Vow of Surrender

Chapter One

The door creaked open, ruining all train of thought amidst the soothing rumble of the AC blowing above Caedance's desk. Two hours of scheduling, spreadsheets, and budgeting had gone by in a blink. Checking her watch, she found it was close to four-thirty, and she hadn't bothered to take a lunch break yet. Not that she would have. With summer in full-swing, wedding season almost at a close, this meant living at the office and spending maybe two nights a week at the apartment.

Her graphic designer Derrick had just come in, and by the look on his face something was wrong. She trusted him to make any decisions regarding prints, so something must have been bugging him for Derrick to come to her when she had a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on her door. His forehead was beaded with perspiration, the first two buttons undone on his light pink button-up.

"Yes?" she asked.

"It's the Campbell invitations. I can't decide between Brooke Smith Script or Dearly Loved One."

Caedance held out her hand, and Derrick hurried over and handed her the two invitations. His hands left sweaty thumbprints on each one, and she shot him a look. He bowed in apology, which eased her annoyance a bit. Holding the two side-by-side, she thought back to the couple in question. James and Laura were that cliché peppy, 'No honey, you pick. It's your wedding' 'No, its our wedding' 'Oh, you're sweet. But really I'll love whatever you pick' kind of couple. Laura was a ball of sunshine with James being the compliant, dutiful fiancé who couldn't keep his eyes off his bride when she couldn't keep her eyes off the decorations.

"Go with Brooke Smith." She handed the invitations back. "I'm surprised you haven't sent them out yet."

"I know, I know. I got caught up with slideshow for the Donohue wedding. They'll go out by five!"

"You're planning to print three-hundred front to back invitations in a half hour?"

"Yes." She cocked an eyebrow. "I mean yes, ma'am."

Caedance cringed. She hated being called 'ma'am.' Sure, she was thirty-six and the owner of the biggest wedding-planning company in Newell, Ohio. That didn't mean she was 'ma'am' material.

The door opened again, and her receptionist Meg came in. Her fake feathers swayed beneath her blonde hair, and she looked equally as flustered as Derrick. What was going on with these guys? They were more on edge than usual.

"Sorry to bother you," she said. "The Drakes are here."

"Perfect timing. I'll meet them in the foyer. And Derrick. Get moving on the invitations."

Both employees hurried out the door as if they were afraid she would flog them for loitering. A tempting notion, but now was not the time.

Saving her work, she shut her laptop and popped a mint in her mouth. She would have to finish her work tonight.

Caedance headed to the foyer and spotted three people admiring the artwork on the wall. The young woman had to be Nina. She was small, about five-two, and she wore her dark brown hair in a french braid. Her yellow and white sundress was adorable, and she had the happy glow of a bride-to-be.

The older woman with similar features had to be the mother. Her grey hair was curly and cut to her shoulders. She wore a white blouse with multicolored flowers along the V of the neckline and denim capris. Both were beautiful with their dark bronzed tones and infectious smiles.

The Drakes were well known for their successful casinos in the area, which meant no expense would be spared on this wedding. Not that Caedance was only interested in dollar signs. Her greatest joy in the business was seeing the couples happy.

"Hello. Welcome to Starlight Events. You must be Nina."

"It's wonderful to meet you! We've heard so many great things about Starlight!"

Caedance tried to hide a smile.

"I'm honored!" She turned to the other woman. "And you must be . . .?"

"Winona Drake, Nina's mother."

"Glad to have you with us."

Caedance turned to the man, and her breath caught in her throat a bit. She had been distracted with business and hadn't gotten a good look at him at first. He stood around six-foot and had a lighter complexion than the two women. His slate grey eyes harbored an old soul, and his sleek black hair hung a little passed his ears. The veins in his exposed forearms showed how strong he was with the rest of his arms hidden beneath a black button down he wore with the sleeves pushed to his elbows.

She became aware she had yet to address him and cleared her throat.

"Let me guess: you're the groom?"

He smiled, revealing perfect teeth, and a dimple formed on his right cheek. Caedance's entire body flushed as she suddenly had the irresistible urge to stroke that dimple with her tongue.

"Oh, no. I'm the big brother."

His rich, velvety voice warmed her cheeks. It was embarrassing how happy it made her to know he was not the groom. It didn't matter either way. She didn't mix business with pleasure, and that included sleeping with brothers of clients.

"I see."

"Benjamin has to work, but he trusts the wedding in my hands," Nina explained

"Mhmm," Adam drawled.

His tone hinted this wasn't the first time said fiance put big choices in his sister's hands. Caedance forced herself not to make assumptions.

"It's lovely to meet you all. So, I have the file you sent me of your theme ideas, color schemes, and pinterest board. I figured we should start with touring the property. Get a feel for what venue you would like to use."

"That sounds wonderful!" Nina said.

Caedance led the way through the front doors and held it for them. Adam went out last, shooting her an appreciative smile as he walked by. He had to know he was hot, and he had to know she thought so. She would never admit it out loud

Dating or any sort of pleasure was out of the question. Especially during wedding season, though that was an excuse. She would just have to keep a level head for the rest of this consultation.