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“Yeah. I’m fine.”
He lifted a light-brown eyebrow.
“I promise I am.”
He helped himself to a macadamia nut cookie. “These look good.”
“They’re all good,” Darcy said. “I picked them up at a local bakery.”
Carter took a bite and made a noise of approval.
When Darcy felt someone watching her, she peeked over at Haven, who had a smug look on her face. “Would you help me carry some of the empty platters inside?”
“Sure.” Darcy pushed back her chair and followed her friend up the deck steps.
They gathered up the empty platters and bowls and carried them into the kitchen. Haven quickly closed the sliding glass door behind them.
“All right, Darcy.” Haven stopped at the counter. “Spill it.”
Darcy leaned against the sink and turned on the water. “What do you mean?”
“Please, Darce. You know exactly what I mean. You and Carter were sitting down by the pond for quite a while.”
Darcy set the bowls and platters into the sink while she considered how much to share. “We had a nice talk.”
“And?”
“And I like him a lot.”
“Yay! You were right when you said you could find your own date. You found yourself a boyfriend all on your own.”
“Whoa.” Darcy turned to her and held up her hand. “He’s not my boyfriend.”
“But he will be...,” Haven sang while opening the dishwasher.
Darcy shook her head and wiped off the platters before handing them to Haven. “I like him a lot, but I’m nervous.”
“What is there to be nervous about? It’s obvious he likes you a lot too. He’s handsome, and he seems funny and sweet. A total catch.”
“He is...” Her mouth turned dry as familiar grief seeped through her. Jace. Here she was thinking about moving on when he’d sacrificed everything for her. It seemed too soon, too fast.
The sliding glass door opened with a whoosh, and Carter appeared in the kitchen holding a large pan, tongs, and a spatula. “Where can I put these?”
“I’ll take them.” Darcy reached for them. “Thanks.”
“There are still a few plates out there, plus some leftover cups and cutlery. I’ll bring them in.”
“You don’t need to clean up, Carter,” Haven said. “We got it.”
“I don’t mind.” He went back outside.
Haven placed her hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “I think he’s perfect.”
“Stop it,” Darcy hissed, but deep down, she agreed. Carter did seem perfect. Was he too good to be true?
For the next several minutes, Darcy, Haven, and Carter cleaned together in the kitchen. Guests came through waving their goodbyes, then headed out into the night. Soon only Derek, Carter, Haven, and Darcy were left in the house.
“Thank you for all your help,” Darcy told Carter when they were done.
