She's already dragging me toward where a small dance floor has been set up."You're Sage's boyfriend, right?So handsome!"

"We're not?—"

But the music starts, and I'm trapped in the world's most awkward slow dance with a woman who smells like champagne and keeps trying to lead.

Over her shoulder, I see Sage watching from the doorway.She's trying not to laugh, I can tell, but her shoulders are shaking with the effort.

'Help me,' I mouth.

She shakes her head, grinning now.

'Please,' I try again.

She considers for a moment, then crosses the room with purpose.

"Mrs.Johnson!The photographer needs you for family photos!"

"Oh!"Mrs.Johnson releases me, patting my cheek with more force than necessary."We'll continue this later, handsome."