Read Online Moonlight Kiss by Luann McLane - Free Book Online Page A

Designs by Diamante! We’ll have to stop in and see Nicolina soon,” Addison said to Mia. “The necklace you sent me for Christmas was gorgeous. No wonder Uncle Mitch has to kidnap her from her work.”
    “Nicolina does lots of bridal jewelry,” Mia said. “You could even put some of her pieces in your store.”
    “Excellent idea,” Addison agreed.
    Maggie hid her smile. Mia was doing much of the selling for her. “Addison, just so you know, there are plans to start a second phase called Riverside Row that will include a deli, an upscale pub, and several other restaurants. We also have interest from a high-end salon and day spa. Soon shopping on Wedding Row will be an all-day event and not just for brides.”
    “Oh, that would be wonderful,” Mia said to Addison. “The only thing we’re lacking is additional places to hold receptions. The convention center and hotel will solve that issue, but that’s pretty far down the road. Dad has pulled way back from the full-throttle mode he used to be in all the time. But we can work on that later.”
    “Oh!” Addison said as they stood outside the bridal boutique. “The display window already has a gown in it!”
    “I did that last week,” Maggie said. “Pretty, isn’t it?”
    “Oh yes. Especially the lighting. I’m enchanted. Let’s go inside!”
    Mia gave her a nod. “Nice touch, Maggie.”
    “Well, I also have a bit of my own agenda at stake other than just securing the lease. I thought if we got a bridal boutique here in Cricket Creek it would speed up Tristan and Savannah getting married. They bought a beautiful farmhouse overlooking the river but have yet to set a wedding date. Tristan has just been so busy with the expansion of Whisper’s Edge. But if I get Savannah in a dress we might just get the ball rolling.”
    Mia gave Addison a nudge with her elbow. “Well, there’s another sale for you and another wedding to plan, and you haven’t even opened the doors yet.”
    “You ladies are tag-teaming me,” Addison said with a laugh. “But I have to admit that I’m feeling pretty darned excited. Maybe having planned my own two weddings will pay off in an odd twist of fate.”
    “You were married twice?” Maggie blurted out. “Sorry—not that it’s my business. I was just surprised since you’re so young.”
    “Nope, I was only engaged twice. Never made it down the aisle.”
    “Oh, well, I think you’d be splendid at running a bridal boutique.” Maggie wasn’t one to push but some instinct told her that something special was going on here. Maybe it was from years of showing homes, but she somehow could picture Addison owning a bridal boutique and doing quite well. She just had a lovely, serene way about her that would resonate with jittery brides. Maggie sighed inwardly. Not that she had ever been a bride, but she still got emotional at weddings and she really could not wait for Tristan to marry the lovely Savannah Perry. “It took my son a long time to find the perfect woman, so there’s time for you, Addison. The right one just hasn’t come along. But I’m looking forward to my son’s wedding. I’d like nothing better than to be a grandma,” Maggie said with a smile.
    “A grandma? You don’t look old enough, Maggie,” Mia told her.
    “You’re too sweet,” Maggie said as she opened the door with a flourish.
    “Oh . . .” Addison said with a look at Mia. “You’re right—it’s ready to go.”
    Maggie’s heels clicked over the gleaming hardwood flooring as she walked over and flipped on the lights and waited for the exclamation. She wasn’t disappointed. “The lighting over the racks against the wall will spotlight wedding dresses that will face the center rather than be crammed together. Overhead, the lights will be muted so as to give the dresses the attention they deserve.”
    “The chandelier in the center of the room is an elegant touch,” Mia said.
    Addison nodded. “The lighted display cases are so pretty.