Zach jumped up and pulled another chair to their table. Patton scooted his chair closer to her, his warmth all too inviting.
“Patton, Cady, this is Carolina Vincent. She’s the event coordinator for the gardens.” Bianca acted as though this explained everything.
Once Cady adjusted to Patton’s proximity, she saw the look of excitement on Bianca’s face. Apprehension settled hard and heavy in Cady’s stomach. She glanced at Patton, who was frowning more sternly now.
“It’s very nice to meet you.” Carolina’s blue eyes lingered on Patton. Cady stiffened, knowing exactly what that look meant. Carolina liked what she saw.
“Now that you’re here,” Zach said, “Bianca and I were hoping you’d be willing to order something different. That way we can decide what we want to serve for dinner at the reception.”
“But—” Cady almost dropped her menu. “Reception?”
“As in wedding reception?” Patton clarified.
“Yes. I’m thrilled that the couple have chosen the gardens for their special day.” Carolina placed a pale leather portfolio on the table. “We have a few details to review, but I feel confident that we can get everything done on time.”
“On time?” Cady asked.
Carolina’s smile was tight. “We had a last-minute cancellation—”
“Bianca loves it here so we took it.” Zach’s adoring look at her best friend was equally precious and nausea-inspiring. “We’ll have the wedding and the reception here.”
“When?” She forced the word out, knowing both Zach and Bianca were watching them and both she and Patton weren’t exactly joyous over their news.
“Saturday, April 23,” Carolina singsonged. “Spring weddings are lovely at the gardens—with so much blooming, the butterflies and birds. A perfectly romantic setting...”
Cady knew Carolina was still talking, but she didn’t hear a word. Six weeks? She stared blindly around the table. Somehow her gaze got tangled up with Patton’s. He cocked an eyebrow at her, sighing deeply. Cady couldn’t stop her grin. He looked as thrilled as she felt.
“We know there’s a lot to do and a short time to get it done, but we couldn’t be happier.” Zach’s voice was low, the slight edge hard to miss.
“Wow,” Cady murmured, trying to pull herself together. “It’s just...it’s such a surprise. A...good surprise.” She tried to sound excited. She did try.
“But six weeks?” Patton didn’t try. “When is the next opening?”
“Two years,” Zach sighed. “We don’t want to wait. We’ve found each other. We want our future together to start. Now.”
Cady looked at Bianca. Then Zach. They found each other? Fine. Great. Why marriage? Why couldn’t they be like normal people and shack up until they realized how ill suited they actually were for each other?
“Two years is a reasonable amount of time to be engaged,” Patton’s voice was gruff.
“Oh, well,” Carolina glanced at Bianca then Zach. “Of course. We can—”
“I’m not waiting two years, Patton. And, honestly, it pisses me off that you’re being a jerk about this. Bianca insisted on this dinner so we could ask the two of you to be best man and maid of honor.” He paused, taking Bianca’s hand in his. “We knew there was going to be some...reactions to how quickly things are moving, but we were counting on your support.”
Bianca’s sniff drew all eyes on her. Cady’s heart melted. She hated seeing Bianca cry. Especially when she was the cause of it. But she didn’t know how to pretend. It wasn’t in her nature.
“Hey, Bibi,” Cady finally spoke up. “No tears, okay. You caught us off guard... You know how I feel about marriage, so this is...” Her voice quavered. “Well, you know. I want you to be happy, you know that. And if this makes you happy, then I’ll try.” She said the words, ignoring her internal scream of protest. She wasn’t okay with this. But what the hell could she do about it?
Bianca nodded, accepting the kiss Cady pressed to her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Good, so we’ll move forward with the April date,” Carolina nodded. “So you have four choices for the meal...”
Once again, Cady tuned out. Right now, she needed to get a grip. While she did her best to maintain a calm exterior, her insides were in turmoil. She was frustrated—overwhelmed. If she was a crier, this would be the time to open the floodgates. But she didn’t cry. Instead she’d have to find another way to process her emotional meltdown. She reached for her drink, bringing the glass to her lips before she realized it was empty. She stared into the empty glass then set it on the table. If there was ever a time she needed a drink, it was now. When she looked up, Patton was watching her.
The heat in his eyes washed over her, unleashing a sudden wave of longing so intense she shivered. He shifted in his seat, pressing his thigh against hers and making her throb. Sex was a great way to work out tension. Amazing sex with Patton. Hot, hard, fast sex—
“What do you think, Cady? Do you like Carolina’s idea?” Bianca asked her. “I guess I should ask if the date works for you?”
Cady cleared her throat and looked at her best friend. Bianca’s large hazel eyes were waiting, almost desperately, for Cady’s answer. “Bibi, you know I’ll make it work. Whatever you decide, I’ll be there.” She smiled. “As far as Carolina’s plans go, she’s the professional. I wouldn’t know where to start with this whole...wedding thing.”