She’d been thinking about this date all week, and the closer it got, the tighter her stomach got. Sara barely ate anything last night. Food was enemy number one—a rare occurrence.
Sara checked the text messages on her phone. She got one from Bren earlier in the day with her typical emojis. A broken arm, a smiley face with a bandage on its head, and a hand waving emphatically. It gave Sara a good chuckle.
The crunch of tires on gravel drew her attention to the driveway. She moved away from the window, grabbed her coat and purse, and hurried outside. She was locking the door when Terry joined her.
Sara took a moment to enjoy the view of her in shiny black boots, tight jeans, yellow Oxford button-down shirt tucked into her pants, and a belt buckle that held a tiny gold nugget in the center of it. She wore her leather jacket, and the dashing image left Sara weak in the knees. She accepted the welcoming hug and inhaled the familiar leather scent.
“Hello there,” Sara said.
“Hey.” Terry kissed her on the cheek. “I guess you’re ready?”
“You guessed right.” Sara put her keys in her purse and let Terry lead her to the truck. Terry helped her get in, closed the door behind her, and jogged around to the driver’s side.
Once on the way, Terry said, “Would it be weird if I told you I’m nervous right now? That this is the hundredth outfit I put on?”
Sara laughed softly. “I somehow can’t imagine you owning that many articles of clothing.”
“I don’t. But if you mix and match you can come pretty close.”
“There’s that.” Sara fiddled with the strap on her purse. She considered her own outfit, a pale, strapless, yellow cotton dress with a “V” neck she noted Terry kept staring at. Her matching yellow pumps weren’t particularly comfortable but looked great with the dress. It was the tenth outfit she’d put on. “For the record, I’m nervous, too. I mean, it’s not like we never went out together before. Right?”
“But that was before. It’s sort of like starting all over.”
Sara let her hand rest on Terry’s thigh and felt her muscles move under her touch. “Only it’s not. We know each other, Terry. You got scared and couldn’t tell me about William’s custody claims—that’s firmly in the past. You more than proved yourself by staying by my side while Bren was in hospital. You dropped everything to be there for me, and I can’t tell you how much that meant to me.”
“I would have been there even if we hadn’t made up.” Terry glanced briefly at her. “I’ve had such a hard time staying away. It was tearing me apart. Every instinct I had told me to talk to you. To salvage something of our relationship. Even if I thought you hated me, I would have been at the hospital.”
“I could never hate you.” She gave Terry’s thigh a little squeeze. “I never did, by the way. Hate you that is. Mad, sure, but never hate.”
“You had every right to it, you know.”
Sara shrugged. “Hate is pretty damn strong, and I don’t know anyone I could say I truly hate.”
“Not even Angel?”
“Not even Angel.”
“Wow.” Terry covered Sara’s hand with her own and let go only to park the truck at Chez Olivier. “You’re one of a kind, Sara Hyatt.”
“As long as you think so, I’m good with it.” Sara leaned across the bench seat and kissed Terry firmly on the lips. “Shall we eat? I think I might actually be hungry now.”
“Me, too, just not for food.”
Sara smiled coyly at the comment and waited for Terry to open her door. It seemed Terry was in the mood to be gallant, and who was Sara to say no? She accepted Terry’s hand, and they strode into the building.
They were right on time for their reservation, and the maître d’ led them to an intimate table for two in a far corner. The lighting was low but not so much Sara couldn’t clearly see her date. Terry removed her coat and hung it on the stand beside the table. Terry’s hand brushed her bare shoulder, sending tiny shivers down Sara’s spine. The look in Terry’s eyes was enough for Sara’s stomach to flip-flop, and she wondered about her decision to eat.
Once seated, Sara ordered the wine. She hoped the alcohol would calm her down. Her hands were shaking, and she smiled a little when Terry took hold of one of them.
“Hey, you’re really cold. Want your coat back?”
