Bride Quartet Collection Read Free Page A

own vision, and this one wanted lots of gold and silver ribbon and swag as opposed to the lavender and cream voile of New Year’s Eve.
    The fire was set in the drawing room and would be lit before the guests began to arrive. White-draped chairs sparkling with silver bows formed row after row. Emma had already dressed the mantel with gold candles in silver holders, and the bride’s favorite white calla lilies massed in tall, thin glass vases.
    Mac circled the room, considered angles, lighting, composition—and made more notes as she walked out and took the stairs to the third floor.
    As she expected, she found Parker in the conference room of their office, surrounded by her laptop, BlackBerry, folders, cell phone, and headset. Her dense brown hair hung in a long tail—sleek and simple. It worked with the suit—a quiet dove gray—that would blend in and complement the bride’s colors.
    Parker missed no tricks.
    She didn’t look up but circled a finger in the air as she continued to work on the laptop. Knowing the signal, Mac crossed to the coffee counter and filled mugs for both of them. She sat, laid down her own file, opened her own notebook.
    Parker sat back, smiled, and picked up her mug. “It’s going to be a good one.”
    “No doubt.”
    “Roads are clear, weather’s good. The bride’s up, had breakfast and a massage. The groom’s had a workout and a swim. Caterers are on schedule. All attendants are accounted for.” She checked her watch. “Where are Emma and Laurel?”
    “Laurel’s putting the finishing touches on the cake, which is stupendous. I haven’t seen Emma, but she’s started dressing the event areas. Pretty. I want some outdoor shots. Before and after.”
    “Don’t keep the bride outside for too long before. We don’t want her red-nosed and sniffling.”
    “You may have to keep the MOB off my back.”
    “Already noted.”
    Emma rushed in, a Diet Coke in one hand, a file in the other. “Tink’s hungover and a no-show, so I’m one short. Let’s keep this brief, okay?” She dropped down at the table. Her curling black hair bounced over the shoulders of her sweatshirt. “The Bride’s Suite and the Drawing Room are dressed. Foyer and stairway, nearly finished. The bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres checked. We’ve started on the Grand Hall and the Ballroom. I need to get back to that.”
    “Flower girl?”
    “White rose pomander, silver and gold ribbon. I have her halo—roses and baby’s breath—ready for the hairdresser. It’s adorable. Mac, I need some pictures of the arrangements if you can fit it in. If not, I’ll get them.”
    “I’ll take care of it.”
    “Thanks. The MOB—”
    “I’m on it,” Parker said.
    “I need to—” Emma broke off as Laurel walked in.
    “I’m not late,” Laurel announced.
    “Tink’s a no-show,” Parker told her. “Emma’s short.”
    “I can fill in. I’ll need to set the centerpiece of the cake and arrange the desserts, but I’ve got time now.”
    “Let’s go over the timetable.”
    “Wait.” Emma lifted her can of Diet Coke. “Toast first. Happy New Year to us, to four amazing, stupendous, and very hot women. Best pals ever.”
    “Also smart and kick-ass.” Laurel raised her bottle of water. “To pals and partners.”
    “To us. Friendship and brains in four parts,” Mac added, “and the sheer coolness of the whole we’ve made with Vows.”
    “And to 2009.” Parker lifted her coffee mug. “The amazing, stupendous, hot, smart, kick-ass best pals are going to have their best year ever.”
    “Damn right.” Mac clinked her mug to the rest. “To Wedding Day, then, now, and always.”
    “Then, now, and always,” Parker repeated. “And now. Timetable?”
    “I’m on the bride,” Mac began, “from her arrival, switch to groom at his. Candids during dressing event, posed as applies. Formal portraits in and out. I’ll get the shots of the cake, the arrangements now, do my setup. All family and wedding party