by Beth Carter
“You always know what to say. I hope you’re right. It would break my heart if she didn’t want to have anything to do with me.” He paused. “I wonder what she looks like.”
“Yeah, me too.” Hope stared at a family of four, all were towheaded with close-cropped hair. “Maybe she has your dark hair, but let’s hope she doesn’t have your broad shoulders.”
“Maybe she’ll have your crazy curls.”
“Uh, my blood isn’t running through her veins. Yours is.”
“I know. A guy can dream. I love your hair.”
“That makes one of us.” Hope stared at her left hand. “I can’t believe I’m—we’re—engaged. I love you—but don’t ever hold back secrets like that again.”
“Never again.” He crossed his heart. “I promise.”
Her mind swirled after his bombshell but she was overjoyed about the proposal. Nothing was going to ruin this day.
“Thank you for being the best woman on earth. I love you.” A soft breeze blew Hope’s curly hair across her face. Tucker brushed it away, and gently kissed her lips. “You’re the woman I’ve been looking for all of my life.”
Staring into his eyes, Hope giggled. “What took you so long?”
“We’ll make up for lost time,” he said. “How should we celebrate our engagement?”
Hope shrugged. “It’s mid-afternoon, so it’s too early for dinner.”
Grinning, Tucker said, “Want to celebrate with a milkshake?”
Hope roared. “I love the way you think. That’s about the most romantic thing I can think of. Absolutely, positively yes.”
~ ~ ~
While sipping an overflowing mint chocolate chip milkshake with two straws, Hope took selfie after selfie. “Do you mind if I post this?” She paused. “Wait. I can’t.”
“Why?” Tucker asked mid-slurp.
“My best friends. I have to tell them in person before they see it on social media. They’d never forgive me.”
“Good point.” Tucker put his arm around Hope as they sat side by side on the diner’s seat. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Ditto.” She gave him an icy cold kiss. Licking his lips, he said, “We should have milkshake kisses more often.”
Chapter 54
On Monday morning, a giant bouquet of red roses was delivered to Hope’s office. The deliveryman grinned and said, “We’ve got to stop seeing each other like this.” After Hope signed the paperwork, she placed the flowers on the edge of her desk, texted Tucker XOXO, which had become their quick shorthand when he was on the road and couldn’t text, and retreated to the teachers’ lounge for coffee.
She chitchatted with a coach and Dr. Holmes, waved to Willow in the hallway, and spotted Larry-Mac mopping a spill in the cafeteria. Everything was the same in her world, yet everything was infinitely different. I’m engaged and might become a stepmother someday. It’s all hard to comprehend. It’s time to tell my girlfriends. Reaching for her cell, she texted: Urgent meeting at Coconuts tonight at six. Can you make it?
Alex, Suzy, and Cheri responded with: What’s wrong? You okay? Hope’s chest swelled as she texted: Everything’s fine. I miss you guys.
Hope watched the clock and practically had to sit on her hands to keep from blurting out her news to anyone who passed by her office but wanted her best friends to hear about her engagement first. Luckily, she had been able to dodge Willow, students hadn’t noticed, nor did staff and faculty.
After jostling paperwork for a transfer student and calling a fellow counselor at a high school across town, she again glanced at the clock. It was only four but she couldn’t sit at her desk one second longer. Shutting off her computer with her left hand so she could get the one thousandth glimpse of her beautiful diamond, she grinned to herself. I think I’ll buy something for myself to celebrate. No, maybe I’ll buy something for Tucker—or something for the two of us.
~ ~ ~
After strolling the aisles of a home décor store, Hope noticed a variety of styles from modern to farmhouse to traditional. Her shoulders drooped at the weight of planning a wedding. My friends will jump at the chance to help me. I’m going straight to Coconuts.
The island-themed bar immediately calmed her. The fake palm tree with glittering white lights wrapped around the trunk and floor-to-ceiling beach mural were a far cry from clanging lockers and kids whooping at Hilltop High.
Gus appeared at her table and asked, “The usual?”
