She Becomes Wedding Planner for His Sister, Unaware the Protective CEO Brother Will Fall for Her
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Daisy Nelson’s heart skipped a beat when she saw the missed call from the number she’d been hoping would ring for weeks. As a wedding planner struggling to establish her new business in the competitive Chicago market, every potential client mattered.
Especially one from the prestigious Richmond family. She’d sent her portfolio to Quincy Richmond’s younger sister, Vanessa, hoping for a miracle. And now, that miracle might be calling back.
“Hello, this is Daisy Nelson of Daisy’s Dream Days,” she answered breathlessly on the return call, trying to sound professional despite her racing pulse.
“Hi, Daisy, this is Vanessa Richmond. I received your portfolio and I’d love to meet to discuss planning my wedding,” the warm voice replied.
Daisy pumped her fist in silent celebration. The Richmonds were practically Chicago royalty with their luxury hotel empire spanning three continents. Their daughter’s wedding would be the showcase opportunity her fledgling business desperately needed.
“I’d be delighted to meet with you, Miss Richmond. When would be convenient?” Daisy asked, already opening her calendar app.
“Tomorrow at two at the Richmond Plaza downtown. We can use one of the private lounges,” Vanessa suggested.
“Perfect, I’ll be there,” Daisy confirmed, excitement bubbling in her voice.
After hanging up, Daisy twirled around her small apartment, nearly knocking over the potted fern that served as her roommate in the tiny space. Six months ago, she’d walked away from her secure but soul-crushing corporate event planning job to pursue her dream.
So far, she’d managed three modest ceremonies and a vow renewal, barely enough to keep her business afloat. The Richmond wedding could change everything.
The next day, Daisy arrived at the imposing Richmond Plaza Hotel thirty minutes early. Her portfolio was tucked under her arm and her most professional navy blue dress was smoothed nervously with sweaty palms.
The gleaming marble lobby, with its soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers, reminded her just how high-profile this potential client was. The concierge directed her to a private lounge on the mezzanine level.
She found not only Vanessa Richmond waiting but also an imposingly tall man in an impeccably tailored charcoal suit. He stood with his back to Daisy, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the Chicago skyline.
“Daisy! So lovely to meet you,” Vanessa exclaimed, rising from her seat. She was a petite brunette with a warm smile that immediately put Daisy at ease.
“This is my brother, Quincy.”
The man turned, and Daisy felt her prepared greeting stick in her throat. Quincy Richmond had the kind of presence that commanded attention.
He had broad shoulders, dark hair with a hint of silver at the temples, and piercing blue eyes currently fixed on her with unmistakable skepticism.
“Miss Nelson.”
His voice was deep and cool as he extended his hand.
“Mr. Richmond. I wasn’t expecting to meet you today,” Daisy replied, recovering quickly and giving his hand a firm shake.
“My brother insists on vetting all my wedding vendors personally,” Vanessa explained with an affectionate eye roll. “He thinks being CEO of Richmond Hotels means he needs to micromanage my life, too.”
“I prefer looking out for your best interests,” Quincy corrected, his expression softening slightly when he looked at his sister. He turned that scrutinizing gaze back to Daisy.
“Your business is relatively new, I understand.”
It wasn’t a question but a statement layered with doubt.
“Yes, I established Daisy’s Dream Days about six months ago, but I have eight years of corporate event planning experience with Monarch Industries,” Daisy answered confidently.
“I’ve organized events for up to 500 guests with budgets exceeding a million dollars.”
“And how many weddings have you planned independently?” Quincy pressed.
“Four successful weddings to date,” Daisy said, opening her portfolio. “What I lack in quantity, I make up for with personal attention and creative solutions.”
