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for their wedding venue. He was going to get even with Mac at some point, of that he was certain. Between the number of tables versus the number of guests, table placement, band placement, acoustics, flowers, and bridal party accommodations…his head was spinning. Who knew that so many ridiculous considerations went into planning a wedding?
    â€œOkay, so this first place,” he began as he rubbed his temples, “this is the one that has better beach access for the actual ceremony—”
    â€œBut—” Casey interrupted.
    â€œBut,” he cut her off, “has the smaller deck area for the cocktail hour, right?”
    Casey nodded her head with approval. “Impressive. You were paying attention.”
    â€œIt’s my job to pay attention to details—no matter how monotonous,” he mumbled. “So the issue with the deck could lead to them either having to shave the guest list a little or risk having people feel like sardines.”
    â€œExactly. However, the main banquet room is exquisite, and both Mac and Gina loved the menu.”
    â€œSo they’ve already toured both of these places and tasted the food, but couldn’t decide on which one they liked better?”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œCrafty bastards,” he muttered under his breath.
    â€œExcuse me?” Casey asked with a giggle.
    â€œWell, it occurs to me that for all we know, there are no emergencies to deal with, but they just don’t know how to break the damn tie.”
    â€œRyder, trust me when I tell you this—no bride would willingly walk away from her wedding plans three months before the wedding if it weren’t an emergency. I’ve been doing this for eight years; I know what I’m talking about.”
    He supposed she was right. Women took weddings very seriously, and although he had never met his cousin’s future wife, Ryder was sure Gina would be no exception. “I’ll take your word for it.”
    â€œGood.” They pulled up to the large oceanfront estate. It was once a private home but had been transformed into a catering venue. “The event coordinator’s name is Martin, and he’s been doing this for twenty years. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and he has already agreed to hold the date for us so that you’ll have a little time to decide. Just don’t take too long; he’s really only giving you until Sunday.”
    â€œBut it’s already Thursday,” Ryder said, his voice laced with panic.
    They were walking up the large front steps when Casey, against her better judgment, reached out and touched Ryder’s arm to stop him. “We’re seeing both places today. That will give you a couple of days to mull it over. Trust me, it’s not going to be that bad.”
    â€œEasy for you to say. If it wasn’t so bad, then Mac and Gina wouldn’t have me here doing this because the decision would have been made already.”
    â€œTouché.”
    They were greeted at the entrance by a well-dressed man in his fifties wearing a perfectly tailored suit and a big smile. “Casey,” he said, shaking her hand warmly with both of his. “It is always a pleasure to see you.”
    â€œSame here, Martin,” she said with a smile. Introductions were made, and then Martin took them on an extensive tour of the estate. The final room was Martin’s office, where he offered them each something to drink while they made themselves comfortable. When he left the room to fetch their beverages, Casey turned to Ryder.
    â€œSo? What did you think?”
    â€œIt’s amazing,” he said with just a hint of uncertainty.
    â€œBut?”
    He shot her a sideways glance at her perceptiveness. “But…I’m not one hundred percent convinced that this is the place. I mean, it all looks great when the place is empty and everything is neat and set up like a display. What does it look like when