Read Online The Perfect Arrangement by Katie Ganshert - Free Book Online Page B

twenty years ago. All of Mayfair celebrated when Phil, the owner of Mayfair’s one and only convenience store, mustered up the gumption and asked her on a date last Christmas. Now the two were going to be married exactly a year later at the same chapel as Bridget and William, the same chapel as my mom and dad. A Christmas wedding, and the entire town was invited.
    Fern flipped through my portfolio and pointed at various bouquets while Phil squinted through his spectacles, agreeing with everything she said. I let the couple browse in peace while the knots in my stomach pulled tighter and the lump in my throat grew lumpier. I couldn’t believe it. Nate—the man who had been consuming my thoughts, the man who had been brightening my days, the man who had made me giddy with excitement every time I checked my e-mail—was Chelsea’s older brother. And Chelsea was my ex-boyfriend’s new wife. If Nate and I continued this relationship, it was only a matter of time before he found out that the day we met was the day I’d been spying on my ex-boyfriend, who was his new brother-in-law, and then what? He’d assume I wasn’t over Matt and end things before they really started. Or worse, he’d tell Chelsea, who would tell my stepsisters, and I’d never ever hear the end of it.
    I clasped my hands in my lap, wondering how I’d missed it.
    The groomsmen hadn’t worn tuxedos. I remembered now how much Crystal had gone on and on about what a classy wedding it had been. How sharp all the groomsmen looked in their suits. I remembered also how Nate had his suit coat draped over his arm, which probably had his boutonniere pinned to it. I would have registered a boutonniere. I would have realized that he had been so much more than a simple wedding guest. He was part of the wedding party!
    â€œI think this is the one,” Fern said, tapping on a picture. She held the photo book up closer to Phil. “What do you think, honey? Do you like this one?”
    â€œI like anything you like, dear.”
    Fern scooted the book over to me. The bouquets were made of spruce branches, dahlias, spray roses, pinecones, and gorgeous viburnum berries. One of my favorite winter bouquets. A bouquet that usually made my heart smile. This morning the only thing smiling were my lips. Not even Eloise’s pumpkin muffins could cheer me up. I picked up my pencil and hovered it above my notes for the Nixon-Halloway December wedding. “How many bridesmaids will there be?”

    From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Date: Sat, Oct 10, 2015 3:12 a.m.
Subject: Re: Oh my goodness!!!!
    THAT is the guy you hit with your car?? I don’t even care that he’s a Yooper, if he’s even a quarter as intelligent and charming as you say he is, you’d be a fool not to date him. Enough with the e-mailing, Amelia, it’s time for a date already! I’m talking about a real-life, in-person date. Trust me. If he’s comparing you to Audrey Hepburn and saying he couldn’t stop thinking about you, then he’s dropping some major I’m-into-you hints. You better be dropping them right back! If not, then I’ve taught you nothing.

    From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Date: Sat, Oct 10, 2015 7:26 a.m.
Subject: Re: Oh my goodness!!!!
    Le sigh. I knew it was too good to be true. Turns out, Nate is Chelsea’s brother. Who is Chelsea, you ask? Chelsea is Matt’s new wife.
    Ugh, it’s a long, embarrassing story. One I hoped never to have to tell you. When I ran into Nate, it was outside Matt and Chelsea’s wedding. Yes, I was spying. Please don’t scold me, Rachel. I learned my lesson, trust me. The thing is, I couldn’t help myself. Matt and I dated for four years. I thought I’d marry the guy. I wanted a small glimpse of his wedding. For closure’s sake. And wouldn’t you know, as I was doing my snooping, I rear-ended