Free Baking Love by Lauren Boyd Page A

didn’t realize this before now.”
    “Don’t feel bad. I didn’t realize it, either.”
    Kate looked down at the piece of paper in front of her, which contained the timeline she and Jess had just laid out for making Cecilia and Eric’s cakes. “So up until today, we were planning to carry the wedding cake tiers from the van into the banquet hall on the day of the wedding, when actually, we’re arriving at the Wynnfield Estate the day before the wedding.” She met Jess’s gaze. “We’re going to need somewhere to keep those cake boxes overnight.”
    “I’ll call the Wynnfield House,” Jess said. “I mean, with one hundred sixty-five thousand square feet and two hundred thirty rooms, storage shouldn’t be an issue.”
    “I would hope not.”
    “This means we’ll have to move the wedding cake twice.”
    Kate sighed. “Yep.”
    The women sat in silence for a few moments. “Look on the bright side,” Jess finally said. “At least we determined that Mark will indeed have time to help us assemble the wedding cake before having to serve as Eric’s groomsman.”
    “You’re right. That is good news.”
    Jess slid off her stool. “I’ll call the Wynnfield House and square things away on that end.”
    “Thanks.” Kate rested her head on her folded arms.
    I’d give anything for all of this to go off without a hitch.

 

Chapter Ten
     
    Wednesday, May 2
    Kate entered the kitchen and headed straight for the coffee machine. “Morning, Jess.”
    “Good morning. How are you?”
    “Freezing. I can’t believe how cold it is outside.” She could hear the bakery’s old heater grinding as she poured herself a cup of coffee. “Thanks for turning up the heat.”
    “I knew shivering hands wouldn’t make for impressive piping work.”
    Kate laughed. “Good point.”
    Jess filled her own cup with coffee, then turned to Kate and smiled. “I’m going shopping for my wedding dress this weekend!”
    “You are?” Kate exclaimed. “That’s so exciting!”
    “It is exciting. I can’t wait.”
    “Where are you going? Jan’s Bridal?”
    “No, farther north than Jan’s.”
    “Sutton’s Formal Wear?”
    “Farther north.”
    “Camden’s Bridal Designs?”
    “Still farther north.”
    Kate frowned. “Those are the only bridal boutiques in Hillsborough.”
    “Actually, I’m not buying my dress in Hillsborough.”
    “Where are you buying it?”
    Jess smiled again. “New York.”
    “New York?” Kate echoed in surprise. “What’s in New York?”
    “The Bridal Gown Auctions. It’s an all-day event where designer wedding dresses are sold through auction. The event is held every year at the Manhattan Convention Center.”
    “How’d you find out about it?”
    “I came across the website last night.” Jess sipped her coffee. “The event starts at eight in the morning with a fashion show to showcase all the gowns. Afterward, brides have three hours to try on dresses before the models walk the runway again and each dress is auctioned off.”
    “Sounds like fun.”
    “I’m glad you think so.”
    “Why?”
    “I was hoping you’d go with me. I’d love to get your opinion on the dresses I like.”
    If I’m not at the point in my life where I get to pick out my own wedding dress, the next best thing is helping my best friend pick out hers. “Of course I’ll go.”
    “Yay! Thank you!”
    “You’re welcome.” Kate’s brows flinched. “Wait, did you say this weekend?”
    Jess cringed. “Yeah. Like I said, I just found the website last night.” She quickly continued. “I wouldn’t ask you to go if I knew we needed to be here working instead, but since we’re on schedule with all of our cakes, I figured a weekend in New York wouldn’t hurt.”
    Kate grinned. “You’re right. Let’s do it.”
    * * * *
    Kate touched the blue sheet cake. Good, it’s cool. She carefully slid the cake lifter under part of the cake and used it, along with her other hand, to transfer it from the cooling rack