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“I haven’t heard from Haven today, which isn’t like her.” Darcy set the photo back on the dresser and picked up another one. “Your grandparents?”
He nodded. “That was also taken at their house.”
“They look nice.”
He grinned. “They usually were—unless Shauna and I were getting into mischief.”
Darcy laughed as she examined photos from Shauna’s wedding and a few more of his mother.
When she set the last photo down, Carter stood, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Well, I’ve been trying to invite myself to your birthday party for over a week,” she joked.
The sound of a car pulling into the driveway drew their attention to the window. Carter peeked out to see Haven and Derek climbing out of his late-model blue Jeep Wrangler.
Taking her hand, Carter led Darcy down the stairs to the front door just as Haven and Derek stepped onto the porch.
“Happy birthday, Carter,” Haven sang out. Then she held up her left hand. “We have news.” A huge diamond sparkled on her ring finger.
Darcy gasped and grasped her hand. “Haven! It’s gorgeous!”
Derek shook Carter’s hand. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks and congratulations to you.”
Darcy hugged Haven. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” Haven said. “I thought it was strange when Derek said we should go to breakfast this morning. After we ate, we drove to the UNCC campus and he asked me to go for a walk, which was even stranger. He took me to the very spot where he’d asked me out on our first date to propose.” She took Darcy’s hands in hers. “Will you be my maid of honor, Darce?”
Looping her arm around Haven’s neck, Darcy led her into the house. “Of course I will. I can’t wait to get started on your wedding plans.”
Derek patted Carter’s shoulder and handed him a card. “This is for you.”
“Thanks,” Carter said. “I was wondering when you would give her that ring.”
“I finally came up with the perfect plan, but I had to find the courage first.” He grinned. “I’m just glad she said yes.”
Carter chortled and shook his head. “You knew she would.” As they walked into the house together, he wondered if he’d have his own chance to plan a proposal, a wedding, and a future.
***
Later that afternoon Darcy sat on the deck with Haven, Shauna, and Glenda. She smiled across the small yard toward where Carter stood inside the detached garage with Derek, Gage, Ernie, and a few neighbors. They had eaten delicious grilled chicken along with the food Darcy had brought. Now she felt herself unwinding as she spent time with friends new and old.
“That ring is something.” Glenda examined the huge diamond on Haven’s finger.
Shauna took a sip of iced tea. “I agree. Were you surprised?”
“Yes.” Haven’s smile was as bright as the June afternoon sun. “He was acting nervous all day, and I kept asking him what was wrong. Then he got down on one knee.” She sniffed. “I thought it would be another year or so before he’d be ready.”
Darcy touched Haven’s shoulder. “I think it’s wonderful.”
Haven had a strange look on her face as she stood. “Darce, how about we go inside and get your brownies?” She tilted her head oddly, as if trying to signal something to her friend.
“Sure.” Darcy followed Haven into the house and to the kitchen. “What’s up?”
Haven’s expression became serious. “Darcy, I want to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me.”
Darcy was taken aback. “Of course.”
