Page 70 of Center Ice

We went back downstairs where Dustin was waiting. It only took a few minutes to get her paperwork done, then we went outside.

“I can’t believe how close this is. I won’t even need to get a car.” She paused. “Well, I might if I need to go see vendors or meet clients.”

“I’m sure Chloe will let you borrow hers for as long as you need, but you can also use mine. I’m within walking distance of the arena, so I won’t need it for training and practice days. I’m not sure I could get away with walking in on game days though.” I laughed, imagining the crowds seeing that. “I can always catch a ride too.”

“We’ll work it out.” She grinned. “Together.”

I liked the sound of that. We stopped in front of the empty retail space, and she unlocked the door. It was a completely blank canvas. White walls and cement floors with a small storage space in the back next to a restroom.

“It’s perfect,” she gushed while turning around. “I can put a few couches here to meet with clients, or a big table, or a private office.” She pointed to the far corner, “And there I can put in cabinets with samples so I can have things on hand to show couples.”

I watched as her mind got to work, planning and envisioning her dream coming to life. I couldn’t wait to see what she would do. I had a feeling she was going to blow me away.

24

Dani

It took four weeks to finish construction on the office. I checked almost every day on the progress as if I could will it to go faster, but it was worth the wait. I had to plan Nikolai and Elena’s wedding from my apartment, not that it was a hardship.

Their small ceremony was held in a secluded area of a park in a gorgeous garden in full bloom. Only his mother and sisters, her parents, and Amelia and Derek were present. It was one of the most serene weddings I’d ever attended, let alone planned. It was beautiful and just what they needed. Amelia wore a blush pink gown and told me it was the happiest day of their lives. That was all I ever wanted to hear.

So one wedding down and three more to go. Grant and Addison’s was next on my list, so I went to my bookcase and pulled out their binder. I decided to keep the office minimal and modern with white walls, flooring, and furniture with gold accents. The pillows, pictures, and other decorations were blush-colored and green. Each season, I was going to swap them out so the office matched. Was it over the top? Maybe, but I wanted brides and their guests to be inspired when they came in.

Most importantly, this was my dream coming to life. It was how I always pictured my office when I had my own wedding planning business, which I named DG Weddings and Events. The gold sign hung above the door, outside for the whole world to see.

Jake took a picture when it was installed, with me standing in front of my newly finished office, and sent it to my parents. They’d been so supportive and booked a flight next month to come see my progress and meet Jake in person.

Chloe helped me design my website, and since it went live at the beginning of the week, I’d had a dozen requests for quotes. The magazines featuring Noah and Colby’s wedding were out, and the interviews I did when I’d first moved to Salt Lake had been published.

I hadn’t booked The Morning Show yet, but it was just a matter of time. It was my next dream, and I was going to work until it happened.

“Hey, Dani?” I looked up at my assistant, Jessica. She was referred by Chloe after she interned for the team’s front office. She was passionate about event planning, so it was a perfect fit.

“Yes?”

“The tablecloth sample for Lucy came in.” She held out the shimmery champagne-colored fabric.

“Oh, it’s beautiful.” I rubbed it between my fingers. “She’ll love it.”

Jessica grinned. “I’ll add it to her folder.”

“Thanks.” I went back to Addison’s folder. I booked the venue, located in the mountains in front of a waterfall, and was now working on the menu. We were keeping it small and family-friendly, but that didn’t mean she didn’t deserve the best I could find. Grant had jokingly suggested having Phil from Los Gatos cater, which Addison did not find funny, and neither did I. Between the guys’ obsession with that place and pizza, it was a miracle they ate anything else.

The front door chimed, and I looked up to see Jake.

“Hi, babe.” He came around my desk and kissed my cheek. “How are things going?”

“Good.” I smiled up at him. “The inspiration just pours in around here.”

“That’s exactly what we want.” He leaned against the bookcase. “Are you ready?”

I slumped in my seat. “No.”

“Because you’re busy, or you just don’t want to go,” he asked with a raised brow.

“I don’t want to go,” I admitted.

“I know. Neither do I, but we have to.” He offered his hand and helped me stand.