The Wedding Charm: The Wedding Whisperer Read online

  When I turned around to go back to my starting place, I saw Jill standing behind Ginger, Avery, and Kristen, her eyes tinted red. Uh-oh. Something was definitely wrong. Jill was tough as nails and her expression wasn’t exactly a “happy” teary-eyed look.

  When we got through the processional, Penelope introduced the officiant to Jill’s father before shoving her dad in the direction of Jill’s mom seated in the front row. Then Penelope flipped through some notes on her clipboard. She was starting to get a slightly deranged look on her face that made me nervous.

  “Okay, we’ve got to run through the processional again. That wasn’t in the vicinity of good enough,” she said, mostly to herself. Then she lifted her head from her clipboard. “Jill, dear, did you get something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, like I asked earlier?”

  All of our gazes turned to Jill. A look of distress crossed her face and tears filled her eyes. “I don’t have my something old.”

  “What was that, dear?” Penelope squawked. “It sounded like you said you don’t have your something old. That can’t be right, though, because we talked about it at the meeting last week.”

  “My mom told me my aunt was bringing the wedding charm.” Jill glanced at her mom, before turning to Ryan as she shrugged helplessly. “This is the wedding charm that every woman in my family has worn on her wedding day. It’s good luck. I can’t get married without it.”

  “Well, then you should have the wedding charm,” Ryan said. “We’ll get it.”

  “That’s the problem,” Jill replied, wringing her hands together. “My mom said that it’s still at my grandma’s house in Atlanta. My grandma passed away a few months ago and my aunt said she didn’t have the heart to go in her house yet, which she should’ve told us before now. We can’t possibly fly to Atlanta and get it in the next two days, not with all of our family in town.”

  Then Jill did something shocking. She started to cry.

  “We’ll figure something out, buttercup.” Ryan slipped his arms around her, pulling her close against him.

  “I’ll get the wedding charm for you,” Ben and I said in unison.

  Then he turned to me. “Better let me get the charm, dimples.”

  Irritation flooded through me at that annoying nickname. “Why should you get it over me?”

  “I’m better at directions. Remember in high school when you got lost during that cross country race?”

  And he’d won. . . Yeah, I remembered.

  Something stirred in the pit of my stomach as an idea formed. Getting the wedding charm was the one thing I could beat him at, and finally even the score. I wasn’t accustomed to losing in life except with him. The guy seemed to love putting one over on me. Well, this time I was going to come out the winner.

  “No, I’ll get the wedding charm.” I glared at him, and then hurried over to Jill. I put my hand on her forearm. “I’m your maid of honor. It’s my duty. I’ll fly to Atlanta.”

  Jill’s face sobered. “You’d do that for me?”

  “You’re my best friend,” I said, a warm feeling washing over me. I’d make Jill’s wedding go the way she wanted no matter what. “Yes, of course I’d do this for you. I have plenty of frequent flyer miles saved up. I can be on a flight in an hour.”

  “I can access my company’s private jet,” Ben countered, stepping forward. “I can be in the air within half an hour, which will get me to Atlanta faster.”

  “Well, my cousin is an air traffic controller in Atlanta,” I said, fighting for something that made it sound like I had the upper hand. Never mind that I hadn’t spoken to my cousin in years, but I’d use anything to give myself an edge right now. “She can get my plane to land faster.”

  Ben arched a brow. “That can’t be true.”

  “She’s the first call I’m making,” I said, turning to Jill and pulling her into a hug. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll fly to Atlanta, get the wedding charm, and be back before you know it.”

  I released her and gave her a smile that I hoped looked optimistic since, in truth, I was pretty sure I’d already used my credit card points on a clothing store gift card. “Text me your grandma’s address and anything else I need.”

  “Here, Sarah, take this.” Jill’s mom stood, fishing through her purse, and then handed me a key. “It’s to my mom’s house. I don’t know why I keep so many of these on my key ring.”

  “Great, and don’t worry,” I said, taking the key from her, and slipping it into my purse. “I’ll have the wedding charm here before the wedding. And, sorry, Penelope. I promise I’ll be perfect at the ceremony. I’ll review the video you sent me on the flight.”

