A Wedding in December
“You really have no experience with men, do you, Karen?”
She grinned. “You’re going to have to guess my phone number. Ten digits.”
“I don’t need your phone number. I have you in person.”
She leaned her head against his chest. She’d never said I love you to a man, but if she did ever say those words she imagined it would be to someone like him. “I’ve had so many options running through my head, but staying here wasn’t one of them.”
“And?”
“Can I think about it? Not because I don’t want to do it, but because I have to think about everything. It’s who I am.”
“I know.”
“A cabin in the forest sounds wonderful. Especially as it comes with room service.”
He kissed her again. “That room service is the best you’ll get anywhere.”
“I believe you.” She hugged him. “Can we talk about this later? There are things I need to do now.”
“Like break up a wedding?”
She smiled. “I was thinking more of making this wedding the best it can possibly be.”
Rosie
Rosie stood in the pretty anteroom with her family. She felt as if a flock of butterflies were playing volleyball in her stomach.
They could hear the sounds of the string quartet wafting through from the main room, along with the low hum of conversation.
Everyone was waiting for her.
“Do I look okay?” She touched her hair, which had been cleverly styled to allow a few curling strands to fall over the shoulders of her dress. “My hands are shaking. If I confess I’m nervous, will you all assume I’m changing my mind?”
“Us?” Katie pressed her palm to her chest. “Whatever would make you think that? We’re all rational people here.”
It felt so good to be able to laugh at it. She’d been afraid of a rift, but she knew that she and her sister would always heal any rift. Their relationship was too important not to. “I can’t believe this is happening, after everything.”
“Me neither. I mean, I scared the crap out of the man and he’s still marrying you? It has to be love. But remember, it’s not too late to change your mind.” Katie ducked as Rosie took a swipe at her with her bouquet.
And then they were both laughing and Rosie pulled Katie into a hug. “I’m going to miss you when you go back to London.”
“Er, about that—”
“What?” Rosie stepped back. “You’re thinking of staying here to comfort me if my marriage falls apart by Friday?”
“I’m thinking of staying, yes, but not because of you. I happen to like it here. A lot. It’s pretty, the air is fresh, the pace of life is slower and—”
“And Jordan lives here.” As the answer came to her, Rosie smiled. “You finally agreed to a second date?”
“I’m not sure date is the word I’d use, but yes, I’m planning on staying awhile. I still have a few weeks before I have to be back. I thought I’d spend it here, doing some thinking. Mostly about my career.” Katie slipped her arm through Rosie’s and reached out to their mother who stepped forward and wrapped them both in a hug.
“That sounds like a good decision to me. And if you need to talk it through with myself or your father, or need space—whatever you need, we’re here for you.”
Rosie closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of closeness with her mother and sister.
She was lucky to have this. She knew she was lucky.
Katie sniffed and pulled away. “We’re going to mess up Rosie’s makeup. Also, the groom might have a panic attack.” She smoothed her dress and turned to their father. “How do we look?”