“No. I’m still nervous, I guess. I thought I was ready to eat, but my stomach has other ideas. It’s just so weird.”
Terry brushed her lips over Sara’s knuckles. “How can I make it unweird?”
“I don’t know.” Sara took a sip of her wine.
Terry lifted her gaze and captured Sara’s eyes in a way that made Sara all giddy inside. It didn’t help Sara’s nerves one bit. Terry said, “There’s something I’ve been wanting to say to you, and I guess now is as good a time as any.”
Sara opened her mouth to comment, but the server showed up and asked for their food order. They both rattled off what they wanted to eat, Sara uncharacteristically going for a salad. Their gazes never left each other, and when the server was gone, Terry gave her a wry smile.
“Where was I?”
“You have something to say,” Sara reminded her, though she was sure Terry was only stalling.
“Oh, yeah. I want you to listen carefully because this is incredibly important. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“I love you.”
Sara’s face broke into a grin. “That’s it?” she asked with a laugh.
“Um, yes.” Terry’s smile lit up her face. “Should there be more?”
“I don’t know. Your lead-up sounded like some kind of story was about to come out of your mouth. Like it might be something I wouldn’t like or something I couldn’t handle.”
“Those are three powerful words. They can be hard to handle for some people.”
“Good thing I’m not some people.” Sara moved so their chairs were nearly touching and brought her hand up to caress Terry’s face. “I’m pretty good with this stuff, actually. Even if my nerves get the best of me once in a while.”
“Define pretty good.”
“I love you, too,” she said, pleased the words came out so easily.
“That’s awesome. I didn’t know that was even possible.”
“It’s more than possible,” Sara said against Terry’s lips. She took her lower lip between her teeth and gently nibbled. “There’s so much possible, I can hardly list all of it.”
“Don’t. Let’s leave it as a surprise.” Terry returned her kisses, her hand resting on Sara’s waist. “I think it’s going to be fun uncovering them. Don’t you?”
“I do. But let’s go a little slower this time. Take our time with it.” Sara watched the desire play across Terry’s face. “We already know we’re good in bed. Let’s find out if we’re good in all the other, more important places.”
“Like being a family?”
“For instance.”
Terry nodded but didn’t move away from Sara. Instead she leaned in again for another kiss. “I think you should maybe spend more time with Felicia and my mom. I’d like you to get to know them. Though I think Felicia already has you on her list of friends.”
“She’s got a list?”
“Oh yes. She keeps it in her diary. She moves people around on the list to show who’s more important to her. For example, she struck Bryce Preston off the list completely.” Terry shook her head with a laugh. “I did have to ask her to put his name back up there. I want her to try to be friendly with him. It’s the only way he’ll learn she’s not different from the other kids.”
“I see why you’re such a good mom. You really think this stuff through.”
“I try. Felicia can be a challenge sometimes, but it’s okay. I don’t mind.” Terry took her phone out of her pocket and set it on the table between them. “What do you think about coming over more often and getting to know my kid?”
“I could start by spending
some time on the weekend at your house, if that’s okay.”
“You do have a standing invitation for Sunday,” Terry said.
“Sunday it is. Maybe one of these times I’ll bring my mom for tea. I don’t think Dad would be so into it, so we can make arrangements for him to meet your mom and Felicia some other time.”
“We’re doing this then? Bringing our families together while we work on our relationship?”
“Totally. There’s nothing more important to me right now. I want to be with you, Terry. Always. I love you. And if we’re going to be together, we have to do it right. Get to know each other through our families. By hanging out, talking to each other—those sorts of things.”
“Done.” She kissed Sara. “I love you, too. And I have one last thing to ask you.”
“Yes.”
“Yes? You don’t know my question.” Terry laughed.
“Doesn’t matter. That’s my answer.”
“Cool. You’ll make an awesome date to Liv and Grace’s wedding.”
“Well, hell. I was going to ask you to be my date.”
“Then I’ll take the yes, and we’ll make plans for it.”
