“Yeah. Glad I got to spend a few minutes with them before guests arrived. I loved hearing about their humanitarian efforts for horses.” Even more fascinated was he when the couple disclosed that Meadow’s invoice reflected a discount. In a note, she’d expressed wanting to bless them and their efforts to help the Spanish horses they loved so much.
Colin’s admiration for the couple had grown when he’d learned they started a local horse therapy ranch here for special groups such as wounded veterans, differently abled children, and at-risk teens. He admired Del and Meadow for doing likewise within their catering partnership.
Joy welled in Colin as he watched the smiling teen waitstaff serve diligently and interact genuinely with guests at tables Meadow had assigned each to watch over. Stronger emotion stirred as he watched Meadow covertly direct and praise them. She was making such a profound, positive difference in their lives. She’d make a great mom someday. After learning some of the teens’ home histories, he realized she was already mothering.
He felt grateful to get to come alongside her and be a part, if even for a day. He couldn’t deny the draw to live a lifetime of impacting teens and their identities for better.
In her element, Meadow beamed as she refilled the taco salad bar. She obviously loved serving people. He smiled when overhearing the praise she so well deserved. He peered around, taking in more of her special touches.
Rather than number the tables, she’d named them after horse breeds. There were Shires, mustangs, Belgians, Arabians, and quarters for the adults. The tweens and kids were all seated together by their request and pleased that Meadow had not only complied but had creatively named their tables Colts and Ponies.
The engaged couple hosted table trivia after dinner to entertain guests and because family game nights were a huge part of their upbringings.
Colin had hired several food service companies for his Chicago construction firm events over the years and couldn’t think of a single other caterer who’d have gone so above and beyond to make important days that much more meaningful for wedding couples.
Remembering his own broken engagement left a sour note in his heart.
He wished he could be certain his growing feelings for Meadow weren’t meshed in wrong motives. Furthermore, just because she echoed his attraction didn’t mean she’d give a future with him a second thought. Nor should he.
The struggle not to consider it became bigger by the day, though.
After rechecking food temps, Colin rejoined Meadow, who grinned at him.
The groom’s father approached. “The party food and setup are outstanding. My compliments to the caterer.”
The bride’s mother joined his praise. “We’re so touched you went to such effort for our beloved daughter and future son-in-law.” She dabbed tears and hugged Meadow.
Meadow blushed. Had she any idea how becoming he found it?
The bride and groom complimented Meadow’s work and expressed how pleased family and friends were over her authentic food and ethnic banquet decor.
Each time she accepted the praise with humble grace and quickly pointed out she couldn’t have accomplished it without her teens and Colin. She bragged on the Tex-Mex wagon wheel dessert bar he’d completed, adorned with sweet flan and Spanish lace. Meadow leaned against the chili bar next to Colin, watching the teens refill glasses and plates as guests celebrated. “I usually have more creative leeway for decorating rehearsal dinners since they tend to be more casual. Weddings are usually far more formal.”
“We have to use an entirely fresh setup for tomorrow?”
“Yes. All this has to be taken down and replaced with more traditional ritz and glitz, plus a few little surprise touches I’ve confirmed with the couple for the wedding reception dinner. That one will be a lot more work—and, of course, at a fancier venue.”
Colin knew this couple and their horse mission were special to Meadow. Yet, knowing her work ethic, he was sure she undoubtedly made every couple’s wedding dinner special. He slid close, bumping her shoulder with his. “Trying to scare me off?”
Her brow arched. “Is it working?”
He smiled slowly. “Never.”
“Good.” Her eyes outshone the vibrant LED lights they’d strung around the room.
Word quickly spread about Havenbrook Creative Catering being responsible for the dinner. By event’s end, nearly every guest requested Meadow’s business cards, both for themselves and referrals.
Colin loved hearing her hard work commended and drew pleasure from observing her mingle and work, maintain correct food temperatures, and teach him the ins and outs of catering in a flash. He’d mastered refills. That was about it. But he admired her. Big-time.