Zara’s POV

My mother-in-law who has graciously arranged for a renowned wedding planner and designer named Charlotte Montgomery. As I sat there, engrossed in my messaging app, her voice broke through my concentration.

“Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.

Startled, I refocused my attention and forced a smile, assuring her that everything was fine. “I was just checking in with Lucas to see where he is,” I calmly explained.

Mrs. Montgomery chimed in, understandingly. “Ah, it's rush hour, and the roads are congested. Mr. Blackwood is probably caught up in the traffic,” she said, offering an explanation for Lucas's delay.

Mrs. Montgomery proceeded to elaborate on the forest motif that...