Over the course of a week, they finish the remaining details of the wedding. The invites, food, and décor are all now settled. It's just a matter of bridesmaid's dresses and tuxes, tasks Miss Mills and Mr. Riggs have already been handling all their own. Ichabod is about to head home when his mobile phone rings.
"Hello, Miss Mills. I hope this evening finds you well. Is all still going according to plan?"
He hasn't spoken to her in a few days since their last appointment.
"Oh, yeah. Everything is fine. I just had a quick question."
"Yes?"
"Could you give me the hours for Stella's bakery? I can't remember them."
Ichabod thinks it's rather odd that she'd ask him this, especially when she can simply research it on the Internet or call the bakery herself. However, he fancies her.
"On Monday through Friday, she's open from 7a.m.-6p.m. On the weekends, it's 9a.m. to 6p.m. Was that all?"
"Yeah. Thanks." She pauses. "Ichabod?"
"Yes, Miss Mills?"
"I knew the schedule. I just wanted to hear your voice. That's all."
He smiles, flattered. "It's good to listen to your voice as well, Abbie. How is Mr. Riggs?"
"He's good. He actually got another offer to cover a story in California."
"What was his response?"
"He turned it down."
"That's wonderful, isn't it?"
"Yeah. It's great. He's keeping his word. Not putting work before me. It's what I wanted."
"You don't sound too pleased."
"It's good, but…"
"But?"
His heart beats hopeful. Perhaps she's changed her mind about Mr. Riggs.
She sighs. "I don't know. I guess I just have to get used to him being back."
"I can imagine it's an adjustment."
"It is. I'll be happy with him, won't I?"
Of course, he wants to tell her he could make her the happiest woman on the earth, but it isn't wise to make such a statement. He'll reassure he like he does all the previous brides he's worked with.
"You are over the moon for Mr. Riggs, and he's over the moon for you. There is no doubt in my mind about it, Miss Mills. You love him, and he loves you. The heart cannot fight what it wants."
"Thanks, Crane."
"You're welcome, Abbie. Have a good night."
"I will. You, too." She hangs up.
Ichabod wants to call back, but he doesn't. He finishes packing his briefcase and leaves his office.
Ichabod waits for Miss Mills at the park. She called him this morning, asking for his advice about wedding photos. Her and Mr. Riggs will take them before the ceremony, but she needs help scouting the perfect area.
"That's for meeting me here, Crane. I know it was last minute. Have brides asked you about photos?"
"Yes, I've gotten plenty questions about photographers. I could've suggested some if I'd known you were interested."
"Calvin wants to use someone he knows from the paper. He insisted. He would take them himself, but he has to be in them, so…" She grins.
"I'm sure he found someone that matches his skills, if not better."
"He did. He picked Bryan."
"Will Bryan be joining us? Where is Mr. Riggs?"
"He's over there, and Calvin got stuck with layout at the last minute."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
She shrugs. "You're here. I have some help."
"I don't mind assisting."
He ponders why she simply didn't reschedule so Mr. Riggs could join her instead of him. He has an inkling of why she chose this route.
They find Bryan under an oak tree, the one they sat under weeks ago.
"Hey, Bry. This is Ichabod Crane, the wedding planner."
"Nice to meet you, dude."
"The pleasure is mine."
"Awesome. Okay. I was thinking this is a good spot for just you and Calvin. It's intimate, and there's enough natural light that isn't too overbearing. And then the space over there would be great for the wedding party." He points to a few wooden benches and a gazebo. "It's big enough for everyone and for you and Cal by yourselves."
"I think that'll work, too."
"I can also come to venue to take them before the wedding. Fredrick's Manor is stunning."
"It is. I'll ask Calvin."
"Cool. Mind if we do some mock photos?"
"Sure."
"Ichabod, right?"
"Yes. How can I be of assistance?"
"Mind getting in the photo with her? You're close to Calvin's height. I just need a few shots to show him."
"Where should I stand?"
Bryan positions them under the tree and turns them face to face. He puts Ichabod's hands around Miss Mills' waist, and her hands on his chest. He tilts her head up to him just so. Bryan doesn't want her to overextend her neck. Ichabod finds he's losing himself in her eyes for the hundredth time. The sun streams through the branches and leaves behind them. Bryan snaps a photo.
