Page 23 of Free to Live

“The event-planning company who was supposed to do the work for us.” My father hesitates before continuing. “They just backed out.”

“What?” To hell with my control. I explode. “How can they do that? We had a contract with them!”

“Apparently they’re willing to return all the money we paid them to take this other business, which is what our contract states, Joe. I don’t know how we’re going to do this unless we run the 5K as planned and trim back the after-party to something at one of the stations and hope people understand.” I would be ready to take off his head at the suggestion except I see the defeat on his face.

None of us want this to fall apart. We’ve faced a wall of flames with these people at our back; their memories deserve the best we can give them. Suddenly, my conversation with Ali Freeman skates through my mind.We’re the very best at what we do, Mr. Bianco. There’s not a single member of the Freeman family who doesn’t take their responsibilities seriously.

“Let me make a phone call before we go that route,” I suggest.

“You have a miracle in your pocket?” he jokes.

Shaking my head, I move toward the door. “No. I just know someone who might be able to point me in the right direction.”

“You’ve got until tomorrow morning, Joe. Then I’ll activate the volunteer committees.”

I nod, my mind already on the business card I’d shoved behind Grace’s photo last week.

I just hope that there’s a chance in hell they can take our business.

* * *

“Amaryllis Events,this is Alison. How may I help you?” Her lightly accented voice floats over the line.

“Ms. Freeman.” I hesitate, even as I look down at the card she handed to me the other night. “This is Joe Bianco. Our children both attend…”

She interrupts before I can continue. “Of course, Joe. And it’s Ali. How can I help you?” Her voice is pleasant and curious.

I clear my throat. “Well, first, I’d like to apologize if my blowing off your offer of your sister’s services came off as being rude. It wasn’t meant to be taken as personal.” I wait for a heartbeat before continuing, but I’m not given a chance as Ali breaks up laughing.

“Joe, if I took everything someone said personally, I’d be out of business and likely have no family members left. Now, how can I help you today? Have you changed your mind?”

I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. Ali Freeman’s personality is exactly the same as I remember it: open, bold, and up-front. “In a manner of speaking.” I flip the thin cardboard over and over between my fingers. “I need an event planner—quickly as it turns out. I’m calling to inquire about the cost of your services?”

There’s silence on the other end of the line. “I didn’t realize you were getting married,” Ali asks, confused.

I bark out a rough laugh. “Not hardly.”

“Then what…” I interrupt her.

“Have you ever heard of the Collyer Police and Fireman’s 5K?”

Ali snorts in my ear. “Heard about it? I run it every year. I have a side bet with Keene. I’m going to kick his ass at it.”

I pull the phone away from my ear a little before putting it back in place. “Seriously?”

“Oh yeah. Keene thinks just because he can outrun me on distance, he’ll…never mind. You were saying?”

“Ali, our event planner just bailed. If I can’t find someone to help us on a shoestring budget, the event is going to go to hell. That means the Victims Assistance Fund won’t raise money to help the families of our fallen—”

“Give me five minutes,” Ali interrupts me and immediately places me on hold.

I let out a deep breath. And inhale another one. Just as I’m about to let that one out, a new voice comes on the line. “Mr. Bianco? This is Cassidy Freeman. I’m the CEO of Amaryllis Events. Do you have time to come in today so we can talk about what you need?”

“Ms. Freeman, I don’t want to waste your time if I can’t afford your services,” I tell her bluntly.

Her warm laughter rings out in my ear. “First, call me Cassidy. We’re going to be working together a lot over the next few weeks. And second, you don’t understand. Amaryllis Events is going to donate our services.”

What? My jaw unhinges. “This is unreal,” I whisper.