After Hours

Chapter 24

Saturday was here before I knew it and Jackson and I met our mothers at the first venue which was nice but I couldn't quite picture our wedding there. It just didn't excite me as much as it should. However, as soon as we got to the second venue, I fell in love. There was a long driveway which allowed us to view the beautiful property. Large trees with white flowers lined the sides of driveway and the grass seemed especially green. There was a large foyer where all guests could comfortably socialize but beyond that was a huge ballroom.

Our mother's made us choose the table clothes, the chair covers, flowers and a ton more before we were finally let free. We found a caterer and decided to do a buffet so there would be something for everyone. After slight hesitation, we also agreed on an open bar, deciding that we wanted to have as much fun as possible.

When we reach the bakery, I am stunned to find that is a simple downtown store named Ellie's Cupcakes. There are large windows in the front, allowing us to view the interior. Near the windows are two small tables, each with two chairs. There is a display beside the counter with different kinds of cupcakes perfectly decorated with frosting. Jackson raises our hands, kissing the back of my hand before releasing it to ring the bell on the counter.

After a moment, a women comes out of the backroom. She's wearing a black apron which is covered in flour and frosting. Her brown hair is tucked back in a bun but a few tendrils have escaped and hang beside her face. She is very beautiful and appears to be a few years older than Jackson. "Jackson," she says in disbelief. Untying her apron from behind her back, she quickly takes it off before her lips turn up into a big grin. "I can't believe it's you."

I glance up at Jackson, feeling like I'm intruding on their moment. He is also grinning at her. "Elizabeth."

She shakes her head but her smile doesn't fade. "You are still the only person who calls me that."

He chuckles, meeting her at the side of the display of cupcakes. I watch as they hug and I can tell that this is someone he cares about. But if he cares about her so much, then why haven't I heard about her before this? She holds on for a bit longer than necessary and I begin feeling uncomfortable at their open display of affection. Looking away, I notice that their are also cookies for sale in the display but it only distracts me for a short moment. "Elizabeth, this is my fiancé Emery. Emery, this is my close friend Elizabeth."

She extends her hand toward me and I can't help but notice they each still have an arm around each other. Shaking her hand, try to push my jealousy aside. "Call me Ellie. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you," I say, forcing a small smile onto my lips.

Jackson finally releases her and returns to my side. "Emery and I are getting married in three and a half weeks. I was looking up different bakeries and was surprised to see your name. I thought you moved."

She smiles warmly at him. "I did but I moved back last year and opened up my own business."

"Congratulations. It makes me happy knowing that you made your dream become reality," he smiles. "If you ever need anything just let me know."

She nods. "Thank you. Would you guys like to try a cupcake or cookie? It's on me."

"We're fine," he answers. "I came to ask if you'd be willing to make our wedding cake."

Her eyes widen and her lips part. "It'd be an honor," she says softly. "Would you like to see my work?"

Jackson shakes his head. "I've seen it before and I trust you. If it was stunning back then, it has to be incredible now."

"Do you have a particular design in mind?" she asks, looking at me.

I look up at Jackson who is also staring at me but I shrug. He turns to her and bites his lip while glancing up at the ceiling. Oh. That look makes my body respond. This man is so sexy and I get to marry him. The thought is crazy. I don't deserve him. Glancing at Ellie, I notice her lips are parted. She is effected by him too. We both snap out of it when he looks down. "I guess you can just do a traditional round tiered cake. Just make it nice."

"How many tiers?" she asks.

He shrugs. "Three? Just make it big enough to feed at least three-hundred people."

I frown. That's a lot of people but I guess I should have seen that coming. The hall could hold three times that number and the Lancaster's have many friends and acquaintances. "Alright. Let me just make up a receipt with the details," she says, sauntering behind the counter. "You can pay when I drop it off. Where will I be delivering it to?"

They begin talking about the details as I realize that our plans for the day are done. All we have to do now is board the plane. My excitement covers my earlier jealousy until we are getting ready to leave. She hugs him once more and I mentally groan. "Congratulations to you two," she says before looking at me. "I'm glad I got to meet you."

I smile. "It was a pleasure."

She waves us off and my smile fades. Jackson leads me outside where we get into the car and he drives us home. We switch cars, climbing into the back of the Audi where Franklin drives us to the airport. "Are you okay? You've been quiet," Jackson says, his thumb brushing across my knuckles.

"I'm fine," I reply, putting on a convincing smile. "I'm excited for our trip."

Smiling, he leans forward and kisses the corner of my lips before sitting back.

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{A/N: Two updates because I updated the other day but for some reason it didn't publish so I apologize for the wait.}