“Except you. You’re remarkably calm for a bride.”
Kat shrugged. “I’ve never been one of those girls who daydreamed about the perfect wedding.” She led Donna up the broad brick steps decorated with potted peonies in pinks, yellows, and reds. “And I don’t have much family, apart from my sister, Penny, and Fern, the woman who raised me, and they don’t really have any preferences or expectations, either, beyond seeing me happy.”
Donna followed Kat through the double doors into a stunning foyer with a sweeping staircase and elegant vintage decor befitting the building’s historic heritage, but she barely noticed the carefully preserved details.The woman who raised me…Such a telling phrase that spoke volumes about Kat’s upbringing yet made Donna want to know so much more. Like what had happened to Kat’s mother?
“There’s a sitting room and library on the left that’s open all hours.” Kat directed her attention to a pair of French doors. “To the right is The Westerly, our in-house restaurant. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s a menu in your suite if you’d like room service.”
Suite? Kat had mentioned an empty room, not a suite. “Everything is lovely,” Donna told her, impressed with the level of care and forethought. “I don’t remember Poppy Creek having anything like this.”
“This used to be a personal estate owned by Jack’s parents,” Kat explained, leading her out back to a large patio surrounded by a sprawling garden fragrant with lavender, hyacinths, and roses in every color and variety imaginable. “His parents put the property in his name when they moved to Primrose Valley, hoping to tempt him into the family real estate business.”
“Is that why Jack said his parents want to control his life?” she asked without thinking, then smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing.”
“It’s fine.” Kat gave a lighthearted laugh. “In a town like Poppy Creek, I’ve become accustomed to everyone knowing everything. And yes, I think that’s part of it. Among other things. Jack and his parents have a complicated relationship and only recently reconnected after years of barely speaking to each other. It takes time to work through old wounds.”
“Yes, it does,” Donna said softly, suddenly somber. Occasionally time ran out, leaving your wounds open, raw, and unable to heal.
Kat paused her tour by a white gazebo clothed in climbing clematis vines. The sweetly scented pale pink blossoms created an aromatic canopy dotted with contented butterflies and the occasional hummingbird.
“This spot is stunning.” Donna inhaled deeply, savoring the heady perfume. “Have you thought about having your wedding here?”
“That was the original plan, but Jack’s mother, Elaine, just texted us both that she secured a venue in Primrose Valley.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Strangely, I am. I love the inn, but it’s a lot of work, too. Most of my time and effort goes into running this place. There’s something nice about having Elaine take on the bulk of the wedding planning. Jack thinks it’s overbearing, but honestly, it’s a relief. I don’t care about the details. I just want to marry the man I love.”
Kat’s expression was so sincere, Donna didn’t doubt her words, and she couldn’t help smiling at her sweet, simple desire. There was something about the younger woman that intrigued her, like a gentle tug on her heart. Kat had an easy, open, and friendly air about her, and yet, there was something else—a depth to her eyes—that hinted at a harder life, that she’d seen, maybe even experienced, things most people couldn’t fathom. But instead of being cold and callous, she radiated warmth. And was it her imagination, or did Kat seem particularly keen on forming a friendship with her?
CHAPTER8
CASSIE
Cassie draped her arm around Eliza’s shoulders as her friend cried softly, her face buried in her hands. Her heart aching, Cassie longed to say something to ease the pain threaded between them but knew even the most eloquent words of wisdom couldn’t assuage Eliza’s sadness. So, instead, she waited in comforting, companionable silence.
Two years prior, they’d sat in this very spot, on a secluded bench in the tranquil, tucked-away courtyard, perched beneath the same wisteria-covered arbor, cocooned by the sweet, honeyed fragrance of violet-hued blooms.
Cassie recalled listening quietly while Eliza tearfully revealed her long-kept secret: that her ex-boyfriend, Grant, who’d returned for Luke and Cassie’s wedding, was indeed the father of her son, Ben. While she’d had her reasons, Eliza knew, in her heart of hearts, that she’d made the wrong decision and had deeply wounded the people she loved most in the world.
The confession had been painful, but it had also been healing, and cemented their friendship in a way that couldn’t be shaken, no matter what they faced. At least, Cassie prayed that would be the case.
“I’m so sorry, Cass.” Eliza lifted her tear-filled eyes to meet hers. “And I’m so embarrassed. I really am happy for you.Trulyhappy. I hope you know that.”
“I know.” Cassie swept aside a strand of Eliza’s silky blond hair that clung to her damp cheek. “It’s okay to be sad, too.”
“You would say that. Because you’re a good friend. And I’m a self-centered drama queen.” She attempted a rueful grin, trying to make light of the situation, but Cassie could still hear the twinge of grief in her voice.
“No, you’re not. You’re a good friend, too. The best, actually. And I’m grateful you’re in my life because if I’m honest, I find this whole pregnancy slash motherhood thing a little terrifying.”
Eliza squeezed her hand. “You’re going to be an amazing mom.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because I know you. You’re the most caring, loving person I’ve ever met. And that little bean in there”—she gestured to Cassie’s stomach—“is one lucky kid.”
Tears pricked Cassie’s eyes, and she flung both arms around Eliza’s petite frame, pulling her into a hug.
“I wish we could be pregnant together,” Eliza murmured.
