“We are.” I swept a hand toward them all. “I’ve been researching like crazy. Even bought the cookie cutters, just in case you did like the idea.”
“Have you ever made specialty cookies, Mari?” Brianna gave me an admiring look. “I hope so, because I’m not a baker.”
“Me either.” Gillian shook her head.
“You know I’m terrible in the kitchen,” Cassie added. “So that leaves you to do the baking, Mari.” She gave me a confident look. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
“I’m willing to learn.” I spoke the words with determination. How hard could it be to make a cookie that looked like a teacup, anyway? Surely I could go on the Internet and figure out how to paint the cookies to look delicate and pretty.
“Making them yourself is cheaper than hiring someone.” My dad’s voice sounded from the living room again. “Make the cookies, Mari.”
Cassie laughed. “Okay, so you’re in charge of cookies. And the cupcakes.”
“I’m great with sandwiches.” Brianna dropped the last handful of pink marbles into a vase. “Put me in charge of food, okay?”
“And I love to decorate.” Gillian set a silk magnolia on top of the marbles. “We’re having the shower at the church, right?”
“Right.” I nodded.
“I can take care of the invitations,” Cassie said. “I love doing stuff like that. Have you put together a guest list, Mari?”
“Weeks ago. It’s on a spreadsheet on my computer.”
“Just like everything else for this wedding.” Cassie laughed. “You girls should see how organized she is. She’s been such a big help to Crystal.”
“Your sister is blessed to have you.” Gillian gave me a smile.
I paused to think that through. The past few weeks with Crystal had been so much fun, and I’d learned a lot. By the time my own wedding came around I’d know just what to do. Of course, I’d never have a reception at the country club, but at least I’d know how to take care of the details. And maybe—just maybe—I’d have a maid of honor who cared as much about me as I cared about my sister.
“Have we lost you?” Cassie nudged me with her elbow, and I startled to attention.
“Oh, just thinking.”
“About Derrick?”
My face grew hot. “Why would you say that?”
“Just to see the expression on your face.” She grinned. “Now, what were we talking about?”
“Cookies.” I jumped right back into the shower plans. “And I saw the cutest teacup invitations online.” I stood to gather our leftover supplies. “I’m going to order them later tonight now that we’re all in agreement on the tea party theme.”
Five minutes later I’d jotted down all the assignments. Gillian was particularly helpful when it came to shower games, which she’d done before.
The guys arrived just as we were boxing our creations. Derrick headed right for me, as if he had nothing better to do than be with me. Okay, maybe my imagination was running away with me, but how could I help myself with his gaze fixed on mine? I found myself drawn in by his confident stride, his engaging smile, and those gorgeous eyes.
“Hey, Southpaw.” Derrick flashed a smile. “Am I late to the party?”
“Only if you planned to help make these centerpieces.”
“Um, no thank you. I think my skills are better served on the ball field, not with glass vases and marbles.”
“I don’t really know much about baseball.”
“Seriously?” His eyes widened. “Well, we’ll have to remedy that, and soon. We’re early in the season. Want to come to a game or two and see if it grows on you?”
“Sure.” I gave him a little shrug, feeling a little awkward for admitting I knew nothing about the sport he loved.
“Just hang around me, and I’m sure the love of the game will rub off on you.” A boyish wink followed.
Oh boy. The love of something was rubbing off on me, but it had nothing to do with baseball. A warm, funny conversation with this guy felt completely comfortable.
Before we could continue the conversation, my sister and Phillip arrived. I could tell from the pained expression on her face that something had gone wrong. No doubt it had something to do with his mother. The woman really seemed to be pulling Crystal’s strings these days. She sighed as she walked past me, but she didn’t say a word.
I excused myself from the conversation with Derrick and caught up with her in the kitchen, standing at the counter and eating a jumbo-sized slice of cheesecake.
“You okay in here?” I gestured to the dessert, and Crystal sighed again.
“Yeah. A little stressed.”
“Phillip’s mom?” I whispered the words.
Crystal nodded. “Yeah. She called in the middle of our dinner to tell me that she talked to my florist. She’s taken the liberty of changing the flowers in my wedding bouquet.”
“W-what?” I couldn’t believe I’d heard that right.
“Yep.” My sister took another giant bite and spoke with a full mouth. “The woman actually said roses are cliché. Cliché. Can you believe it?”