“We can make adjustments to the size of the cake, but we will need to know how many folks it will need to feed,” Andy said. “How many from your family, Ryder?”
“You’re lookin’ at it. And Shane,” Ryder said.
“Just think about most of the people in Pick and add in a few friends that we’ll invite from our colleges and workplaces. Probably not more than twenty combined, right?” Emily looked at Ryder.
“That’s about right. Our family and friends kind of get all tangled up together.” He grinned.
“Let me show you around while they pick out something.” Andy took Vicky by the arm and led her into the kitchen area. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t think about outsiders coming to Pick for the wedding, Andy.”
“And now you are worried about what they’ll think, right?”
She gulped. Was it that obvious?
“It’s Emily’s wedding. If she wants to get married in a cow pasture with everyone sitting on bales of hay while country music blares in the background and beer cools in cattle watering tanks, that’s what she should have,” Andy said.
“How can you know exactly what to say?”
“I say what I think. I’m glad that it’s the right thing tonight. If I’d had a daughter, I’d have wanted one like Emily, who knows what she wants.”
With that attitude, Andy would have made a terrific father. “So do you regret—”
He put his finger over her lips. “Not in the least. I married my career. Sometimes it’s been a lonely partner. Here lately, a little more than ever. I like having you for a friend, Vicky. Shall we go see what those kids have picked out?”
“You mean what Emily chose. Ryder’s so much in love that she could ask for an armadillo cake and he’d love it,” Vicky said.
“This one, Mama.” Emily’s sunny voice interrupted them. “It’s heart shaped, like the tarts. Hearts and roses is going to be the theme of our wedding. Look, there’s even a groom’s cake in that shape.”
“That wedding cake will feed about a hundred and fifty. If you’re going to have tarts also, that might be enough, but how about I throw in fifty heart-shaped cupcakes in case you need them?” Andy picked up a notebook. “I’d suggest an all-white cake with a tiny replica of your bouquet on the top. Maybe with ribbon streamers flowing down the front.”
Vicky stood to the side and listened to Emily and Andy discuss the details and wondered what life would have been like if Andy had been Emily’s father. It was insane to even think like that, because at the time Emily was conceived, Vicky wouldn’t have given a man who wanted to grow up and be a pastry chef a second glance. Still, he and her daughter were popping ideas around like fireworks. He was writing in his notebook so fast that his hand had to ache.
Arms folded over his chest and wearing a big grin, Ryder’s eyes twinkled at her excitement. Each time she realized how much he really did love Emily, a little piece of her disappointment fell away from Vicky’s heart and soul.
“It’s going to be a beautiful wedding,” Andy said right at her elbow.
Vicky frowned. “I’d rather the wedding was in a church.”
“There’s more room in the parking lot, and we get tarts for the reception. We can bring tables from the church and set them up between the diner and the house so folks can take their cake and tarts around there. How does that sound?” Ryder asked.
Emily nodded. “We could put candles in fruit jars to light up the place. It will be so romantic.”
“Why not set up a big white tent in that space? I can do that for you. My company can provide the tables, linens, centerpieces, and even air-conditioning so your guests will be cool,” Andy said.
“On such short notice?” Vicky asked.
“Sure.” Andy flashed a brilliant smile. “I’ve got a crew that can take care of it with no problem.”
“Yes!” Emily said. “I’d love that. Mama?”
“What other ideas do you have, Andy?”
“Look at this.” He flipped open a different book and showed her a picture of an outdoor wedding. “We could transform the parking lot to look like this if you’d like. I understand that you have already gotten an arch and chairs. I know that company, and we can work with them. I can supply everything else to turn that parking lot into a magical fairyland. A carpet from the front of the diner so that your dress won’t drag on gravel and twinkling lights.”
“Oh, Ryder,” she squealed. “Andy, you are a genius.”
“And we can shop for a dress?” Vicky asked.