Paulie Hajek has loved weddings since childhood, so naturally it makes sense that his current job is in the wedding planning business. Unfortunately, that also means he works with Van Tremaine, his boss’s brother and a former bed partner who refused to commit to something permanent, like marriage. Paulie has been heartbroken for a year, but he’s not giving up on happily-ever-after, though the gloss has dimmed somewhat.<br><br>Van has a lot to prove to Paulie, whose love-tinted view of the world once struck fear in his forty-five-year-old heart and made him act like a fool. It doesn’t help that Paulie catches him with an intern in a compromising position, either.<br><br>To prove he’s changed, Van resorts to a bit of trickery which, in the end, may or may not give Paulie what he’s always wanted, if he can forgive Van for being an idiot. Will he say yes?

Paulie and the Wedding Bell Grouch

The ceremony was simple and elegant. Perfect. The words we said to each other were heartfelt, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience, including mine, once we said “I do.” Van leaned me back over his arm and kissed the breath out of me, like the kissing sailor photo at the end of World War II, and I hung on for dear life.


The reception was low-key, as I had planned, with soft jazz playing in the background and a scrumptious meal with excellent champagne. The cake was perfect, and, no, I did not allow Van to smear me with frosting. His pout was adorable. After Viola’s hilarious speech, Van led me to the middle of the floor for a slow dance. I let everything fade into the background as I smiled up at him.


“Happy?” he asked as he held me close and we shuffled slowly around the room.


Chapter 13