“And this is my husband, Warrick, and Myles’ brother, Grady,” Augusta said.
No more than handshakes and reserved nods from the other Stewart men. Grady was, as Myles had told her, a younger, carbon copy of their father. They were so unlike Myles with his energy and enthusiasm, it was hard to believe he came from the same family.
Apparently picking up on her surprise, he leaned in to whisper, “We aren’t a demonstrative bunch. It’s not dignified.”
Piper would take his lack of dignity and sense of humor any day.
The hostess hung back as the rest of the introductions were made between the two families. Everyone was cordial and the younger women, at least, seemed determined to be cheerful and make up for the antagonism of the previous day.
Well, better than a cat fight.
“If you’ll come this way, your table is ready.”
Myles relinquished Preston back to his mother and pressed a hand against the small of Piper’s back. “So far, so good.”
Piper found herself between Myles and Skye, across from her sister and brother-in-law. As seating arrangements went, it was far better than being right next to Suzanne. Piper wasn’t quite ready to share space with the other woman. General small talk got them through perusal of the menu, but once their orders were taken, talk inevitably turned to the wedding.
“So what are you thinking, Piper?” Skye asked.
Small and intimate, beachside and barefoot. Just Myles and me and the minister... But, of course, she wouldn’t get that. It wouldn’t fit Suzanne’s requirement for a societal splash.
“I don’t know. An actual wedding wasn’t what we’d had planned, and I’m not entirely sure what can be pulled together in so little time.”
“I’m already working on that,” Suzanne announced. “Ceremony will be rooftop at The Babylon under the pergola, with reception to follow in the ballroom below. In the event of rain—not currently in the forecast—the ceremony can be moved inside. I’m meeting with the hotel caterers tomorrow. You and Myles have an appointment with Carolanne Wheeler at Sweet Magnolias Bakery to pick a cake tomorrow at twelve-thirty. Brides and Belles is on standby, waiting for measurements for the men. Piper, how many attendants will you have?”
“I...” She trailed off, staring at Suzanne in shock. “You did all that in thirty-six hours?”
“There are still hundreds of details to figure out and finalize. Attendants?”
“I haven’t even asked them yet.” Haven’t even told them I’m getting married. I should get on that.
“For heaven’s sake, get with the program. We have ten days.”
“Gram...” Myles warned.
But she ignored him. “I’ll have itineraries ready for the two of you tomorrow.”
“Itineraries,” Piper repeated.
“I told you we’d unleashed the kraken,” Myles whispered.
“No kidding.”
“I need to see your dress before I meet with the florist, so I have a notion of style.”
“I haven’t got one yet.”
“You don’t have a dress?” Suzanne asked, aghast.
“I didn’t need one to elope.
“Well, we have to find you a dress ASAP,” Leah said.
“I suppose I’ll order something classic and we’ll decide on a style of bouquet once you have the gown.”
“The flowers should be bold,” Myles spoke up. “Something with a lot of pop and color, to match the bride.”
Suzanne wagged a finger at him. “Your job is not to opine, young man. It’s to show up when and where you’re told. Planning a wedding in ten days isn’t for the faint of heart.”