Mystic Park (Finding Home 4)

“I can’t get together Tuesday night.” Vaughn rose with her. “I have other plans. Why don’t we meet Wednesday?”

Other plans? Did he have a date with Olivia Stark? Benita fisted her hands even as she forced a casual shrug. “If you think it can wait that long.”

“It’ll have to.” Vaughn’s direct gaze sent her a message: We’re not together anymore.

Her smile conveyed her response: We’re not done yet.

Doreen’s shoulder muscles relaxed a little bit more as she completed another item from her wedding planning tasks, the invitation list. However, seated beside her on the sofa, Alonzo seemed even more uptight.

Was he regretting his proposal?

“You’re inviting Nessa to your wedding?” Benita’s question didn’t make sense at first.

Doreen looked at Benita who sat on a nearby matching armchair. It was Tuesday evening. Benita had requested this meeting with Doreen and Alonzo in Doreen’s home to review the status of their wedding plans. They only had nine weeks left.

“Don’t look at me.” Alonzo lifted his hands in surrender.

Benita held Doreen’s gaze. “Aunt Helen said, as council president, Nessa’s been giving you a hard time.”

“I’m not inviting her as council president.” Doreen shrugged. “I’m inviting her as a neighbor.”

“Is that a good idea?” Benita looked dubious. “Nessa hasn’t been very neighborly toward you for the past almost year-and-a-half, ever since you launched your mayoral campaign.”

“That’s what I told her.” Alonzo rested his arm on the back of the sofa behind Doreen’s head.

She looked at her fiancé. His coffee-colored eyes ensnared her. How could he look at me with such warmth and admiration if he was having second thoughts about our wedding? “And as I told you, I can’t invite everyone on the council except her.”

“Then don’t invite anyone on the council.” Alonzo shrugged. “They aren’t your friends.”

Doreen shook her head even as Alonzo spoke. “I wouldn’t feel right excluding them.”

Benita lifted her hand. “Are you sure you’re comfortable with your decision?”

“Yes, I am.” Doreen nodded.

Alonzo grunted. “Then I hope she has the decency to decline the invitation.”

So do I. Doreen looked to Benita. “The invitations look great. Between the three of us, we could have them addressed and in the mail tomorrow.”

“Make that the four of us.” Benita struggled with a grin. “Aunt Helen wants to help.”

Doreen chuckled. “The more the merrier.”

“We appreciate the help,” Alonzo agreed.

They discussed their menu and upcoming meeting with the caterer, the rehearsal dinner schedule, and the music selection for their reception.

Doreen shook her head in amazement. “Benita, I can’t believe how much you’ve accomplished so quickly.”

“It’s been fun.” Benita closed the wedding planner notebook, then stood, gathering her belongings.

Doreen rose as well. “We can’t thank you enough.”

“You’ve done so much to help us.” Alonzo stood.

Together, Doreen and Alonzo escorted Benita to the front door, then wished her a good evening.

Doreen watched Alonzo secure the locks on the door. “She’s been amazing.”