- 5 -
Autumn, Bea, Stephanie, and Chrissy stopped at the Peabody Mansion on the way home, for a meeting with two people: Elizabeth Johnson, the B&B’s decorator and event planner; and the inn’s assistant manager, Kim Stokes. Autumn noticed Kim’s heightened mood and motivation since her recent promotion from housekeeper to assistant manager, confirming Autumn’s instincts were right.
Kim wore a burgundy cardigan over a graphic tee with a burst of color in the same family as the sweater and black jeans. They were all in casual mode until the inn officially opened in January.
Elizabeth had her hair styled in pom-poms, her go-to look when she was in creative mode. Her cream and denim-blue striped sweater looked stunning against her dark skin. Dangling bead earrings completed the look. Autumn envied her sense of style and ability to make jewelry. She wondered where Elizabeth found the time.
Chrissy squirmed in Autumn’s arms, wanting to get down. The moment Autumn released her, she ran over to Elizabeth and Kim, wagging her tail. They both knelt to greet her with enthusiastic rubs and high-pitched compliments of being so beautiful and such a good girl. Chrissy ate it up.
“Come here, sweetheart,” Autumn called. “It’s too warm in here to wear your coat.”
Chrissy trotted over to Autumn, let her remove her jacket, and shook out her hair.
“Hi, ladies,” said Elizabeth, now able to acknowledge the others in the room. Queen Chrissy always came first.
“Check out the plan for the wedding!” Kim exclaimed. “Elizabeth outdid herself.”
They gathered around the table where the idea board and glittering samples covered the surface.
“Since not everyone on the guest list celebrates Christmas, we’re going with a winter theme, showcasing sparkling snowflakes and icicles hanging from the ceiling, Snow Queen fairy-tale ornaments on the ten-foot artificial tree flecked with snow and white twinkle lights will stand in the corner of the living room, white tablecloths made from iridescent fabric…” Elizabeth exclaimed, before Kim interrupted her.
“Isn’t it fabulous?” she said, rubbing her hands together. “Absolutely magical!”
Elizabeth smiled at her biggest fan.
Chrissy let out one sharp bark. Autumn lifted her so she could see, too. She wagged her tail in approval.
“We can also leave these decorations up for the grand opening in January,” said Elizabeth, “minus the ice sculpture for the food table. I called Harry Halifax, the best ice sculptor in the area. He suggested a wedding tree with yours and Ray’s initials carved into the tr