  I caught Ben staring at me with a puzzled look, and I wiggled my fingers at him. Not this time, Ben. Not this time.

  As I dashed out of the Geoffries Hotel, I heard Ben say something, but I couldn’t quite make out the words. Didn’t matter. There was no way that I’d let Ben win. He’d always won before, like beating me was his favorite sport. But for once I’d wipe the grin off his handsome face. This time, the victory would be mine.

  Chapter Two

  Anxiety exploded inside me as I sat in the taxi, re-reading the text Jill had sent me while I’d been packing at home. She’d told me that Ben had gotten access to his law firm’s private jet and she’d suggested I coordinate with him as far as flying to Atlanta to get the wedding charm. Ha! Like he’d let me on his plane. But a private jet would be faster than a commercial airline and I’d almost tossed my cookies at the amount quoted for a last minute plane ticket. Yikes!

  I had to find a way on Ben’s private jet without him knowing.

  Adjusting my carry-on bag’s strap on my shoulder, I stepped out of the taxi at the executive airport in Sacramento where Jill had told me Ben’s law firm keeps their plane. The cabbie brought my luggage to me and I handed him a tip. Then I yanked up the luggage handle, dragging my suitcase along as I hurried inside the small airport. I spotted a door toward the back of the building that I figured had to lead out to the tarmac, so I headed straight for it.

  “Can I help you, ma’am?” a deep male voice said.

  Every nerve in my body screamed as I jolted to a stop right there in the middle of the airport. I pivoted to face a young man in a security uniform. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that I had to project the image that I belonged on a private jet, since my getting on that plane hinged on my ability to talk my way onto it.

  “Yes, some help would be great.” I smiled, holding my head high. Perhaps I could insinuate that I was a partner at Ben’s law firm? I had no idea how long the security guy had worked here or how well he knew the plane owners. “I’m looking for my plane. Er, the McKenzie, Atkins, Haugan, & Hall jet.”

  “Certainly,” he said, nodding, and directing me to the right place. “I hope you have a nice flight.”

  “Thank you.” Relief coursed through me that I’d cleared the first hurdle. Now I just had to talk my way onto the plane. Hopefully, I’d arrived before Ben had gotten here.

  I walked toward the private terminal like I belonged. My grandma had always maintained that if you looked like you belonged somewhere, then no one would question you. Thankfully I was still wearing my clothes from the rehearsal so I definitely looked upscale, like I’d afford to be on a private jet. Riiight.

  When I opened the door to go out to the plane, I saw a moveable stairway that led to the opening of a sleek white jet. I was pleased to see no sign of Ben. My heart pounded wildly. Was I really going to sneak on an airplane? Was that a federal offense? Would the FAA pounce on me and take me down? I didn’t know, but if I was going to try then it was now or never.

  I hurried down the ramp, crossed the tarmac, and climbed the steps to the cabin door—only to have a flight attendant step in front of me, blocking my path. I sucked in a breath. The young woman couldn’t have been more than twenty-two or twenty-three years old. Despite her bright blue eyes and long blond hair pulled back into a perky ponytail, she
wore a firm look on her face.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “I’m here for the flight to Atlanta,” I said, hoping she didn’t notice the waver in my voice.

  “I only have one passenger listed on the flight manifest,” she said, looking down at a clipboard she was carrying. “A person by the name of . . . Ben Atkins. I don’t have anyone else listed.”

  At least I knew he wasn’t bringing a girlfriend with him on the trip. Not that who Ben might be dating should be relevant right now with the flight attendant staring at me. I had to think fast. An idea popped into my brain. I’d probably have a better chance getting on the plane if she thought I was family.

  “Oh, shoot.” I snapped my fingers. “Madison must not have called ahead to say I’d be here. I guess she got held up in a meeting or something.”

  “Ms. McKenzie?” the woman repeated, clearly recognizing the name of a partner who owned the plane. I wasn’t about to admit that I’d only met Madison McKenzie one time at a legal function, and that I wasn’t sure she remembered my name.

