He nodded. “I get it.”
How could he? He didn’t know her. Zoe fastened her seat belt. “I have to get home. It’s late.”
He gave a slight smile. His eyes softened. “Drive carefully.”
“Thanks.” Zoe let up her window, ignoring his toned arms and broad chest in his sleeveless fitted t-shirt. She backed out of the driveway. Did he stand in the driveway until she left? Zoe didn’t look back, but the engine hummed in her ears as she drove home.
***
Zoe made a steeple with her fingers and pressed them to her lips. She admired the dress Bailey tried on at the bridal shop. Sheer cap sleeves, a rounded neckline top, and eyelash lace over matching lining. Her future sister-in-law glowed, and the flounce bodice and banded waist above the midi skirt complimented Bailey’s petite frame.
“I love it,” Bailey’s mother, Helen Cummings said. She rose from her padded chair and hugged her daughter.
Bailey then turned and faced the floor-length mirror. “I’m not sure.”
“What about this one?” Mia, her cousin said, as she held another option in her hand.
Zoe crossed her legs as she watched the women assist Bailey’s choice for a wedding dress. A date hadn’t been set according to her brother, but the couple was in pre-marital counseling with Pastor Bellamy. Last she heard, Bailey clarified that she didn’t want to set a date until they felt prepared from the counseling. No harm in trying on dresses though.
“You could at least let us plan a bridal shower,” Kenya, Bailey’s other cousin said.
Bailey shook her head. “I don’t see the point of one. I don’t care about all this stuff. I’m thinking more about my marriage than having all these mini celebrations and a big wedding.”
Mia nodded. “I agree. The wedding is only what... thirty minutes. After that, the actual work begins.”
Bailey’s mother patted her daughter’s shoulders. “This is about you and Jackson. I know we have our suggestions, but you both need to decide for yourselves. You’re going to be family now.”
Zoe nodded at Mrs. Cummings’ advice. A team. Perhaps she would have that one day. Was it possible after her checkered past?
“I still can’t believe you don’t want a wedding,” Mia said.
“That surprised me too.” Zoe added. The ladies looked at her. “It’s just... unusual.”
Bailey smiled. “Honestly, I’ve never cared about it. I was never the girl who drew her wedding dress or had her colors picked out by the time she was in high school. I wanted real love.”
Noelle, Bailey’s best friend, gave her a side hug. “And you found it. I’m so excited for you.”
“Me too,” Kenya said. “Even if I don’t get your reasons. As long as you and Jackson agree, that’s all that matters.”
“It works out easier for us too. With the tour extended and us recording, the courthouse is the best choice.”
“Save some money.” Mia folded her arms across her chest. The group looked at her. “All I’m saying is that it’s the best choice than going into debt for one day.”
Kenya raised an eyebrow. “Says the woman who had a destination wedding in the Caribbean.”
Mia tilted her head to the side. “My point exactly. Carter and I could have saved that money for a down payment on a house.”
Kenya laughed. “Shawn said he could have used it to pay off his student loans.”
The ladies laughed. Zoe covered her mouth, but her giggles persisted.
“How are you enjoying Bridge Point so far,” Mrs. Cummings asked her.
Zoe smiled. “I like it here. We lived here when I was smaller. Jackson remembers more than I do, but it’s great being back.”
“How’s school going?” Noelle asked.
“Classes start soon. I’m glad I have a job that’s flexible,” Zoe said.