Page 24 of Center Ice

“There’s already a group dinner planned, so all we need is your help with the marriage license and finding someone to officiate.”

I hesitated. “And I’m assuming this is a surprise?”

They nodded.

This was a delicate situation I’d never come across before. Just when I thought I’d seen it all.

“I do have a concern about this.”

“Okay.” Kendall took Wyatt’s hand.

“I was hired to plan Colby and Noah’s wedding. It’s my job to give them the best experience I can, and this feels a little weird, to be honest. I don’t want to take away from their big day.”

Wyatt nodded. “I completely understand. Neither of us would want that either, but Noah and Colby are some of our very best friends. We know them well enough to know they would be out-of-their-minds happy about this. The whole team would be. We’d never want to step on any toes or offend anyone. We’re the ones who have to go back home and live with them.”

“There are definitely couples that would not be okay with this, but they aren’t that type,” Kendall added. “I’m pretty sure they would be happy to share their actual wedding day with us if we wanted.”

That did sound like what I’d learn about Colby, and what I saw while giving her the tour. She was really laid back, and it seemed like she just wanted to be married. The how didn’t matter. That was the only reason I was even tempted to agree.

“They’re your friends, and you’re right. You’re the ones that have to go home and deal with the consequences.” I smiled to take away from the weight of my words. If Noah and Colby did get upset, it would all come back on me, giving Mr. Hernandez something else to yell about.

“We know,” Wyatt said.

“Then I’ll help you.”

They both broke out with wide grins. They followed me to my office and got the forms for the marriage license.

“We haven’t decided if we want to do it before or after dinner. Do you have a recommendation?” Kendall asked once we were finished with the paperwork.

There were pros and cons to each, so I tried to picture myself in their shoes. If they waited, they’d have to keep the secret longer and pretend like nothing was going on, but they’d also get to have a mini reception after. They could all hang out and dance for the night. Doing it sooner, it would be fun to then gather with everyone for dinner.

“I think I’d wait until dinner was over. We can have music after on the patio for everyone and you guys can dance or sit out on the beach, and I can have the staff build a fire.”

Wyatt looked to Kendall. “I think that sounds good.”

“Yeah.” She was beaming. “Let’s plan on that.”

“Okay, how would you like to transition? One of you can make a toast and the officiant will be waiting for the sign to come out, or you guys can stand up together and just surprise them.”

“I’ll make a toast,” Wyatt said.

“Okay, I’ll make sure we’re ready and waiting for the signal.” I made a note to have a microphone and speaker set up discreetly in the area so we could move it out when it was time.

“Thank you so much. I can’t believe this is really happening,” Kendall said as she stared at Wyatt.

“I’m glad to help.” I really was. Once they convinced me that Noah and Colby would be okay and I truly believed they would be fine with the attention being off them for a night, I was excited to make this happen.

This was another great opportunity. Wyatt was the team captain. In my little research on the team, I’d learned that he donated a kidney last summer so Kendall could have the transplant she needed. What was more romantic than that? He literally saved her life, and now they were getting married. It was a perfect story … one that belonged in a magazine.

“There are some reporters here that arrived early to cover the wedding. Would you mind if I let just a few of them photograph your elopement?”

Wyatt sighed, but Kendall spoke first. “You know they’re going to get pictures somehow, so we might as well control how it happens. Plus, your fans will want to know and see for themselves.”

“Are you getting paid for those pictures?” he asked.

I shook my head. “No. Of course not.”

“Then why would you care if it gets photographed?”