Wildflower Wedding by Luann McLane

twist,” she said, and demonstrated.
    â€œJust have fun,” Uncle Tony advised. “’Cause next week we’ll be like chickens with our heads cut off.”
    Reese gave his mother a hug and headed out the door, surprised that he felt a little bit nervous as he walked over toward Flower Power. Since Whisper’s Edge wasn’t too far away, Reese had suggested walking, especially after Gabby said the punch would be spiked. He wanted his days of getting in trouble in Cricket Creek to remain behind him.
    When Reese caught his reflection in a picture window of a vacant shop, he paused and shook his head. He sure looked like a vintage teenage troublemaker. “So much for changing Gabby’s opinion of me,” he grumbled. Then he turned the corner and Top Hat, the tuxedo rental shop next to the bridal boutique, caught his eye. This section of the shops had earned the name “Wedding Row” for a reason. He gazed at the mannequins displayed in the window and then on a whim he opened the door and went inside.
    â€œMay I help you?” the friendly clerk asked, but then she took off her reading glasses and gave Reese a curious look.
    â€œI’m going to a fifties dance.”
    â€œAh, that explains a lot. Wait. You’re going to the Whisper’s Edge prom? Aren’t you a little bit young?”
    â€œI’m going there with Gabby, the owner of the floral shop down the street. She was invited because she’s providing the flowers.” Reese extended his hand. “I’m Reese Marino. My uncle and I just opened River Row Pizza and Pasta.”
    â€œI’m Marcy Duncan, shop owner. Oh, Gabby is such a sweetheart! I send all of my prom and wedding parties over to her for the flowers. And thanks for bringing pizza to Restaurant Row! I’ve been meaning to try it.”
    â€œNice to meet you, Marcy. We’re still only doing a soft opening with takeout and delivery, but the actual sit-down restaurant will open next weekend. We’ll have a daily selection of an authentic Italian dish and a few staple items on the menu.”
    Marcy tapped her temple. “Smart decision.”
    â€œYeah, hopefully it will all go smoothly.” Reese pointed to his chest. “Gabby wanted me to do the whole James Dean thing, but I’m having second thoughts. I’m a little pressed for time, but you wouldn’t happen to have a tux that has a bit of a retro look, would you?”
    â€œOh, we usually measure and have to order sizes in,” Marcy explained. “The suits we have here are mostly for picking things out.” She nibbled on the inside of her lip for a second and then snapped her fingers. “Wait. Are you about six feet tall, about a thirty-two-inch waist?”
    â€œClose. Six one, but you’ve got the waist size right. You’re good.”
    â€œMy shop is fairly new, but I’ve been doing this for a while. Look, I just got in a
Mad Men
–inspired line. Partly because of the popularity of the show, skinny ties and fitted suits are in vogue,” Marcy explained with a smile. “The lapels are narrow and the suits are tailored. Perfect for your body type. You’re going to rock this style.” She whipped out a measuring tape and did a quick once-over. “I think I’ve got you covered.”
    â€œBring it on,” Reese said with a grin.
    â€œI’ll gather what you need and hang it in the dressing room. We’ll have you looking debonair in no time.”
    Reese chuckled. “Well, that will be a first.”
    Marcy grinned. “But not the last. You know who you remind me of?”
    Reese shook his head.
    â€œA young Antonio Sabato Jr. Don’t worry. You’re going to pull this off. Sweet Gabby is going to be swept off her feet.”
    â€œYou think so?” Reese suddenly realized that was exactly what he wanted to do.
    â€œI know so.”

7
    Sweet Memories
    G ABBY LOOKED DOWN AT THE