“Inside that binder, you’ll find similar resorts that are just as grand.” Miss Corwin said. “They’re just as pricey, but they’re only missing one of the things that you’re looking for.”
“Do they all have the grand steps for the reception?” I looked at Jonathan. “I want to enter the reception by walking down the steps, right before our first dance.”
“All the pages with the pink tabs have grand steps. The others have standard steps.”
“Okay.” I sighed. “Let me look...” I opened the binder and flipped through the pages relatively quick. All the venues were beautiful but they didn’t have everything I wanted, everything I’d dreamed of.
“What about this one?” Jonathan pointed at a page that featured a historic castle near the beach. It was gorgeous: Sun drenched stones, grand marble steps, but the ballroom didn’t have a glass ceiling and the outdoor area for the ceremony had more dirt than grass.
I shook my head and shut the binder. “I’m sorry, but this isn’t what I want...I don’t want to concede anything. If we move it to another city will our options be better?”
“Yes, Miss Gracen. They actually would. Let me show you those options.” She took a flash-drive out of her pocket and placed it into her laptop. “Let’s start with Los Angeles.”
“Miss Corwin.” Jonathan cut her off. “You have a full staff of architects on your staff, correct?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll make sure that the gazebo you both want is constructed to perfection.”
“Actually...” He lifted my hand and kissed it. “I want you to build my fiancée’s dream wedding venue from the ground up. Give her whatever she wants.”
There was silence.
Ear deafening silence.
Everyone’s eyes widened—including mine, and all her staff members’ faces went white.
I looked over at him in shock, whispering, “No, that’s insane. You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s just like buying a car. It’s nothing.” He kissed me and turned his attention to Miss Corwin again. “You have a week to find a purchasable location site in San Fran, but I want the proposed budget on my desk by Monday and a list of all the building permits you’ll need. How long do you think construction will take?”
She blinked.
“It would take about eight to ten weeks once the permits cleared sir.” One of her staff members spoke up. “We’d probably have to bring on another company to help, but depending on the height of the building, we’d also need a zoning clearance from the city. That takes months to get—sometimes years.”
“I’ll take care of it.” He didn’t seem fazed. “What’s next?”
“Um, well...” Miss Corwin slowly regained her composure. “We um...We need to discuss the more intricate aspects now...What color scheme did you have in mind for your special day?”
Jonathan looked over at me.
“I...” I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he was having my dream venue custom built. “I was thinking angel white and champagne as the main colors—with hints of blush pink, ivory, and pastel yellow throughout. Nothing too heavy though; maybe a pop of color in the petals down the aisle or in the decorations at dinner, but not enough that it’ll take over the main colors.”
“That sounds beautiful, Miss Gracen.” She nodded. “We can fine tune the smaller things next week, but just so I have an idea about the bridal party numbers...” She clicked her pen. “Who is your maid of honor?”
“I have two. My daughters, Ashley and Caroline.”
“And how many bridesmaids will you have?”
“Three—my best friends Sandra and Helen, and his sister Hayley.”
“Thank you...” She scribbled their names down. “Mr. Statham, who is the best man and how many groomsmen will you have?”
“Corey Walters is the best man. I’ll have two groomsmen.”
“Very well. I’ll bring samples of your color choices next week. Oh, and while I’m searching for a place to build your venue, could you keep me informed about the status of your dress? I always like to match some of the floral arrangements to the theme of the bride’s attire if possible.”
“You’ve already bought your dress, correct?” Jonathan squeezed my hand.
“Not yet. I’m going shopping for it this weekend with my mom.”
He raised his eyebrow, but Miss Corwin kept talking. “I assume we’re going with black tuxedos for the groomsmen, Mr. Statham?”
“Yes.”
“Great! Well, since I have to find a place to build your venue, if you two don’t have any questions for me...” She looked back and forth between us, waiting for us to say something. “I’ll have the proposed budget for you on Monday, Mr. Statham. And Miss Gracen I look forward to seeing you again later.”
We both stood up and shook her hand, thanking all of her team members for having us on such short notice.
I helped them pack their binders and posters away and traveled with them down to the lobby.