AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When Haven looked down at the counter, Darcy’s stomach tightened.
After a moment, Haven looked up once again. “How would you feel if I got married the last Saturday in October?” She placed her hand over Darcy’s. “I don’t want to hurt you, and I hope you’ll tell me if it’s too painful for you.”
Darcy felt an ache in her chest. “It’s your wedding, Haven. You need to do what you want.” As she said the words, they stung—but she determined to push that feeling away. She would be happy for her best friend no matter how difficult it was to smile through her grief.
“No, I don’t. I need to think of my best friend and her feelings first.” She studied Darcy’s face. “Is it okay if I have a fall wedding? I don’t want to upset you or make you sad.”
Darcy hugged her. “You are so sweet to think of me, but don’t worry. I promise I’ll be okay no matter what. This will be your day. Make it the wedding of your dreams.”
“You’re truly my best friend on the planet.” Haven gave her one last squeeze and released her. “Let’s get back outside then.” Darcy cut up the brownies while Haven grabbed disposable plates and napkins. Back out on the deck, Haven and Darcy served up the dessert.
“So have you thought about a wedding date yet, Haven?” Glenda asked.
Haven nodded. “The last Saturday in October.”
“That’s only four months away,” Shauna said. “You’ll need to start planning now.”
Haven swallowed a bite of brownie. “We’re going to talk to Derek’s pastor this week since we want to get married here in Flowering Grove, and we want to have the reception at the Flowering Grove Country Club.”
“It’s really nice,” Shauna said. “I’ve been to a couple of bridal showers there.”
“Derek had his high school reunion there, and I went with him. It was lovely,” Haven added. “I talked to my mom this morning, and she’s already in planning mode. She said she’s been waiting for this.” She gazed down at her ring, and her smile faded. “We have so much to do. We’ll need a caterer and a menu, a good DJ, and a cake. Oh! Invitations. I guess the save-the-date postcards would have to go out soon.”
Darcy turned toward the detached garage, where Carter sat on a stool and grinned at Ernie, who appeared to be sharing a story. At the thought of a future with Carter, excitement hurtled through her.
Yet it seemed too soon to daydream about those things. They’d only known each other for two months, and they’d been dating for barely two weeks. It seemed premature to imagine a lifetime with a person she’d known for such a short time. Yet she’d never felt such a deep connection with anyone so quickly—including Jace.
The sound of Shauna pushing her chair back pulled Darcy back to the present.
“These brownies are delicious. I think I’ll grab the cake too,” she said as she stood.
Darcy popped up from her chair. “Would you like some help?”
“Sure.”
As Darcy followed Shauna into the house, she hoped this would be the first of many visits with Carter’s sister.
***
Later that evening, after everyone else had gone home, Darcy rested her head on Carter’s shoulder while they sat on his sister’s porch swing. She drew in the fragrance of freshly cut grass while the cicadas began their usual chorus and lightning bugs showed off their sparkling display.
Carter kissed her head, and she peered up at him and smiled.
“Did you have a nice birthday?” she asked.
He took her hand in his. “No, I had the best birthday in a long time because you were here.” He touched her nose.
She snuggled deeper into his shoulder. “I enjoyed meeting your family.”
“They liked you too.”
“I was surprised you didn’t invite Jovan and the rest of your friends from high school.”
He paused for a moment. “Shauna and I agreed to keep it small this time, but maybe I’ll have them over soon.”
“Okay.”
He was silent for a moment, and the sound of the swing creaking back and forth filled the porch. “Were you surprised by Derek and Haven’s engagement?”