"You're going to make a beautiful bride, Miss Mills."
She blushes toward the ground
The camera shutters. "Perfect, you two. Let's try the gazebo."
There, Ichabod is placed behind Miss Mills; his arms encircle her waist. She entwines their hands.
"Great touch, Abbie."
Bryan's camera clicks, and he stoops to get another angle.
"Be a little silly now." He continues capturing them.
Ichabod unties their fingers and tickles Miss Mills in her side. She laughs and covers her mouth. Then she turns to him and hits his chest. Ichabod picks her up and swings her around. Her knees are bent, and her arms wrap around his neck.
"Such gorgeous shots."
Ichabod sets her down, grinning at her.
"Never taking photos with you again."
"He said to be playful."
"That didn't mean tickle me."
"Indeed it did."
She shakes her head.
"Last shot by the bench. Come."
He directs them. "So, this one is a little more romantic. Really get in character here. Ichabod, you'll sit on the bench. And Abbie, you will stand between his legs, if you're okay with that?"
"That's fine. It's just a picture."
"As long as you're comfortable."
"I'll be okay. Crane doesn't bite."
"Okay. Now, Ichabod, look at her like you've been doing, like she's the love of your life. Abbie, look elsewhere, like you don't even notice. And arms around each other. Got it?"
They nod and do as instructed.
"Very, very nice." He works his camera.
Miss Mills then stares down at him and runs her hands through his hair. Her forehead touches his, and he closes his eyes.
"Miss Mills…"
"Just pretend, okay?"
Just before they are about to kiss, Bryan says, "Beautiful. And that's it. Wanna see them?"
They slowly unravel from each other.
Ichabod stands, says, "Yes, please."
Bryan is between them as he shows them shot by shot from beginning to end. They looked like a true couple.
"These are stunning. You and Calvin can do these same shots."
"Right," she says. "They turned out good. I think he'll like these poses. The bench and the tree are my favorite ones."
"Mine, too. I just wanted you to see what I had in mind. Thanks for standing in Ichabod. You did good."
"Thank you, Bryan. You captured such breathtaking photos."
"You two made it easy."
Ichabod is a little nervous about what Mr. Riggs will say about the shots, as they are a bit inappropriate. She is his fiancé after all. He doesn't think a photoshoot will be an excuse for their closeness.
"Will Mr. Riggs be bothered by these photographs?"
"Oh, no. He'll be fine. He actually asked if you could stand in, so he could see what the shots would look like. Don't worry, man."
"I am a bit relieved to hear that."
"Cool. Well, I'm gonna head back to the office. Thanks for taking the time. I can't wait for the wedding, Abbie."
"See you there. Also, can you send me the photos, too? I really like them."
"Sure. You want some copies, too, Ichabod?"
"That would be nice. Thank you."
"No probs."
They exchange e-mails and goodbyes. It's just them two as Bryan sprints off toward his car.
"That was fun, yeah?" Miss Mills says.
"It was. I've never done that before. Normally, it's the bride and groom who do these things. Not the wedding planner and the bride. Alas, there is a first time for everything."
"Yeah. Thanks for joining me. I know it was last minute."
"I didn't mind."
He believes Abbie asked him here to spend time with him. He's glad she did. It's quiet between them as he walks her to her vehicle.
"This is weird, you know?" she says.
"You don't know how to properly say goodbye either?"
"No. It's gonna be even harder at the wedding."
He holds her hands. "Miss Mills, I won't be attending the wedding."
"Haven't you before though? You're the wedding planner. You're kind of obligated."
"Normally, I am there in case of a mishap or two. However, it would be too difficult."
"I know. I understand. I just…I know it's not fair to ask it of you, but I would like you there. Aside from my feelings for you, you've been a part of this process with me. It's only right. I'm not gonna force you, of course."
"I will think about it. If I do not show, then my secretary will be there to fill in for me. I will make certain he is updated about the ceremony."
She nods. "Can I say goodbye to you now? The way I'd like to?"
He's slightly puzzled but agrees.
She grabs the lapels on his jacket, stands on her tiptoes, and kisses him. It's a soft and lasting thing until he doesn't feel her there anymore.
"Goodbye, Ichabod Crane."
"Goodbye, Abigail Mills."
He helps her in her car, and she waves at him before pulling off.