  “Yes, Madison,” I repeated, hoping the tiger lawyer would never find out I’d used her name to try to sneak on her plane. “You see, Ben’s flying to Atlanta to get our grandmother’s wedding broach. Every bride in the family wears the wedding charm, but Ben’s mom left it behind by accident when she flew out yesterday,” I said, rolling my eyes at my supposed aunt’s incompetence. “So he offered to fly to Atlanta to get it.”

  “That’s so sweet of him,” the flight attendant said.

  “He is very sweet,” I said, practically choking those words out. I’d had toothaches that were sweeter than Ben. “Anyway, Ben just broke up with his girlfriend who was supposed to go with him on the trip and he’s just crushed about getting dumped. So, I’m here to offer him some moral support.”

  “Didn’t you say he was going to get the broach for his wedding?” the flight attendant said, a frown forming.

  “Not for Ben’s wedding. It’s for his brother’s wedding.” Yeah, that sounded good. “Ben is the best man. He volunteered to fly to Atlanta to get the wedding charm because his brother and his fiancée are too busy getting ready for the wedding.”

  “Oh, that’s so generous of him,” the flight attendant said, and my gut clenched at the second compliment she’d given him. If she only knew. “He’s flying across the country to get something for his brother’s wedding, even though he just had his heart broken?”

  “He’s that kind of guy,” I said, nodding. The kind of guy who wants all of the credit for himself and leaves none for me. But not this time.

  “Wow.” Her eyes watered, showing she might actually be buying my story.

  Maybe I should moonlight as a mystery writer. . . I shook my head. No, time for fantasies right now. I had to seal the deal and get myself on this flight.

  “I called Madison to let her know I’d be joining Ben and she said she’d make all of the arrangements. But I guess maybe she got too busy with her trial to call you? Too bad because I was really looking forward to seeing Ben’s face when I surprised him here.” I reached my hand toward her. “I’m Sarah, by the way.”

  “Becca,” she said, shaking my hand, and sniffling as if she were holding back tears. “I’m not sure what to do since you’re not on the manifest, though . . .”

  “It’s okay, Becca,” I said, giving her a pat on the arm. “It’s not your fault. But when you see Ben, would you mind telling him that I was here? I’d hoped to provide him some comfort, but I know he’d never accept help if he knew about it in advance.”

  I turned, pretending to leave, as I racked my brain for another idea. Maybe I could hide in some luggage?

  “Sarah, wait!” she exclaimed. When I turned around and faced her, she said, “I know what it’s like to be dumped right before an important event. Poor Ben. I want to help. Let me just go talk to the pilots. I’ll explain the situation, and tell them that Ms. McKenzie was supposed to set everything up.”

  “Thanks.” I smiled broadly until she disappeared into the cockpit. Then my smile dropped and my foot started tapping against the floor. Come on, Becca. Get me on, girl!

  Worried that Ben might catch me, I glanced back at the airport door that I’d come through, but it was still closed. Thank goodness. My gaze wandered over to the parking lot. Not much of a view, especially in the fading light, but then I noticed a familiar male figure heading for the gate.

  Oh, no. It was Ben! He’d already made it to the airport and he seemed to be taking a shortcut through the gate with some kind of key-card. If the pilots didn’t let me on right now, my cover would be blown and Ben would have a huge head start on getting the wedding charm.

  My stomach churned and my nerves turned raw. I mentally calculated how fast Ben was walking with how many seconds I had until my plan was exposed. Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

  “Agh!” I exclaimed, spinning around.

  Becca raised her palms. “It’s just me.”

  I let out a huge sigh. “Please tell me it went well with the pilots. Ben’s coming through the gate right now.”

  “Actually, the pilots were super cranky and neither seemed to have a considerate bone in his body,” she said, but then her mouth formed a conspiratorial smile. “So I fibbed a little and told them Ms. McKenzie called to add you to the flight manifest manually. Now get on board so I can hide you before Mr. Atkins arrives.”

  “Hide me?” I shouldn’t be questioning her, but I was shocked my plan had worked. Becca was actually very sweet. I hoped my plan wouldn’t get her fired.