“Yup. And a bowl of chips and salsa, please.”
“Coming right up. Are the ladies joining you?”
“Yes, they should be here soon.”
While Gus disappeared behind the bar, Hope pulled up wedding venues on her phone. There were seemingly tens of thousands of choices. I’m horrible at this sort of thing and imagine Tucker won’t be much better. She swiveled toward the door when light streamed inside the darkened bar. But it was a crowd of pantsuit-wearing business people followed by a raucous group of backpack-wearing college kids. Sipping her margarita, she glanced back at her phone and scrolled through a variety of bridesmaid dresses. Do I have to have bridesmaids and a maid of honor? I can’t choose among my best friends. A small groan escaped, but she brightened when Suzy and Cheri appeared at her table.
As they hugged, Alex followed closely behind. “What’s up, sweetcakes?”
Taking a deep breath, Hope mulled whether to see if anyone noticed her ring or wait until they chatted first.
As Hope reached for a chip, Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s on your finger?” She leaned closer. “It’s freaking blinding me, even in this dark bar.”
Suzy and Cheri gasped as they reached for Hope’s left hand. “That looks like—” Suzy said, a hint of wonder in her voice. “Hope?”
Hope heard a flurry of questions: “Who?” “When did this happen?” “It’s so soon.”
She held up her hands. “Give me a second and I’ll tell you. Want to order drinks first?”
“No,” all three said in unison.
Laughing, Hope said, “That’s a first.” She stared at her ring. “I guess blurting this out is the best way to go.” She grinned so wide her smile nearly reached her ears. “I’m engaged, as you can plainly see. Tucker and I are getting married. Can you believe it?”
“No,” Alex said, as she eyed Hope, mouth agape.
“Alex,” Suzy scolded.
“Well. You haven’t been dating very—”
Suzy shot Alex an unhappy schoolmarm look while squeezing Hope’s hand. “Congratulations, hon. Tucker has good choice in diamonds—and women.”
Cheri threw up both hands. “I knew it. I saw the chemistry between you guys at Cole’s party. Cole and I both discussed how you two seemed perfect for each other.”
Absolutely aglow, even in the darkened bar, Hope said, “Tucker is perfect. And he thinks I am too. He told me I’m the woman he’s been looking for his entire life.”
“Have you run a credit check on him?” Alex asked.
“Alex!” all three women shouted.
Shrugging, Alex said, “I’m a banker, so shoot me. I’d run a criminal check on him too. Sorry, Hope, but what’s the damn rush?”
Suzy patted Hope’s arm. “Don’t listen to our banker friend. She dates a cop and is overly cautious.” Suzy turned toward Alex and said more sternly than she likely meant, “Not everyone is out to get someone. I think your boyfriend is making you jaded.”
Alex shrugged. “Maybe so, or maybe he’s right.”
Hope’s voice wavered. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“We are. Congratulations.” Suzy and Cheri both said.
Cheri admired Hope’s ring. “It’s stunning. I’m thrilled for you.”
“You’re the first to know.”
Hope plucked her cell out of her bag. “We started a romantic tradition by celebrating with milkshakes.” She showed them several selfies. “Isn’t he adorable?”
“He’s handsome,” Suzy said.
“It’s too soon.” Alex crossed her arms. “You’ve only been dating for what? A month? Who exactly is this guy? I met him for all of two minutes at Cole’s party. We need to vet him.”
Suzy shot Alex a look. “Hope has a good head on her shoulders. She knows if it’s right.” She reached across the table and squeezed Hope’s hand. “This is exciting. I’m glad Ken was finally brave enough to babysit for a couple of hours.” She winced. “Hopefully, the twins are down for the night. He’ll freak out if they both wake up.”
“I’m thrilled for you,” Cheri said, as she waved to get the server’s attention. “Champagne all around, Gus. We’re celebrating. It’s on me.”
After the bubbly was delivered, they clanked glasses and toasted Hope’s new engagement.
“Here’s to you and Tucker,” Suzy said.
