Kitty: Bride of Hawaii (American Mail-Order Bride 50) by Janelle Daniels Page B

filling had been ruined, even two, Kitty could rationalize that away. But not every single one. Not every item they’d planned on serving to their guests.
    What was to be done?
    She plucked a blossom from a bush, shredding its petals as she continued down the path.
    Guests would arrive within a few short hours. She’d wanted everything to be perfect, for Warren’s party to succeed. But that wasn’t possible now.
    The party would go on, and they needed to have food to serve Warren’s guests.
    An idea lit her mind. It might not be traditional, but it certainly wasn’t unheard of. They’d offer sandwiches, but in a different way. Smoked meats, a variety of cheeses and breads. They’d be served with an array of cold salads, lemonade, and fried chicken. It was filling, tasty, and could be ready in time.
    As she rushed back toward the house, plans firmly in her mind, she hoped they’d be ready on time.
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    K itty pinched the fabric of her spotless white glove as she scrutinized the back lawn. “And the food and drinks are set up in the tent?” Kitty asked Cook for the tenth time.
    The older, native Hawaiian woman belly-laughed. “Calm yourself. All is just as you asked. I didn’t think we’d make it in time, but you were right.”
    Kitty smiled sheepishly. “Forgive me, Cook. Everything looks splendid. I’m just so nervous.”
    “With good reason. However, everything looks perfect. No one will know about the last-minute changes.”
    Kitty hoped not. But there were some people she wouldn’t be able to hide it from. She still had no clue what she would tell Warren. There wasn’t proof his mother sabotaged the food, but no one else had motive. Would he believe her? Would he care?
    Of course he would. He knew his mother and her behavior. That’s why Kitty had a job.
    And although it worked out in the end, the food was ready, looking as delectable as she’d hoped, but she was still nervous.
    Warren had given her two weeks to settle in. If she failed today, the rest of Warren’s plans would as well. Everything had to be perfect. The food, the entertainment—the weather. She squinted at the puffy clouds dotting the sky.
    Cook patted her on the back. “I’m going to the kitchens to make sure the rest is ready. You, don’t worry anymore.”
    Kitty nodded as Cook left. Frozen on a small rise on the lawn, she looked over the idyllic event. Everything screamed of wealth, ease, luxury—without trying too hard. And that was key. Old society didn’t want garish displays of wealth. Nothing could be over the top, but it all had to be of the finest quality.
    She was so nervous she wanted to vomit.
    The time she’d spent as a girl, dreaming of being legitimate, of all the parties she’d go to, seemed like a waste now. Perhaps she wasn’t cut out for this. She’d embarrass Warren, ruin all of his plans.
    Heavens. She fisted a hand at her stomach. Pull yourself together!
    “This looks fantastic.”
    Kitty jumped, slapping a palm against her chest. “Are you trying to kill me?”
    Warren chuckled, and the sound warmed to her belly, pooling there like warm molasses.
    “I didn’t realize I was so quiet. Forgive me.”
    She rolled her eyes. They both knew she’d been too nervous to hear an elephant approach. “Are you sure it looks all right?”
    “Everything looks wonderful.” His hand brushed against hers as they stood side by side, viewing all she’d accomplished.
    Her heart leaped in her throat.
    How could one touch, something so innocent as two hands meeting, unbalance her so? “Are you certain?”
    A wry smile touched his lips. “Would you like me to find fault with something?”
    “No. Of course not. I just wondered if you’d noticed the food.”
    His eyes darted to the laden table. “Yes.”
    “And?”
    “And what?”
    “You’re not upset?”
    “Why would I be? It looks delicious. It’s a step away from the boring and traditional and will make us stand out. I’m pleased.”
    She spluttered.