She Becomes Wedding Planner for His Sister, Unaware the Protective CEO Brother Will Fall for Her
Collaborative Challenges
For the next hour, Daisy presented her vision, responding to Vanessa’s enthusiastic questions and Quincy’s more pointed ones. It became clear that while Vanessa was ready to hire her on the spot, her brother remained unconvinced.
“Vanessa is thinking of 300 guests,” Quincy said, leaning forward. “International family members, business associates, media attention. Are you equipped to handle that scale?”
“Absolutely,” Daisy nodded, though her stomach fluttered nervously. “I’ve already scouted several venues that could accommodate such a gathering.”
“With your hotel resources, we could create something truly spectacular. But more importantly, I’ll ensure your sister’s personal vision shines through the grandeur.”
Vanessa clapped her hands. “That’s exactly what I want! I don’t want just another stuffy Richmond event. I want something that feels like Logan and me.”
“Logan Marshall, Vanessa’s fiancé,” Quincy explained, his tone suggesting he wasn’t entirely thrilled about this match either. “A teacher, right?”
Daisy smiled at Vanessa. “Your portfolio mentioned you met while volunteering at a literacy program.”
Vanessa beamed. “Yes, Logan teaches high school English in the Southside. He’s amazing with his students.”
“A noble profession,” Daisy said sincerely, noticing Quincy’s jaw tighten slightly.
“I’m sure Miss Nelson is very busy,” Quincy said abruptly, standing. “We should let her go while we discuss our options.”
Daisy’s heart sank. She hadn’t won him over. Vanessa, however, had other ideas.
“Actually, I’ve decided I want to hire Daisy.”
She turned to her with a bright smile. “You understand what I’m looking for. A wedding that honors our family tradition but feels personal and meaningful.”
Quincy’s expression remained impassive, but Daisy detected a slight twitch in his left eyebrow.
“Vanessa, we should—”
“I’m getting married in five months. I need to make decisions,” Vanessa said firmly. “And I’ve decided on Daisy.”
The siblings engaged in a silent standoff that Daisy pretended not to notice by reorganizing her portfolio pages.
“Finally,” Quincy sighed. “Fine. But I want weekly progress reports and I’ll be approving all vendor contracts personally.”
“Of course,” Daisy agreed quickly, her heart soaring despite the intimidating conditions. “I’ll prepare a detailed timeline and initial concepts by next week.”
As they said their goodbyes, Quincy handed Daisy his business card. “Call my office to set up a meeting for those progress reports. My assistant will find time in my schedule.”
“Actually,” Vanessa interrupted, “I think you should handle this directly, Q. No assistants. This is my wedding, not a business merger.”
Another silent sibling exchange passed before Quincy relented. “Fine. My direct number is on the back. Friday afternoons work best.”
Walking out of Richmond Plaza, Daisy clutched her portfolio to her chest, emotions swirling between elation at landing the contract and apprehension about working with Quincy.
She had no idea that first meeting had set in motion events that would change both their lives forever.
The following Friday, Daisy arrived at Quincy’s office on the top floor of Richmond Plaza with a comprehensive presentation.
His assistant, an efficiently polished woman named Patricia, ushered her into a corner office with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
“Miss Nelson, right on time,” Quincy said, rising from behind an imposing desk. Today he wore a navy suit that made his eyes seem even bluer.
“Punctuality is essential in wedding planning,” Daisy replied.
“May I?”
She gestured to the conference table near the window. For the next 45 minutes, Daisy outlined her vision for Vanessa’s wedding.
It was a sophisticated blend of Richmond grandeur and the personal touches that reflected the couple’s love story. She’d researched Logan extensively, incorporating elements that honored his passion for literature and teaching.
“These custom bookmark favors with quotes from the couple’s favorite books are unexpected,” Quincy commented, examining the mockup. “But perfect for them.”
“Your sister mentioned their shared love of classic literature was what first connected them.”
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “She told you that?”
“I make it my business to understand the couple’s story,” Daisy explained. “It’s what makes each wedding unique.”
“And the venue? The Richmond Grand on Michigan Avenue would be the obvious choice.”
Daisy took a deep breath. “Actually, I’m proposing something different.”
“The Chicago Literary Society has a historic building with a magnificent library and ballroom. It’s smaller than your properties but infinitely more meaningful for them.”
She waited for his rejection, but Quincy merely studied the photographs with a thoughtful expression.
“It’s unconventional,” he finally said. “But I can see why Vanessa might prefer it.”
Encouraged, Daisy continued through her presentation. By the end, Quincy’s rigid posture had relaxed slightly, and he even offered a few constructive suggestions.
“You’re more thorough than I expected, Miss Nelson,” he admitted as they concluded.
“Just Daisy, please. And thank you. I take my responsibilities seriously.”
“Indeed.”
He escorted her to the door. “Same time next week. I’ll be here,” Daisy promised.
Over the next four weeks, their Friday meetings became more collaborative. Quincy’s initial skepticism gradually gave way to grudging respect as Daisy demonstrated her expertise and dedication.
She found herself looking forward to their sessions. She prepared meticulously not just to impress him professionally, but because she genuinely enjoyed their discussions.