“Here’s to many years of wedded bliss,” Cheri added.
Alex took a few sips of champagne, appeared to relax over the shock, and held her flute in the air. “Here’s to your happiness, Hope. I’m sorry about what I said earlier. I’m happy for you. I really am. I’m glad someone has luck in the love department. I’m sure Tucker’s a fine man.”
Hope reached for Alex’s hand. “No need to apologize. I know you’re worried about me. This has been a fast courtship. We’ve gone out on many dates each weekend he’s home and have had several long, involved discussions. I’ve never felt this way about a man before.”
Jumping off her barstool, Alex hugged Hope. “I can be such a hag. Ignore my miserable comments. I-I guess I’m a tiny bit jealous.”
“Of me? That’s a first.” Hope squeezed her girlfriend in a tight embrace and said, “I wish Gage hadn’t gotten engaged.”
“You and me both.” Alex threw her shoulders back. “This is about you, not me. I should be the one buying since I was such a bitch earlier. I’ll buy your dinner since I was a miserable jerk.”
Hope winked as she picked up the menu. “What’s the most expensive thing on here?”
Cheri chimed in. “Cole and I really like Tucker. He’s a nice guy.”
“Thanks,” Hope said. “Your party was really fun, by the way. I love Cole’s farm.”
Alex rolled her eyes. “You girls had better not all move to the country. Suzy has already abandoned me with the babies.”
“Hey, I’m here, aren’t I?” Suzy said.
Alex crossed her legs. “I’m being selfish. Tell us about Tucker.”
Hope stared at her ring. “Tucker’s my first real boyfriend, as you know. I was afraid I’d jinx it if I told anyone we were getting serious.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I knew right away he was the one. The way he held me on the dance floor in Nashville. The way he stared into my eyes.” Her chin wobbled. “I never dreamed he’d feel the same way because my life-”
“Geeze. Okay, okay.” Alex held her hands up. “This is beginning to sound like a country song.”
“Tell us about the proposal,” Cheri said.
Hope regaled them with the proposal at the park but decided to leave out the shock about Tucker’s unknown daughter. Alex might have a heart attack if I mentioned that today.
Cheri peered over her menu. “When will the wedding be?”
Hope said, “Let’s order first,” as Alex and Suzy exchanged glances.
Chapter 55
Hope perused the menu, knowing her friends would think she and Tucker were rushing the ceremony.
Alex leaned forward. “You didn’t answer the question about the date. When will this wedding happen?”
“This fall,” Hope said.
“This fall?” Alex’s mouth fell open. “Are you pregnant?”
Hope felt heat creep up her neck and was glad no one could see the pink blush in the dim bar. No one knows I’m a virgin. She decided on a simple, “No, I’m not pregnant.”
Without skipping a beat, Cheri asked, “Have you decided where?”
“We both want a barn wedding. Tucker loves old barns and so do I. We love the history, plus his late grandfather was a farmer. It’ll be meaningful to both of us.”
Cheri perked up. “Cole has a barn. It needs to be cleaned out, but I’m sure he’d let you use it.”
“If he says yes, that will be a huge help. We’d happily pay him for the use of his barn.”
Already texting, Cheri said, “I’m sure he won’t mind and I’m positive he wouldn’t want any money from you.”
“That would be amazing. I wondered if we’d have to transform Coconuts into a barn and was coming up empty aside from adding hay bales and a horse stall in the parking lot.” Hope giggled.
Cheri held her phone in the air. “Cole said he’d be honored if you had your wedding at Soggy Bottoms.”
Hope clapped her hands together. “That’s beyond generous. Please tell him thank you. I can’t wait to tell Tucker.”
Gus reappeared and took their orders for crab cakes, sweet potato fries with horseradish, roasted brussels sprouts, and mixed green salads with berries and nuts. “Hungry, I see. Be right back, ladies.”
Hope turned toward Suzy. “I’m terrible with planning themed weddings. Suzy, I know you’re busy with the twins, but will you help coordinate it?”