The server showed up with their food, and Sara eyed the salad for a few seconds, before getting his attention. “Um, can I have the steak, too?” She grinned at Terry. “I think my appetite is back.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Stand still,” Sara admonished Liv for the tenth time. She was trying to fix her bowtie, but Liv wouldn’t stop fidgeting. “I’m going to tie this around your neck like a noose if you don’t quit.”
“Why did I agree to a tie? I hate these things.”
“Because it goes with your tux.” Sara finally got it done and took a step back to admire her best friend. She was dressed in white tuxedo slacks, vest, and cummerbund. The vest had silky designs on it that reflected bits of light. Liv’s hair was just as unruly as ever, but that was Liv, and she looked handsome. Sara felt a well of emotion again, just as she had when she helped Liv try the outfit on the first time.
“Gracie is one lucky woman,” she said.
“You have that backwards.” Liv caught her gaze in the mirror. “But for once, I’ll take the compliment. You sure this looks good?”
“You look good in work overalls, Livvy. Gracie is going to grow all weak in the knees when she sees you. You’re such a beautiful pair, and I’m so damn proud of you right now. I never thought you’d get to this place—where you found a woman who could hold onto you. It’s amazing.”
“It is.” Liv stepped away from the mirror and let her gaze rest on Sara. “You’ll get here, too. I’m sure of it.”
“Maybe, in a few years. Right now I’m happy with the way things are going with Terry.” Her outfit matched Liv’s, and as she stood beside her and gazed into the mirror, Sara thought they made a nice pair. She adjusted her cummerbund. The stupid thing didn’t want to stay around her slim waist. “I also want you to know how honored I am to stand up for you today.” She put a hand in her pocket and let it rest on the plain, gold bands lying there. “You know I love you, right?”
“Of course I do. You’re the best friend I have in this world.” Liv gave her a quick hug. “And I love you right back. Now stop being sappy or you’re going to make me cry.”
“We wouldn’t want that.”
“Hell, no. There’s no butch crying at weddings.”
Sara rolled her eyes. “Bullshit.”
Liv’s mom came in at that moment. She was lovely in her pink dress and white wrist corsage. Her curly hair, much like Liv’s, was pulled back into a simple twist with a few curls draping the sides of her face. Her eyes were darker than Liv’s, and when she took in the sight of her, she started to cry.
“Mom…”
Jeanette Templeton held a hand over her mouth to stifle a sob. “I’m sorry. I never expected—I—you’re beautiful.”
The blush was adorable as it spread across Liv’s face. Sara put a hand on Liv’s shoulder. “See. I’m not the only one.”
“You two are biased,” Liv groused, though her smile said otherwise.
“I’m your mother. I’m allowed,” Jeanette said. “I came to let you know we’re about to go. Your dad’s waiting to walk you to the altar. Are you ready?”
Liv was shaking, and Sara gave her a one-armed hug. “I’m going on ahead. See you in a few minutes. Remember to breathe.”
****
Just breathe, Liv repeated to herself. She had one hand tucked into her dad’s arm as they made their way to the altar of the church. She smiled and nodded to people as they went but couldn’t remember a single face or name. It was all a big blur, and it took everything she had not to pass out.
She’d never been such a bundle of nerves in her life. When they got to the altar, her dad paused. “I got you a little something, you know, for the something old you’re supposed to have.”
“I thought that was my underwear,” she said, smiling up at him.
Jonas Templeton took her hand in his much larger one and placed a piece of gold jewelry in it. “This was my mother’s favorite locket. It has a picture in it of her and my dad. I decided a long time ago I’d give it to you on your wedding day. Your real wedding day. I’m proud of you, honey.” He kissed her on the cheek and moved to his seat in the front row, beside her mother.
Liv’s throat constricted. Her grandparents died before she was born, but she knew everything about them from her dad. To have something so precious to him—the thought threatened more tears to come. She felt Sara’s comforting hand on her back.
