She entered the warehouse where the wines were stored, happy to see that the cases were already pulled and sitting separate for the crew to take out to the reception area later that day. She counted the cases, and of course they were correct. Her team knew their jobs. She breathed a sigh of relief and headed out, running straight into Finn.
“What are you doing out here?” she asked.
“Walking my dog. You look cute.”
She smoothed her hands over her wildly uncontrollable hair. “I do not. My hair’s a mess but I had to leave it this way because I’m getting it done later at the hotel. You probably don’t even care, so why am I telling you this?”
He laughed. “I don’t know. But your hair’s not a mess. You’re way too hard on yourself, Brenna. You know what you look like to me?”
She cocked her head to the side. “What?”
He wrapped his arm around her and brought his face closer to hers. “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Your hair is like curly pillows of amazing red. Without makeup on, I can see a sprinkle of freckles across your nose and cheeks. You look like a fairy. A sexy, desirable, seductive fairy who’s got me held in her spell. You’re magic, Brenna.”
She momentarily lost the ability to breathe. Or to speak. What guy talked like that, wound sweet, poetic words about her appearance while holding her in his arms?
No man she’d ever known, that’s for sure.
“You have a way with words, Finn Nolan.”
“Do I? I just say what’s on my mind. Want to hear what else is on my mind?”
She did. She most definitely did. She laid her palms on his chest, momentarily enjoying the rock-hard feel of him. But then Murphy barked and dashed toward something across the vineyard.
“Sorry, gotta go fetch my dog. We’ll finish this later.”
She sighed as she watched him run after Murphy and disappear around the side of one of the buildings.
She’d never been more disappointed in her life. Though it was probably for the best since they were outside where anyone could walk up on them.
And then she reminded herself that they were fake engaged, not even a real couple.
Time to face reality, Brenna. This fake romance isn’t going anywhere.
And no amount of poetic words was going to change that.
She straightened her shoulders and went back to the house. It was time to pack up her things and head over to the hotel.
She checked in with Honor first to make sure she didn’t need any help. As usual, Honor had everything under control.
“I’ve already talked to the caterers and the cake decorator and the deejay this morning,” Honor said, walking so fast Brenna was out of breath by the time they made their way to the arbor, which was in the process of being decorated with beautiful flowers and vines. “The crew is here and already setting up the barn for the reception. Everything’s under control. Erin and I have this, so go enjoy being a bridesmaid.”
Enjoy? No, she most definitely was not going to enjoy being a bridesmaid. She wanted to be here working this wedding rather than being in this wedding. Having to spend the entire day with Allison was going to be like an eternity in fiery hell. But sure, she could totally handle this.
She went to her room, packed up her bag and drove over to the hotel. Esther had a suite so she took the elevator to the top floor and knocked on the door. She could already hear loud talking, likely Allison’s voice because she always liked being the center of attention.
Andrea, one of the bridesmaids, answered the door. “Hey, Brenna.”
“Hi, Andi. How’s it going in here?”
“Utter madness. But there’s champagne and snacks,” she said as Brenna followed behind her.
“Brenna’s here!” Esther ran over to give her a huge hug. “It’s my wedding day.”
“I know, honey. I’m beyond excited for you.” Which she was. She was thrilled for Esther. She would have been even more thrilled if Allison weren’t part of the day.
“Late as always, aren’t you, Brenna?”
Speaking of Allison . . .
But Esther ignored her and looped her arm in Brenna’s. “We have mimosas and pastries and we’re spilling tea like you would not believe while we wait for hair and makeup to show up. And Brock’s mom is giving us all the dirt about his childhood antics. Though I’ve heard most of them before.”
Brenna grabbed a mimosa and a Danish and sat and listened to Greta talk about Brock’s antics as a child. Then, since turnabout was fair play, Esther’s mom, Paula, told some embarrassing stories about her. They were all innocent stories, but also hilarious.
While they all sat around waiting, Brenna got a chance to chat with the other bridesmaids. Andrea had gone to college with Esther and Brenna, and Brenna already knew Marie from high school. Sabra worked with Esther, and Hilary was Esther’s cousin.
They were all delightful and friendly. Except for Allison, of course, but Brenna planned to do her best to avoid her nemesis.
Finally, hair and makeup arrived so all the bridesmaids split up. Unfortunately, Brenna got stuck in makeup sitting right next to Allison, but she had to accept the card she was dealt because it was Esther’s day. Hopefully Allison would be too busy admiring herself in the mirror to concern herself with Brenna. She listened while Allison complained about the foundation spray, then bickered about everything from the way the makeup artist did brows to the colors of eye shadow.
Brenna thought the makeup artist must have the patience of a saint to put up with her. She should draw a unibrow on her just for vengeance.
She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to have to live with her.
“Brenna, I see you’ve been busy,” Allison said, obviously running out of things to complain to the makeup artist about. “Working as a flunky for your dad. Finding such a hot guy to agree to marry you. How did you manage that?”
She took in a calming breath and let it out.
“I run the vineyard and the winery alongside my father. If you’re interested in knowing more about how grapes are grown and harvested or how wine is made, I’d be happy to inform you. As far as Finn, I’ve known him since we were teens. We fell in love naturally. This time I have the right man.”
Brenna was an excellent liar. She should probably be concerned about that.
Allison sniffed and held her head back as the woman patted powder on her face. “Whatever. It’s not like you could hold on to Mitchell. He told me what happened between you two.”
She shouldn’t engage with Allison, who was only trying to bait her. But as tension coiled around her like an angry snake, she couldn’t help herself.