Nodding, Suzy said, “Of course. Chaos is my middle name. I’m already taking mental notes but only if Cheri and Alex will help. They should be involved too.”
“Like I know anything about wed—” Alex stopped her train of thought when Suzy glared at her. She relented. “Sure, I’ll help. How about if I show up early to help decorate?”
“You? Early?” Suzy and Cheri roared as Gus delivered heaping platters of food.
“Yeah, yeah. I think I can manage to be early for the wedding of one of my best friends.”
As they ate, Cheri asked, “What colors are you using?”
Hope exhaled. “See? I hadn’t even thought about colors. I don’t know. Um, Tucker loves red and so do I. He always has a red bandana in his overalls.”
“There you go,” Cheri said. “We can have red and white bandana napkins with white linen tablecloths.”
“Really? That would be perfect,” Hope scooped a forkful of crab cake.
“You should wear cowboy boots since it’ll be in a barn,” Alex said. “Red ones would be cute.”
“You guys are so good at this.” Hope’s eyes glistened. “I knew you’d help me.”
Suzy mentioned she and Cheri would work on a menu and said she had plenty of white lights from previous weddings they could string inside the barn.
Hope glowed. “I can almost see it in my mind now.”
“Do you have a dress?” Alex asked.
At the same moment, Cheri said, “Do you have a minister?”
“No and no,” Hope answered.
Alex picked at a pecan in her salad. “Maybe we should go wedding dress shopping.”
“Tucker wants to go with me,” Hope said.
“That’s bad luck,” the women said in unison.
Hope shook her head. “We don’t believe in that, but if it makes you feel better, I’ll only let him help me narrow it down to five dresses. I won’t let him see which one I pick.”
“I still think having girlfriends there would be much more fun, but whatever,” Alex said.
“It’s Hope’s wedding,” Suzy added.
Cheri held a finger in the air. “I just remembered Sawyer’s dad is a preacher. I’m not sure what denomination. Want me to ask Cole to get his info?”
“That would be great.” Hope wiped her mouth, set her napkin in her lap, and reached for her friend
s’ hands. “You’re the best. I love you. Thank you for your support.” She laughed. “Well, except for Alex.”
Nodding, Alex said, “I deserve that.” She squeezed Hope’s hand. “He’s a lucky man. Let me get a good look at that gorgeous diamond.”
Chapter 56
Excited about Hope’s upcoming nuptials, Suzy researched barn weddings on her laptop. She poured a second cup of coffee, enjoying quiet time while the twins napped.
Sitting at the breakfast table, she stared at wedding photos when her business line rang. She had barely gotten “Weddings by Suzanne” out when Ken stepped into the room with a red-faced, screaming Maggie.
The bride hesitated, stumbled, and paused as Maggie’s screeches reached window-shattering strength. Quickly making an excuse that she’d call back another time, the young woman hung up.
Suzy sighed. “I’m sure I lost another potential client but these babies are worth it.” She reached for Maggie and kissed both cheeks. “Is someone hungry?” As Suzy moved to the couch to nurse, she noticed Ken’s drawn face. “What’s wrong, hon?”
He plucked his phone out of his pocket and tossed it on the counter. “Is it too early for a scotch?”
Suzy chuckled. “Just a little. What happened?”
Ken leaned against the kitchen cabinet and crossed his arms. “I just got off the phone with Destiny. Seems she’s finding out how expensive it is to raise a child.” He paused. “She wants more child support.”
Suzy’s eyebrows shot up. “How much more? We’re on a tight budget since I’m not working, plus the twins’ expenses.”
Pacing between the kitchen and living room, Ken said, “She wants another three hundred dollars a month, plus two hundred dollars of alimony.”
“Alimony? You’ve been divorced for years. That’s absurd.”
He threw up his hands. “I know. She’s always been reasonable and low-key. Destiny doesn’t have a demanding bone in her body. I have a feeling this is coming from her boy toy, Brody. I hope to God he isn’t living with them.”