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“It’s great to meet you at last,” she said, overwhelmed at his energetic presence. Caitey could see how a woman would be attracted to him, and Jenna’s eyes were drooling with love for her groom.
Logan Hearst was in his early 30s and had a stocky athletic build. His dark hair was short but styled, and his face was clean-shaven like that of his best man, Marcus. His eyes were a hazel color that radiated kindness along with a charming smile. His jeans and pullover polo shirt were casual, as if he’d been out tinkering in the garage onhis car—not living in luxury on a multi-million-dollar estate.
“I beg to differ on the favorite person in the world,” Caitey said with a smile. “I think that honor goes to Jenna’s bestie in New Orleans, Marina Cormier.”
Logan cocked his chin and eyed her in a mischievous manner. “Perhaps a tie, then. But blood is thicker than water, don’t you think?”
“You make a good point,” Caitey conceded.
Jenna leaned in conspiratorially. “Did I tell you the news? She and Wade are expecting a baby!”
“That’s wonderful,” Caitey told her. “I’m sure it’s difficult to travel, depending on how far along she is.”
“She’s six months along, but they’re determined to be here.”
Logan waved them past the magnificent row of foyer columns and into an impressive great room filled with multiple sofas and chairs, lovely carpets, and wallpapered in gold and green from the top of the snowy white wainscoting to the high ceiling.
A grand piano sat in one corner next to exquisite picture windows that filled the entire back wall, overlooking the gardens, far lawns, and trees.
Beyond the glass, Caitey spotted beautiful patios, a pergola, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a pristine white gazebo, and the flower garden she’d sat in while trying to figure out where everyone was.
She followed behind, wonderingwhen to retrieve her luggage and unload her car. There were so many things about the wedding to discuss with Jenna.
She had never attended a private home wedding or overseen a wedding in an estate house this regal and gorgeous. It was hard not to be intimidated. At least she had Jenna, and she knew her aunt and uncle.
Well, and Marcus, she supposed. A tiny bit. But he was an enigma, and she wasn’t sure how much she could trust or rely on his help.
Jenna was such a casual, friendly, and down-to-earth owner of a simple coffee shop that seeing her here was also disconcerting. The imbalance had rattled Caitey.
That’s what came from marrying a rich man.
Would Jenna keep her shop in New Orleans? Would she move to Santa Barbara?
Caitey had so many questions it was hard to keep them to herself.
Jenna leaned closer as if she could read Caitey’s mind. “Isn’t he dreamy? Come on, he’s playing host right now, but you’ll meet my in-laws soon enough.”
“Any time for a cousin talk?” Caitey asked, giving Jenna a wink. “I only have a million questions!”
Jenna returned a secret smile. “Tonight. My room. Now follow me. I must show you the rest of the house.”
“Remember, I need to unload my car. I’m sure everything is crushed by now after all day long.”
“Of course! I get so excited about everyone arriving. We’ll get the guys to help, and it will go fast.” Jenna halted. “Holdthat thought. Here come Logan’s parents now. Oh, sorry, just his mother, his father is a trial attorney in Santa Barbara and will be home later for dinner.”
A woman in her late 50s pushed through a set of double French doors from the garden side. She carried a bag of golf clubs and was wearing a beautiful pair of white slacks with a deep blue blouse.
“There’s a golf course on the property, too?” Caitey whispered.
Jenna gave a quick nod. “It was installed by the previous owners decades ago. Nine holes far behind the garages on the back acreage with bridges and a pond for golf balls to fall into,” she added with a grin. “Quite lovely.”
“We’re fanatics about golf,” Mrs. Hearst said, striding forward. “You must be Jenna’s cousin Caitey, our famous wedding planner. We’ve all been so eager to meet you.”
Jenna quickly spoke up. “Caitey, this is Mrs. Hearst, Logan’s mother.”
“Please call me Isabella, my dear. What a grand week we’re going to have, although the weather is cooling a bit now that November arrived last week. We’re spoiled living here, but at our mountain elevation, winter comes a tad early. But usually not until at least December,” she added in a stern, joking tone. “So, no worries about Logan and Jenna’s nuptials. It’s the wedding of the decade.”
Isabella Kensington Hearst’s expressive green eyes sparkled with humor. She immediatelytook Caitey by the hand and gazed at her with interest. “Has anyone shown you to your room, Caitey?”
