Page 24 of Found in Wild Sage

It’s that longing. A feeling so fierce it steals my breath even as Ma approaches me.

“I’m so, so happy for you, darling boy,” she says, cupping my cheeks for a beat before hugging the half of me not containing a sleepy cub.

“Thanks. We’ll probably set a court date for Friday if they have time. Maybe we could have Friday dinner be our reception, so to speak.” I say this as I tug a little sweatshirt Evie just handed me over Charlie’s head, wishing I’d done this when I had two hands. She helps, though, and he’s covered and drumming on my chest before I realize my parents are both frozen.

In fact, practically everyone is except Grant, who’s holding Poppy. He catches my eye and shakes his head. “Good luck.”

I hoped he’d be at the ceremony, so does that mean he won’t? I’m sure he’ll expect to talk to me sooner than later, so I doubt it. But good luck with what?

Sam hugs Evie, pats Charlie’s back, and tells me goodnight, then she and Lily slip out behind Grant.

“I didn’t realize it was so soon. That’s… very exciting.” It’s my dad who says this, his face completely transformed from elated to deeply concerned.

Ma is still, but her cheeks are flushed and she hasn’t spoken. I expected something else. I’m not sure what.

“Are you okay, Ma? Are you⁠—”

She blinks over to me and her face transforms. Gone is the dismay? And here to stay is a mask I can’t decipher.

“All’s well. Evie, darling, will you humor me and let me take you to lunch one day this week?”

I am not following what’s happening, but I can’t see anything bad about her taking Evie to lunch. Evie agrees, though she’s been standing here just like I have, so maybe she’ll know how to interpret their reaction.

Charlie whimpers and that’s our signal to go. We say goodbye, again, to everyone with a final wave, then step out into the cool August night.

As soon as we’re driving, Evie speaks up. “I don’t think they’re very happy with this. With me.”

“That’s not it. I’m not certain what their issue is, but it’s not you. I promise you that.” I have a suspicion it’s the timing. I’m sure it feels fast. I hope we can push the “when you know, you know” narrative and they’ll all buy it, especially since we have known each other for well over a year.

“How are you so sure? Your mom…”

She shakes her head, and I wish I could stop the car and reassure her face to face, but I know she’s anxious to get Charlie to bed. He’s exhausted.

“They were so happy to have you there tonight. They already love you both. I know it’s not you.” Of that, I have no doubt.

Convenient, considering I wouldn’t want to have to choose between my family and Evie. But I would. And I have no lack of clarity on which choice I’d make.

“I hope you’re right.”

The mild concern over the weirdness with my parents there at the end melts in the face of one clear sense of determination: I will make certain Evie knows she is perfect. I will help her understand how incredible she is so she never doubts herself or her value.

Even if I don’t say it, I will help her know she is loved for exactly who she is.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Evie

Sam arrives on my doorstep just before nine the next morning.

She’s bright-eyed and her long dark hair is pulled into a high ponytail. She’s got her pink Jerry’s Diner uniform on and is clearly on a tight timeline because she brushes past me and starts talking.

“I have exactly ten minutes before I have to be at work to cover for Michelle, so you need to start talking.” She paces right over to Charlie, who’s buckled into his highchair and kicking his little legs while he chews a slice of peach, and kisses his head.

“I… am engaged?” I’m still dazed by this information, so it comes out sounding like a question.

She whips around. “Apparently, you are.” Her eyes widen.

I don’t want to admit this, but I need to talk it out. “He found me when I was freaking out about Trevor. He suggested I get married, to which I said yes, that would be ideal, and then he said, ‘Marry me.’ And of course I said, ‘That’s crazy,’ but he insisted it would strengthen my case. He talked to Davis about it, and he agreed. And so…” I shrug.