My apologies for my lack of updating. Here's a new story. There are also two additional chapters after this one. More to come. :)
Ichabod Crane prefers for his clients to be on time for their wedding consultation. However, it is apparent to him that Miss Abigail Mills and Mr. Calvin Riggs do not understand that notion. They arrive ten minutes late, and he reminds them of their tardiness when they rush through his office, somewhat out of breath.
"You two are late," he says, at his pristine and polished oak desk. One of his hands sits atop the other.
"We're sorry about that, man," Mr. Riggs extends his hand. "It's my fault. Work ran late."
Ichabod stands, grips his hand, and shakes. Then he adjusts his navy suit. It is smooth and trimmed for his lean frame. All of his business wear is tailor-made.
"I will allow tardiness this once, since this is our first consultation together. However, I expect punctuality in the coming weeks. It demonstrates your seriousness about your wedding. Have I made myself clear?"
He sticks his nose a little too far in the air. Residents around town believe it should be planted on the ground. Apparently, Miss Mills believes so, too. She crosses her arms.
"We hear you, and you might want to remove that large stick up your ass, Mr. Crane."
He raises his eyebrow at her. "Pardon me?"
"I said—"
"She means we won't be late again."
Miss Mills sighs. "Don't speak for me, Calvin."
Ichabod observes as Mr. Riggs politely excuses them.
He gently says, "We are on his time, you know?"
"I don't care. He doesn't have the right to talk to us or anyone else like that. It seems like nobody's told him how he comes off to others."
Ichabod cannot help but insert himself in their conversation.
"Miss Mills, if you do not like the way I run my business, then you are more than welcome to seek services elsewhere. The door is to your left."
When Miss Mills steps into Mr. Crane's personal space, he becomes aware that she isn't the type of woman to be bossed about or belittled. He also becomes aware of her light brown eyes. He believes they'll sink him if he continues to gaze in them. Sweet peppermint slides off her tongue. Their chests graze. He will not deceive himself. Miss Mills is quite an attractive woman, what with her plump lips and curvy figure. He's drawn in most by her disposition; there's a fire beneath her skin he desires to encounter all the more, but he isn't one to cross boundaries with the bride. Never. Out of his peripheral vision, her soon-to-be husband shakes his head in slight embarrassment and disbelief. Perhaps he wishes she wouldn't react in this manner, though Ichabod has an inkling she doesn't let certain instances go as easily as others.
"Mr. Crane, my fiancé and I sought your services because you're the best. We didn't come here to be treated like shit, so I suggest you speak to us politely. Do I make myself clear?"
He's not cross with her like he should be. Most of his clients refuse to stand up to him, but she does so. Boldly.
"Indeed." He goes to his chair. "You may be seated."
They make themselves comfortable and run through details about the wedding they imagine. Mr. Riggs likes the idea of a spring ceremony, reminiscent of when they met as 10th graders in high school. Miss Mills suggests summer, the season he proposed to her at Greenwich Park.
Mr. Riggs prefers hearty food that sticks to one's ribs: 8 oz. steak, braised pork loin, or stuffed chicken breast. Miss Mills craves an airy, cool dish: a savory chicken salad, an avocado and turkey wrap, or a lemon-peppered salmon. Chocolate cake suits her palate, but her fiancé adores raspberry and crème.
They do not agree on the venue either. She hopes they can book a small wooden lodge by the lake, an intimate, quiet, and candle-lit location while he wishes for a grand, shiny ballroom with crystals and silver.
Of course, they cannot decide on music. Miss Mills expects the classics: Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Nina Simone, Ottis Redding. Mr. Riggs is into the likes of Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., and The Weekend, what is trendy. Personally, it amazes Ichabod that they are even getting married; they are quite different. However, he's seen this on plenty of occasions.
"Most couples don't agree at the beginning stages of the wedding, but that's quite normal. It is challenging when two separate individuals have to create a vision together. How about I suggest venues, music, food, etc., that entails both of your interests and tastes?"
"That's fine with me," Mr. Riggs says.
Miss Mills nods.
"Very well. I will have my secretary schedule our next appointment, where we'll discuss wedding packages, budgets, and all the like. Is that permissible for the both of you?"
The couple nods.
"Then it is settled. My secretary will mark you down."
"Great. Thanks, man."
"We'll see you next week," she says, as they stand.
"On time, I shall hope, Miss Mills." Ichabod smirks.
He's poking her buttons intentionally, and she seems to know this.
"Don't be a dick, Mr. Crane." She leaves his office as he chuckles under his breath.
How he will tolerate her for the duration of the wedding planning, Ichabod does not know. He has worked with the most detestable brides yet, but he has never encountered a customer who's outright called him the name of his male anatomy. He deserved it after all. Most brides and grooms fall in line right away. However, she isn't one to bow under his bravado and snootiness. Miss Mills possesses fight within her as he noted earlier. He can learn to adjust to her strong personality like he has all the other brides.
All he desires is that her and Mr. Riggs agree on his suggestions. Couples have disagreed during the planning process but were able to reach a consensus. Those who didn't either refused to marry or their marriage didn't last for eternity as those around them hoped. Both parties wanted different lives in the end. He even partakes in a few bets on whose marriage will sustain and whose will crumble. He is always correct.
Unfortunately, he couldn't foresee when his own marriage would come to an end. He was with Katrina for three years when they mutually and peacefully divorced. Of course, it is rather ironic that he plans weddings and wholeheartedly supports the institution of marriage when his own is nonexistent. Him and Katrina grew apart. There is not much else he can say about the subject if he's honest.
From the last he's heard, she's back in England, enjoying her practice in veterinary science. She's always loved animals. He's also discovered that she's engaged, and honestly, he's happy for Katrina and wishes her all the best.
Ichabod genuinely wants every couple to have a joyful marriage. It is his duty to ensure they have the best ceremony they can dream of. He takes nothing but pride in being the wedding planner.