“Um, I think you might want to look toward the entrance of the church,” Sara whispered.
Liv tucked the cherished keepsake into her pants pocket as the music began to play. She hadn’t noticed Grace’s sister-in-law, Sherry, already standing at the altar.
All peripheral sounds and sights disappeared the moment she saw Grace coming toward her.
She wore a simple, strapless, white-satin dress with a low neckline. It hugged her figure perfectly, showing off her girly curves. Grace’s sculptured arms were bare, and one of them was hooked into her father’s. Harry wore his US Air Force dress uniform; he was a dashingly handsome man with his beautiful daughter on his arm. The sight of them caused Liv’s heart to swell.
Grace chose not to wear a veil, and Liv was glad because she could see her face and her smile as she drew closer. Grace was obviously nervous, and that had a weird calming effect on Liv. Grace cradled a bouquet of flowers, and the rainbow colors stood out in contrast to her white dress.
Grace’s dad, Hariku Kato, Jr., stopped in front of Liv, and for a moment, she watched him assess her. She was used to it because she understood no one would ever truly be good enough for Grace. Not in his eyes. But he silently gave her hand to Liv and then did the most incredible thing. He smiled and it reached his eyes.
Liv had to consciously close her mouth when he walked away.
Grace chuckled. “He likes you,” she whispered.
“I had no idea,” Liv muttered before they turned as one to face the vicar. She didn’t think it was possible, but her day just got a little bit better. She kept a tight grip on Grace’s hand as the vicar began the ceremony.
****
An hour later, Sara and Terry entered the community center, a few minutes ahead of the happy couple. The place was decorated with all the appropriately white streamers and balloons. Tantalizing aromas issued from a sumptuous buffet ready to be enjoyed. Izzy, their hired DJ, waved from her corner of the room where Bren sat beside her.
Most of the wedding guests were already there and seated, anxiously awaiting Liv and Grace’s arrival. Sara led Terry to the wedding table, waving at a few friends on her way there. “I can’t believe it went so fast. I’ve been to weddings before, but wow. Was the vicar in a hurry? Do you think he had a hot date?”
Terry giggled. “Doubt it. And I don’t believe it went as fast as you think. Seem
ed pretty normal to me as far as weddings go. At least nothing went wrong, and you didn’t drop the rings, like you kept worrying you would.”
“Oh my God. My hands were shaking. I’m super glad I won’t have to do that again. Ever.”
“You don’t want to get married?” Terry asked.
Sara scrutinized Terry, enjoying her in a dark suit with the pale-yellow shirt. Her hair was freshly cut, and Sara ached to run her fingers through it. “I didn’t say that. I don’t think I can do the best person thing again. I do kind of like the idea of getting married someday.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.” She kissed away Terry’s next question. “I love you. Now let’s celebrate my best friend’s wedding.”
“Let’s.” Terry grabbed a confetti popper just as Liv and Grace arrived. Izzy did a fine job of announcing Mrs. and Mrs. Templeton, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
Once the noise died down and Liv and Grace were seated beside Sara, it was time for Sara’s best-person speech. She’d worked on it for weeks, only to realize whatever she wanted to say would have to come to her in the moment. She went with her gut and raised a champagne flute.
“There’s a ton of stuff I could say about these two, most of it not to be repeated in polite company, so I’ll keep it short. Livvy, you’ve been my best friend forever. I’ve seen you go through women like a ski cuts through snow. I never expected you’d stop and find yourself settled with just one. But here we are, and I’m so happy. Gracie, you are the best person I know, and I don’t think anyone could’ve found a better match for Liv. That being said, let us raise our glasses to the brides and toast to their future.”
The crowd lifted their drinks and joined in the toast.
Sara caught Liv’s eyes and winked at her. When she was seated, she said, “Weddings make me sappy.”
“No worries. I loved it.” Liv kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, best person.”
“You’re welcome. Now can we eat? I’m starved.”
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