That Lucky Old Sun (The Bella Novella Collection Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

love. Love conquers all.”
    “Love conquers all.” She shrugged. “Okay. I’ll remember that when I’m sailing over that next big wave.”
    We both ordered the salad—relatively plain, with grilled chicken—and then I pulled out my iPad, ready to get to work. “Okay, girl. It’s time to make our final tweaks. There’s no one here to distract us, so let’s get to it.”
    “Yes, let’s.”
    “I researched to find out if you need an additional permit for the canopy. Turns out you’re okay since it’s a rental. It’ll be put up and taken down the same day.”
    “Pity the guys who have to do that.”
    “Right. And the ones who have to set up 150 white wooden chairs in the sand, and so on. But that’s what the fine folks at Stages Event Planning do. They won’t mind.” I paused and looked over my notes. “Now, let’s get practical. Have you picked out your shoes?”
    “Yes, they’re darling.”
    “Not high heels, I hope. Heels and sand don’t mix.”
    “Low heel. Already tried them out on the sand.”
    “Good. And you’ll be glad you decided to use a fabric aisle runner. It’ll keep your toes cool.”
    I glanced back through my notes. “I know you’ve probably already considered this, but wear your hair up.”
    “Oh, I plan to.” She swung her long dark hair and it fell over her shoulders. “It’d be a mess if I left it down, especially with the breeze blowing in from the gulf.”
    “Right. An updo is a polished look and it’ll keep you cool and tidy all night long. Are you wearing a veil?”
    “I am.” Her eyes really filled with tears as she spoke the words. “You met my Grandpa Hanh. He was married to my Grandma Ling. I’m named after her. She passed away years ago.” Ling’s eyes flooded with tears and I handed her a tissue from my purse. “I’m wearing Grandma Ling’s veil, the one she wore the day she married Grandpa Hanh in Vietnam.”
    “Whoa.” I nodded as I thought that through. “That should make your parents happy.”
    “I’m more concerned about making Grandpa happy. He’s the only one who’s been genuinely easy throughout this whole process. He seems to have my interests at heart more than any of the other do.” Her words drifted off, and then she whispered, “It’s always been that way. He’s a gentle soul.”
    “Well, I’m sure your parents will come around once they see how beautiful it all is. I love the color palette you and Darian have chosen. Simple. Nothing fussy.”
    She seemed to perk up at these words. “Yes. And the flowers will really make it pop. I couldn’t resist using corals and soft greens. It’s going to be so pretty.”
    “Mm-hmm.” I paused to take another sip of my peach tea, enjoying its sweetness. “I’m so glad you guys decided on sunset. Timing things right so that the sun isn’t in everyone’s eyes is going to be key. If you want great photos, I mean. You want to get great shots of you two, not just pictures of the sun going down.”
    “I can hardly wait to see the pictures. I can imagine it all in my mind and it’s going to be glorious.” She squeezed her eyes shut and a dreamy expression came over her. Her eyes popped open. “If the bugs don’t eat us up.”
    The waitress appeared at this very moment, salads in hand. “Bugs?” she asked. “You saw a bug?”
    “Not here,” I assured her. “Someplace else.”
    “Whew.” The waitress set the salads down and then refilled our tea glasses. “Thought I was going to have to call the manager.”
    When she left I turned my attention back to Ling. “The bugs won’t be a problem, I promise. Darian and D.J. talked after our meeting the other day and have come up with a plan that involves citronella lamps on Tiki torches.”
    “Hmm. I guess that fits the theme.”
    “Definitely. And no worries about pesticides making your guests sick.”
    “Well, that’s nice.” She took a bite of her salad and delirious look passed over her face. “Mmm. Yummy.”
    “Okay,