Free Destination Wedding (Crimson Romance) by Robyn Neeley

the zipper up.
    Lauren swirled her train. The soft white dress was breathtaking in its simplicity. The sheer organza petals along her hips were exquisite. The gown’s train flowed from her waist. It was the perfect length to glide across sand.
    Miles was the first to speak. “Lauren, you look stunning.”
    “It’s absolutely what I envisioned.” She grinned from ear to ear. “Kate, how did you know?”
    She chuckled. “I’ve been at this for a while.”
    Lauren twirled in her dress. “Well, you certainly earned every penny of your commission today. Thank you.”
    “Oh, dear, you look so beautiful.” Aubrey choked back tears.
    Miles sprung immediately to the rescue, handing her a tissue. Kate knew he had a load of them in his pocket precisely for this expected outcome. He handed one to Kate as well.
    As mother and daughter admired the details of the dress, Kate went over to the couch and fetched her bag. It had to be time to meet Drew. A glance at her phone confirmed that she had fifteen minutes to get back to the Aolani. She’d need to leave now.
    While she wasn’t looking forward to being alone with him, there was something regarding the wedding that they needed to discuss privately.
    “Ladies, I have to run back to the hotel for a meeting. Miles will arrange for any alterations.” She glanced at Lauren one last time. “I doubt they’ll need to do many.”
    “What meeting do you have?” Miles asked. “I didn’t book anything for noon.”
    Kate stammered. “I’m … um … meeting the hotel staff. Nothing major. Wanted to give them a little background on the expected guests.”
    “Do you need me to go with you?” Miles reached for his briefcase.
    “No!” She composed herself. “I mean, it would be great if you could wrap up here. Tell you what. Since we finished much earlier than we planned, why don’t you three enjoy some sun? That dress is going to require a nice dark tan.”
    Lauren clapped her hands. “Oh, goodie! I was hoping we’d have some time for the beach. Is that okay with you, Mom?”
    Aubrey shook her head. “I’m going to meet your father for lunch. You and Miles go have some fun. I’ll meet you later and maybe bring your dad.”
    Kate smiled. “Good, that settles it. You two go worship the Sun God. Miles, I’ll call you when I’m done.” She leaned in so only he could hear. “Only give her SPF Four and please make sure she pulls down her straps. Tan lines won’t work with that dress.”
    “Ladies, chop, chop.” Miles clapped. “Lauren, our toes are going to be in the sand in one hour!”
    Kate left the boutique and hailed a taxi for the quick trip back to the hotel. Wedding dress selected. Check. Happy bride and mother-of-the-bride. Double check. Things were going so smoothly. Her clients didn’t really need a full year to plan their wedding, not with her around. That promotion to partner was as good as hers.
    Once in the cab, she reached for her compact and blotted her face with the tinted sponge. Her matte mauve lipstick was still on and gave some color to her silky beige slacks and white top.
    She had purposely dressed in pants to cover her legs and selected a conservative top with no zippers. There would be no awkward encounters with Drew that involved her clothing if she could help it. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes. Now, if she could just stop thinking about the kiss.
    • • •
    Kate squared her shoulders and moved through the revolving door. Her taxi had gotten stuck in traffic, causing her to be fifteen minutes late.
    She spotted Drew immediately reading
The Wall Street Journal
. The same paper he’d been reading when they first met.
    “I do, I do.” She whispered. Everything was going to be fine. It was a short car ride to and from the airport. This should only take an hour, tops. Hopefully his brother’s flight was on time.
    Drew looked up. “Hi, Kate.”
    “Hi. I’m sorry I’m late.”
    “No problem. You ready?” He folded his paper