Page 76 of The Christmas Trap

“Fine.” The ever-efficient Rachel turns to me. "Lark, about the bridesmaids’—"

"That’s Raya and Harper." I need to call and update them. Something I’ve been putting off.

Theyaresharp. They won’t stop until they weasel the entire story of how I came to be marrying Brody Davenport from me. It’s a grilling I’m not looking forward to. "I told them they could choose their dresses. I didn’t want to have too many rules. It felt too cookie-cutter for them to all, I mean, both of them, to wear the same color and style."

"That’s smart." Rachel smiles. "It makes for a more relaxed feelwhen they’re not all dressed uniformly. Is that what you were going for?”

Her face holds genuine warmth.

"You could say that." Truth is, I hadn’t given thought to what vibe I wanted. I’d been too busy trying to keep everything in the budget I had worked out. Which had come down to spending as little as possible. Going from that to having an almost unlimited budget,anda wedding planner to take the load off me, makes my head spin.

As if sensing my discomfort, Tiny whines. I’m so happy Brody brought him along. I scratch him behind his ears. “Aww, you're being such a good boy.”

He places his shaggy head on my thigh and sighs.

Yeah, I know how you feel.

Some of my consternation must show on my face, for Brody leans forward in his seat. "Are you uncomfortable with how things are shaping up?"

"No. Of course not. It’s just—” I choose my words carefully. “It’s more people than I expected…"

"Whether I invite them or not, my family is going to turn up." He chuckles. "But if you want me to tell them to keep away?—"

"Not at all. The reason I mention it, is that they won’t all fit in the space I booked in the pub for the reception.” I purse my lips. “I think we should move the reception.”

"You sure?" He searches my features.

“Positive.” I shoot him a half smile.

I’m grateful he’s trying to make me feel comfortable with the arrangements.

And he’s been so involved with the planning. His stern façade at work has given way to something more understanding. If I insisted on having the reception at the pub, I bet he’d find a way to squeeze his family in there after the actual wedding ceremony.

But I don’t see the point in that. And it’s not like I’m attached to the idea of having our reception at that pub.

“It’s only practical that we move the reception to a venue that accommodates everyone. Also, I don’t think this entire London traditionof going to the pub after a Town Hall wedding is quite the style of the Davenports.” I allow myself a small snicker.

London is split into boroughs, and each has its own Town Hall. It’s something else I’m getting used to.

“Are you calling my family snobs?” he drawls.

I widen my gaze, striving for an innocent look. “Nope. But I do want to make sure your family is comfortable."

He frowns, then turns to Rachel. "Can you give us a few minutes?"

"Of course. Call me when you’re ready to speak." She walks out of the meeting space and closes the door behind her.

I watch him with curiosity.

"I wanted to make sure you’re not doing anything that’s out of your comfort zone."

"Okay?"

"This wedding should be exactly how you visualized it. You don’t have to cater to anyone else’s needs."

I squirm around in my seat. "They are our guests. I want to make sure they feel at ease."

"As long asyouandIare at ease, they will be too."