He had the wherewithal to look ashamed and mumbled something under his breath.

“What was that?” she asked, cupping an ear.

“Five. But they’re spread out.”

“We’re going to only one florist, but we’re checking out five bakers. Am I hearing you right?”

He nodded, grinning now.

“Okay. What else are we doing?”

“That’s all the planning stuff for today. Jai’s still setting up some of the rest. We’re doing the ceremony outside at the festival, but the reception venue is still in the air. He’s getting all of those appointments lined up for tomorrow and Saturday.”

“I have studio time tomorrow,” Maddie said.

“He’s working around your schedule,” he said. “Don’t worry.”

“What about next week?” Ryann asked.

Stuart started ticking off his fingers. “There’s the photographer, the caterer, and maybe the linen and equipment rentals for the venue, depending on which place you two book for the reception.” He smiled at Maddie. “And, of course, the decorations.”

“All of this with less than two weeks before the wedding?” Ryann asked.

He shrugged. “Jai said it shouldn’t be a problem. This isn’t New York, or even Denver.”

“And the budget?”

“He’s not booking appointments anywhere we can’t afford.”

Ryann was suspicious. Stuart had a small trust fund, but it was just that—small. He got some kind of stipend with his grant here, but even that was likely miniscule. She couldn’t imagine that Jai made a lot of money working for the city, either. If this was as last-minute as they claimed, they weren’t going to be able to afford much of anything at all. She shouldn’t feel disappointed—after all, it wasn’t her wedding. But she’d known Stuart almost all of their lives. He’d outlined exactly the kind of wedding he’d wanted countless times. The two of them had talked about it in detail over the years, and that kind of event wouldn’t be done on the cheap. How on earth could she get him what he wanted on his budget?

He squeezed her arm. “Don’t worry about it. Jai has a really big family. They’re helping out.”

She relaxed a little. “Okay.”

“In fact, tonight we’re having a sort of informal gathering at Jai’s parents’. All his sisters and their families will be there, too. I wanted them to meet you before the hordes show up next week. They’re really great people.”

She had a slight flicker of panic at the thought but managed to give him a weak smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

“Okay!” He clapped. “You two better be off, but I’ll see you out.”