“Have it on the town green,” he said. “It’s a central location, large enough to accommodate chairs and such for an outdoor ceremony, and a sizable event tent for the reception. There’d be power easily available. And it’s so...them. That’s where Norah started bringing this town back to life.”
A murmur swept through the assembly and it occurred to her that most here probably had no idea who Trey was.
Sandy beamed. “That’s...perfect. They fell in love over saving the town. What better place to take their vows than in the middle of it?”
He inclined his head in acknowledgment of the point, his own lips curving in a secret smile that had a flush creeping up her neck. Sandy quickly turned away.
“Is that kind of thing allowed in the city?” Molly asked.
“I’m the mayor. And I can’t think of a single person who’d object.” Sandy shot a glance at the three city councilmen and women in attendance and got no resistance.
Tucker McGee, one of Cam’s groomsmen, spoke up. “Not to be a party pooper, but that still doesn’t cover the issue of rain.”
Trey fielded that one, too. “Tents can be rented. That’d cover rain and wind. And we could get some heaters if it turns cold.”
“Would something like that be available on such short notice?” Sandy asked.
“I’ll see that they are, if that’s what we decide to do.”
He’d buy a set himself if they weren’t available. She’d learned that much about him. After the meeting, they’d have to have a word about the responsibility of expenses. The church repairs might have been a tax write-off, but the tents wouldn’t be, and she didn’t feel right allowing him to foot the bill.
Discussion after that turned fast and furious. Molly divided everyone into work groups and Sandy let her. If there was one thing she’d learned to do as mayor, it was how to delegate. And as one of Sandy’s oldest friends, Molly would make certain things were done right. By the time everyone filed out forty-five minutes later, there was a plan in place and Sandy actually had faith they’d pull it off. As Mama Pearl had said, everyone loved Cam and Norah and wanted to see them happy.
“Madam Mayor.” Trey sidled up as she finally bid Molly good night. “That was quite the turnout.”
Behind him, Molly went brows up, pointing at Trey and fanning herself.
Sandy held in a snort of laughter and answered Trey instead. “That is Wishful at its finest.”
“It’s one of the things I appreciate most about this town. How y’all come together for a good cause. It’s the kind of thing you want to be able to say about the place you call home.” There was a gravity to his words that made her wonder if he was making more than idle conversation.
“Well now, little sister, when were you planning on introducing us to your…friend?”
Big brothers never ceased to be annoying. Smoothing her expression into unperturbed lines—it wouldn’t do to let him know he was getting to her—Sandy turned to face her eldest brother Peter. His wife Liz stood at his side, her eyes jumping between Sandy and Trey with avid curiosity. Bless her nosy, romantic heart. If they managed to keep their marriage under wraps for longer than a few weeks, it would be a miracle.
Undaunted, Trey offered his hand. “Gerald Peyton. My friends call me Trey.”
Sandy shot him a look. It was the first time she’d heard him introduce himself as Trey since college. “Trey, my brother Pete and my sister-in-law, Liz.”
The men shook, and she didn’t miss the subtle power play there.
Oh, for God’s sake.
“Appreciate you helping out with the wedding,” Pete said.
“Happy to. I’m very fond of Norah.”
“You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with my sister.”
“Peter,” Sandy barked.
Her brother didn’t even blink at the rebuke. “Just looking out for you.”
“In case it’s escaped your notice, I’m a grown woman, who can look out for herself, and has for several decades now.”
“It’s nice to see how close all you Campbells are as a family,” Trey said easily. “I look forward to getting to know y’all better.”
“Well, isn’t that just lovely to hear?” Helen purred. “I say bring him to family dinner. Tomorrow night.”