Page 10 of Center Ice

“Congratulations, Colby. I’m Dani.”

She smiled. “Thanks. I know this is probably strange, but they insisted on planning everything. I told them I don’t care about the details. If it was up to me and Noah, we would have gone to a courthouse, but this is our last summer all together, so they wanted to do something special.”

I nodded, and Chloe took over. “We promised her she wouldn’t have to lift a finger.” She rolled her eyes. “We had to beg her to come to this meeting. She’d rather be on the beach right now.”

Colby was nodding behind her, and I fought to keep from laughing.

“We’ll make sure to keep that promise,” I assured her. “All you’ll have to do is show up.”

Thank you, Colby mouthed.

“Would you like to see where the ceremony and reception will take place?” I asked, and the other five women that had remained silent all perked up.

“Yes!” a few cheered.

“Let’s head out.” I held the door opened for them, and Maggie ran down the hall just in time to join us.

“Everything is set,” she confirmed quietly.

“Thanks.” I pointed out our key players in the group before striding forward to lead them to the secluded beach on the far end of the resort. It was where most of the weddings took place since we were able to block it off from the rest of the guests, and there was a large, open patio that served as the dining room and reception area. It was all outdoors, the ocean making a stunning backdrop.

I slipped out of my heels at the start of the sand and led the group forward. “Here’s where we’ll set up an arch if you want one.” I stood where the officiator would be. “The bride and groom will be here, and everyone will face toward the ocean.”

“Will the sun be in their eyes?” Sydney asked.

“Since the ceremony is at four, that won’t be a problem.” I smiled and continued to explain the setup. When I finished, I looked at Chloe and Sydney. “Any questions?”

The women all started talking at once. Maggie’s eyes widened from behind the group, and I forced my smile to stay in place. I could not show weakness. Clients could smell it, and I had a feeling these women would be merciless.

I pointed to the pretty blonde standing next to Chloe.

“Where will Colby be walking from? We need to know if she should be wearing shoes or if bare feet would be better.”

“Oh good one, Madi.” Chloe nodded.

I pointed to the building behind them about thirty feet from the edge of the concrete where the patio started. “The bride’s room is right there, so it’s not that far. The ground is treated so it doesn’t get hot.”

Madi seemed satisfied. Maybe she was over the dressing and clothing portion of the day.

“Will there be staff to take the chairs away after the ceremony? We’d like to have the beach open during the reception for pictures.” The quiet voice came from a woman with wild blond curls.

“Yes, our staff will handle all of the setup and takedown. I’ll make sure everything from the ceremony is discretely taken away.” I locked eyes with Maggie, signaling her to write that down.

“Thank you.” The woman smiled and sank back into the group.

“Any other questions about the ceremony itself?”

Chloe shook her head, and I gathered that she spoke for all of them, so I walked around them to the patio. “Dinner will be buffet style and will start here.” I walked to the far corner and pointed toward the beach, “And will end there. The bar will be along the beach and the seating is open, as requested.”

I watched the bride, and she gave a single nod that she understood and approved.

“When the dinner is over, the staff will again come in and move the tables out to the perimeter so there’s room for dancing and the cake cutting in the center.”

“Is there a DJ, or will we need to provide the music?” another brunette asked from the back of the group.

I didn’t have that memorized. I didn’t have time to check this morning. My gaze found Maggie, and she mouthed, DJ.

“There will be a DJ. If you have any specific requests, please let me know by Thursday so I can send it to him.”