Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“Romance is the most popular genre of books. You could definitely feature the night celebrating literary love. Then we can use a romantic theme for the refreshments and the décor.”
“You are good at this,” Mark complimented.
“Thank you. This job is absolutely the most fun I’ve ever had,” Essie said, enjoying the praise. With each success, she gained confidence. A waft of cool air drew her attention. She had to focus on Mark’s face to avoid following Edmund’s path through the library. His visits were infrequent but always signaled her to pay attention. Something vital was happening. Was Mark’s gathering important?
Pulling her thoughts together, Essie walked her client through the process of scheduling the event. To her delight, Mark knew exactly what he wanted. He didn’t debate any choices. She checked boxes off on her planning form as he selected the food, beverages, lighting, and music with ease.
She shared the rough estimate of the cost and assured him, “I can give you the final prices by the end of the week if that works for you.”
“That is fine. I would like to have a cake after the proposal for everyone to enjoy.”
“I’ll add that to our list. What is your fiancée-to-be’s favorite cake flavor?” Essie asked, jotting notes.
“She loves everything. Let’s stick with the romance theme. How about red velvet with cream cheese icing?” Mark asked.
Essie’s mouth watered. She loved that choice. “A red velvet cake is a fabulous selection. I’ll have the baker decorate the top with hearts.”
Mark paid a hefty deposit with his credit card before she walked him to the door. As soon as she was alone, Essie danced a happy jig. She couldn’t wait to throw herself into this event. Every success helped her maintain Ferguson’s Folly and expand her offerings in the future.
She immediately started making calls. In an hour, she had the caterer and the cake decorator booked. Those were the most essential partners she would need. Then, turning her attention to others, Essie also reached out to the library and spoke to the director personally. Mark planned to ask for donations to support the library and had asked her to check with the staff to figure out how to get the funds to them.
“So, if I understand you, this individual plans to host a reception to benefit the library with the bonus of a proposal?” Phineas Green, the library’s director, asked.
Essie loved his deep voice. Phineas didn’t sound like who she pictured as a library director. He sounded young and hot. “Yes, sir. The event host wishes to collect monies for the library’s use. The theme is romance. That seemed fitting for an engagement.”
“I agree. The prospect of a wedding is romantic. This is generous of the host. I do have to ask, who will collect the money? If the fundraiser is in the library’s name, I would need to know the donations are protected from any hint of wrongdoing or fraud.”
“Exactly! I hoped you could accept checks and cash donations on that evening.” Essie shared the date and time, holding her breath that he would be available.
“I would be honored to come play the role of the library representative,” Phineas said.
“I hope the party will be a lucrative evening. I have a feeling people will be pleased to share their funds at such a joyful event,” Essie said.
“To be honest, I’m intrigued by Ferguson’s Folly. That building’s such an icon of the community. I’ve never visited, so this will be fun for me as well.”
“I’ll give you a tour. The mansion is lovely.”
“Thank you, Essie. I’ve put you on the calendar. I’ll get there a bit early so I can figure out where to greet the attendees. Got to maintain the guise of a fundraiser after all,” Phineas added.
Standing in the ballroom before the event, Essie turned in a circle. Tiffanie had outdone herself with the heart-shaped, red-rose decorations that fragranced the room and added splashes of color. Sara had set up the champagne fountain and would pour bottles of the sparkling wine in right before the guests arrived. And on the opposite side of the table was one for chocolate. Essie couldn’t wait to try that vat of deliciousness. And the cake! It was absolutely gorgeous.
“You’ve outdone yourself, Little girl,” Zander complimented Essie, sending a thrill of delight through her.
“The party came together beautifully. Mark Cunningham was a dream to work with in the planning stages. He knew exactly what he wanted. I just had to find the right people to make the pieces come together.”
Essie breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. “I have to admit. An engagement is such a special event. I wanted this to be perfect for Mark’s girlfriend. As young children, girls dream of the proposal and their weddings all their lives.”
“My bet is that the bride-to-be will think this is everything she ever dreamed of,” Zander said.