She was strangely pleased with herself and Maddie’s trust in her. She studied them for a few more seconds before pointing at one. “This. Carnation Pink.”

“Nice,” Brenda said, making a note. “Okay, and finally the hardest of all—the white.”

“This one’s on you, sweetie,” Ryann said, smirking at Maddie.

Maddie laughed and pulled the swatch close to her face, brows furrowed. “Gosh. I don’t know. I think as bright and as vivid as we can with those other colors, but our red and pink have a little blue in them too, so I guess that means this one.” She pointed.

“Great! Chantilly will go nicely with your other colors,” Brenda said, once again making a note. “That was very quick, ladies. I have to say, I’m impressed with both of you. Most couples are in here choosing colors the entire first session. Five minutes has to be a record.”

She couldn’t help but meet Maddie’s smile with her own. This was all pretend, but it was hard not to feel a little proud.

“Thanks,” Maddie said. “We like to think we agree on a lot of things.”

“That’s lovely,” Brenda said. “I always say I’m lucky to work in this field, and it’s because of nice people like the two of you. You’re adorable, by the way.”

She thought Brenda was laying it on a little thick at this point, but she didn’t really care. She was actually starting to enjoy this little fairy tale. Now a little emboldened, she decided to push things a little farther.

“Thank you,” she said. “That’s partly why I couldn’t wait any longer to marry her. Because she’s so dang cute.”

Maddie’s eyebrows lifted in clear surprise, and Ryann couldn’t help but smirk at her. Two can play this game, she thought.

Brenda chuckled. “Well, you two made it just under the wire, I’d say. Yours is the last wedding I can squeeze in. Busy time of year.”

Ryann thought it was basically a miracle that she’d had any openings, but as Stuart had mentioned, this wasn’t New York.

“All right then, let’s talk flowers and arrangements. This can be even harder than colors, but I can certainly narrow it down for you based on your color choices. Let’s discuss arrangements, first, and then we can think about what kinds of blooms you like. These three binders should get you started. This one is bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages. This one is centerpieces and other decor. And this is for everything else. I’ll be back in a few to give you some more guidance.”

She closed the door after herself, and they exhaled audibly, suppressing giggles. Ryann remembered then that they were still holding hands and let go, picking up her lukewarm cocoa and taking a sip.

“You’re enjoying this now, aren’t you?” Maddie asked, smiling.