Page 68 of Seein’ Red

“And remember, you are representin’ our family tomorrow in front of this whole town. Do not embarrass me! Willa, please keep this one in line.” Mama nods toward me, sucking in a deep breath. “Enough sneaking around…”

If you only knew…

Still, I can’t help wonder what my mother knows. If she knows. Or if this is simply suspicion or deep-seated wish on her part. She’s a tricky one, and really, it could be anything. Her acceptance of the matter, however, is exactly what I need.

“I’ll do my best, Mama K,” Willa says, cheeks turning the color of roses.

Another nod, and Mama spins on her heel, walking away. When we’re sure she’s far enough gone, all four of us burst into laughter, unable to hold it in.

“Close one,” Bronwyn comments.

“Oh no,” Noel corrects her. “She knows what she’s doing. That’s a power play if I ever saw one.”

It absolutely is. Bringing Mama, and the rest of our families, up to speed is going to be…interesting. But that’s next week Nash and Willa’s problem. Tonight Nash and Willa don’t have a care in the world.

“So, I was thinking,” I start, leaning down, all my attention on my girl.

“That we should eat dinner, quietly sneak out, go home, and curl up on the couch to watch Murder, She Wrote?”

Ummmmm…

“No, that is not where my brain went. Is that where your brain is?”

“I’m exhausted,” she says around a yawn. "And we have to be at the church early, so I just wanna⁠—”

“Say no more. If that’s what you want, then consider it done.”

“You sure?”

“Was Jessica Fletcher’s first book The Corpse Danced at Midnight?” I ask rhetorically, giving her a wink.

“Why do you know that?”

“Same reason I know that good ol’ Jess doesn’t drive, that the show moved to New York in season seven, and that Cabot Cove, Maine has the highest damn murder rate of anywhere in the world. It’s the last place anyone should ever want to move to—unless you want to end up dead. It’s your favorite show, Wills. I pay attention.”

“Just when I think I know everything about you, you surprise me.”

“Good to know I can still keep you on your toes.”

Willa starts to giggle, but it quickly turns into a yawn, and I know that’s our cue.

“Let’s get you fed, so I can get you home.”

I lead the way over to the buffet, my phone buzzing in my back pocket as we grab our plates. I reach for it, heart stopping for a beat when I see my mother’s name. Her words start it back up again, making it race.

Mama

Lock that down this weekend, would you? You’ve been dragging your feet long enough. I would like to give Willa the peach pound cake recipe sooner rather than later. Love you.

On it, Mama…on it…

19

WILLA

“Alright, Kenz, this is your last chance.”

My best friend looks up, catching my eyes via the reflection in the full-length mirror she’s standing in front of. She looks stunning, borderline ethereal, in her wedding dress, hair all pinned up, baby’s breath weaved into the curls. I can see the happiness and love in her eyes, already rendering my offer moot. But I'm going to make it anyway. I’d be a shitty bestie if I didn’t.