During their fifth meeting, they were interrupted by Vanessa bursting into the office, tears streaming down her face.
“The literary society just called! There was a pipe burst and they’ve had to close the building for repairs! They’ve canceled all events for the next six months,” she sobbed.
Daisy immediately moved to comfort her. “Vanessa, I’m so sorry. But this is exactly why we build contingencies into our planning. Let me handle this.”
“Four months until the wedding and no venue!” Vanessa cried. “It’s a disaster!”
“It’s a challenge,” Daisy corrected gently. “Not a disaster. I actually toured three backup venues last week just in case.”
Quincy, who had been watching silently, raised an eyebrow. “You did?”
“Always have a plan B, C, and preferably D,” Daisy said with a small smile.
“Vanessa, why don’t we meet tomorrow to review the alternatives? I promise you’ll love at least one of them.”
Vanessa sniffled, her panic subsiding. “You really think so?”
“I know so. Trust me.”
After Vanessa left, somewhat calmer, Quincy regarded Daisy with newfound appreciation. “You anticipated this.”
“Not specifically. But venues fall through more often than you’d think. Weather issues, renovations running long, ownership changes.”
She shrugged. “Part of my job is preparing for the unexpected.”
“Most people would be panicking right now.”
“Panic doesn’t solve problems,” Daisy said simply. “Action does.”
Quincy studied her for a long moment. “Let me help with the venue situation. What are your alternatives?”
“The botanical gardens, the Art Institute’s modern wing, and the Adler Planetarium,” Daisy listed. “All beautiful, but none have quite the literary connection.”
“What about the Richardson Library?” Quincy suggested. “The rare book room has a connecting event space.”
“It’s not widely known, but as a major donor, I might be able to arrange access.”
Daisy’s eyes widened. “That would be perfect! Their collection of first editions would thrill Logan.”
“I’ll make some calls,” Quincy offered, already reaching for his phone.
“Thank you,” Daisy said sincerely, touched by his willingness to help.
“I’m just looking out for Vanessa,” he replied, but his smile seemed to carry a different message.
The next day, Quincy personally accompanied Daisy and Vanessa to tour the Richardson Library.
As they walked through the magnificent rare book room with its soaring shelves and reading nooks, Daisy couldn’t help noticing how Quincy kept watching her reactions rather than the space itself.
“This is even more perfect than the literary society!” Vanessa declared. “Daisy, you’re a miracle worker.”
“Your brother deserves the credit for this solution,” Daisy said honestly.
“Teamwork,” Quincy corrected, his hand briefly touching Daisy’s shoulder.
That small contact sent an unexpected warmth through her. “Dangerous territory,” she warned herself. “He’s a client’s brother, not to mention way out of your league.”
Over the next few weeks, Daisy found herself spending more time with Quincy as they coordinated the complex logistics of the library venue.
Their Friday meetings extended to impromptu calls and occasional coffee discussions about wedding details.
During one such coffee meeting at a small cafe near her apartment, Quincy surprised her by asking about her background.
“What made you leave corporate events for weddings?” he asked, stirring his espresso. “Seems like a risky move.”
Daisy considered her answer. “I planned a friend’s wedding as a favor two years ago. It was a modest backyard ceremony and a community center reception.”
“But seeing her face when everything came together… it was different from corporate events. More meaningful.”
“How so?”
“Corporate events are about brand impression and networking opportunities. Weddings are about love, family, and creating a memory that lasts a lifetime.”
She smiled softly. “I realized I wanted my work to mean something more personal. Even if it meant financial uncertainty.”
“Some things are worth the risk,” she said simply.
Quincy nodded slowly. “I understand that better than you might think.”
“Do you? Your family business seems very secure.”
“It wasn’t always.”
His expression grew distant. “Our father died when I was 22 and Vanessa was just 16. The company was struggling with debt and outdated properties.”
“Everyone advised selling.”
“But you didn’t.”
“I couldn’t. It was our legacy. Our home. Richmond Plaza was where we grew up, literally, in the penthouse apartment.”
He met her eyes. “I dropped out of my MBA program to take over. I worked 18-hour days for years to turn things around for Vanessa.”
Daisy realized she needed stability. “After losing our parents, the business was all we had left of them.”
His voice softened. “That’s why this wedding matters so much. It’s not just about giving her everything she deserves. It’s what our mother would have wanted to do for her.”
In that moment, Daisy saw past the intimidating CEO to the brother who had sacrificed his own youth to protect his sister. Something shifted between them—a new understanding and a deeper connection.
The conversation might have continued, but Daisy’s phone rang with a call from the florist about a problem with Vanessa’s chosen peonies.
As she handled the crisis, Quincy watched her with undisguised admiration. When she hung up, he said quietly, “You’re very good at what you do, Daisy.”
The way he said her name made her cheeks warm. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to have dinner sometime?” he asked suddenly. “Not to discuss the wedding. Just dinner.”
Daisy’s heart raced. “I don’t think that would be appropriate while I’m working for your sister.”
Disappointment flashed across his face, but he nodded. “You’re right, of course. Very professional.”
The moment passed, but something had changed. Their interactions took on a new charge: lingering glances, conversations that strayed beyond wedding details, and standing perhaps a bit closer than necessary when reviewing floor plans.