  “Yes, I’ll hide you.” She looked at me expectantly. “So you can surprise him.”

  In a flash, I could see the beauty of her plan. Becca was a genuine romantic. The idea of me surprising my cousin, so we could get our grandmother’s wedding broach for a family wedding was a wonderful idea to her. It sounded kind of nice to me, too. Much better than having to sneak on an airplane because Ben got his jollies out of showing me up.

  “Thanks so much, Becca.” I stepped inside with my luggage. “Um, where should I hide?”

  “I have just the place for you.” She gestured for me to follow her through the cabin and I obeyed. “During takeoff, you’ll have to be belted in, of course. But the flight attendant seats are back here, and since I’m the only flight attendant on board today, you can have the other seat. I’ll pull the curtain so Ben won’t be able to see you. The only problem will be if he needs to use the restroom before we take off. I’ll try to keep him away from here, but if he does come back, you could scrunch down behind the food cart. You’re small enough that I doubt he’d notice you.”

  “Thank you for all of your help,” I said, feeling seriously impressed with her plan. Becca could be a criminal mastermind from the way she’d worked out so many angles. So could I for that matter.

  Becca squealed with glee. “You’re very welcome. Now, let me take your bag. I’ll stow it for you.”

  I sat in my uncomfortable seat, heart pounding, as she headed to the front of the plane. A moment later, I heard her say, “Good evening, Mr. Atkins.”

  “Call me Ben,” he said, and I rolled my eyes. His voice sounded as smooth as butter, and I knew that he was trying to charm her the same way he did with everyone else he met. Everyone except me.

  Next, I heard a male introducing himself to Ben as one of the pilots. Ben greeted him, and after some idle chitchat, Becca asked Ben what his plans were in Atlanta. So, she was checking my story after all. Smart girl.

  Ben cleared his throat. “I’m going to get a wedding charm. I’m the best man in a wedding, and this wedding broach is extremely important to the couple.”

  “That’s very generous of you,” Becca said, her voice laced with sincerity. “Now, please fasten your seatbelt as we’re getting ready to depart,” she said a little more loudly than she needed to, which I knew was for my benefit. “We’ll let you know when we’ve reached our cruising altitude and only then can you move abou
t the cabin.”

  Sitting in the cramped little kitchenette area, I felt the engines start up, so I buckled my seat belt. My heart thudded in my chest as I waited for takeoff. One we were in the air, I’d feel much safer. After what felt like eons, Becca joined me and winked. We rolled out to the runway and then sped down the runway until we lifted off the ground. My belly flipped.

  Everything was going according to plan.

  Now that I was on the faster flight, I had to find a way to get the charm from Jill’s grandma’s house before Ben could. I’d worry about how I was getting back to California once I had the wedding charm in my hand.

  Once the plane reached ten thousand feet, Becca unbuckled, and went back into the cabin. I heard her offer Ben a meal, but he politely declined, claiming that he needed to work. When she returned to the kitchenette, she winked at me again, and whispered, “You’re free to move about the cabin.”

  A slow smile spread across my face as I hurried to the curtain that divided the cabin. When I drew the curtain aside, my breath caught in my chest. But Ben didn’t notice me. He was hunched over his laptop, squinting at the screen. In a momentary lapse of weakness, I couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked when he was concentrating on work. The tip of his tongue poked out the side of his mouth like a young boy trying to find the right place for a puzzle piece. Adorable.

  I shook my head, reminding myself that he was here to one-up me as he’d always done. I wasn’t going to let the fact that he was attractive distract me from my task. This was my turn to prove that I could win, too.

  Taking a deep breath, I grabbed a magazine from a rack against the wall. Then I strode his way and took the plush leather seat beside him. I flipped through the glossy pages, until he finally looked up and then did a double take.

  “What the . . .?”

  I smiled at him. “Nice night for a plane ride to Atlanta. Isn’t it?”

  “How did you get on this plane?” Ben asked, narrowing his eyes at me, but I could see the corners of his mouth twitching like he was trying hard not to smile.