Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
It was one of the best nights of my life. And it made me realize that even though we’d never have a romantic future, I knew I’d be hard-pressed to lose our friendship.
We play three more rounds and I win every one. By the time Markie declares me the winner, I’m riding on a surge of adrenaline. Cathy passes out lemon drop martinis while Lolly gets the presents gathered for me to open.
“Here you go,” Cathy says, handing me a drink in a red plastic cup. “Sorry it’s not fancier. As you can imagine, I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare.”
I take a sip, letting the alcohol warm my stomach. “Thank you for this. All of it.”
“It wasn’t me, honey. It was Lolly and Markie.”
“I know,” I say, frowning. “But you helped. And you put together the picnic for us last night, which was amazing. Your fruit dip is my new favorite food group.”
She laughs. “I’ll keep some in the fridge for you at all times.” Her smile falters. “Also, if you don’t want me in every day, please let me know. It’s your home now, and I don’t want to interfere.”
The emotion in her voice catches me off guard. I clench my cup and try to read the situation. I’m not sure if she thinks I’m going to try to fire her, or if she’s just nervous, or if she thinks this whole thing is ridiculous.
I suck in a breath. “Honestly, Cathy, I was hoping you’d stay and keep your routine.”
Her eyes light up. “Really?”
“Hartley loves you, and you know everything about how things work. How he works. What he likes and what he hates. And, you know, I haven’t been around a lot so I might need help.”
And I don’t want him alone when I leave in a year.
The thought shakes me, causing a chill to ripple down my spine. I’ve gotten so caught up in the celebration today that it’s been easy to forget that this isn’t my actual reality. Their joy might be real, and their support of our union might also be true. But that doesn’t change the terms of the arrangement, and I’d do best to remember that. And when I leave … it’s vital that they don’t put any of the blame for our divorce on Hartley. But that’s for another day.
“I’d love to stay around,” she says. “I work for you now, too. So, please let me know if you’d like things changed or if you have different preferences for meals—anything.”
“I’m sure you do a great job.”
Her smile returns, but this time, it’s softer. “Listen, honey. You make that man complete. When you’re not around, he can barely hear your name without walking out of the room. It’s as if it hurts him too much not having you there that he can’t sit still.”
Really? My mouth falls agape as her words strike my chest.
“I’ve worked for the Adlers for most of Hart’s life,” she says. “And I’ve hoped and prayed for this day for the better part of it. So, this wedding? It’s the answer to my prayers, and I know his mother is watching down from heaven with a smile on her face.”
Tears pool in the corners of my eyes as I stare into her green irises. Would she, though?
Hartley’s mom was one of the strongest and sweetest women I’ve ever known. She was funny and warm, generous with her time—her love—and I think she’d actually hate me for possibly breaking her son’s heart this way.
And I can’t blame her, really.
I struggle past the ache in my chest to focus on Cathy.
“Just remember one thing,” she says. “Love comes in all shapes and sizes. But when you find the one that fits your heart, you hold on to it for dear life. Because once it’s taken away, you can’t always get it back.”
“Now let’s have some fun!” Lolly says from across the room. “Let’s gather around this chair and have our bride sit here so we can all watch her open her gifts.”
I pull Cathy into a quick hug, fighting back the tears, as she presses a kiss against my temple.
“A quick warning,” she whispers in my ear. “You’re going to need an extra drink before you open Lolly’s. I don’t even know where she found something so dirty.”
My cheeks flame as I pull away, laughing in both amusement and fear. “You’re kidding?”
“Mine first,” Lolly says. “It has snaps. My husband loved being able to—”
“Come on, Lolly,” Markie says, holding a hand out in front of her. “Stop. Please.”
I stand in the corner of the room and take in the women who gathered today to celebrate me. They didn’t give an excuse or send a gift instead. They showed up. For me. And for Hartley.
For … us.
For the first time in a long time, maybe ever, being a part of something doesn’t feel threatening. Staying in Sugar Creek, at least for a while, doesn’t feel terrifying. It kind of feels like … home.