“I love you. I feel as if I’m living a real life happily ever after.”
Turning to take her in, I completely understand what she means. “I’m so thankful for you, naughty girl.”
“Good. Now be nice and get me something to eat. I’m starving.”
Chapter 8
Ellie
“Are you sure you’re up for all of this, Ellie? This could be a big undertaking, especially trying to manage this from out of state.”
We’d barely disconnected the call with Harrison and his now fiancé, Harlow, before the enormity of the situation had hit us. Matt’s brother called to share their exciting news, and in almost the same breath asked if we’d come back to Candy Cane Key and cater their wedding. In retrospect, they could’ve been joking. But how could we say no?
Matt and I knew after seeing the two of them together it was only a matter of time before Harrison popped the question. He’s completely smitten with her. And truth be told, it didn’t take long after meeting Harlow before we were too. Not only is she a strong, hard-working single mother, but it’s clear she’s completely devoted to Harrison.
We’d been concerned about what might become of Matt’s brother after losing Carolyn. While Matthew was heartbroken to have lost his mother, he hadn’t devoted his life to caring for her as his older brother, Harrison, had. But it’s clear Harlow is exactly what he needs. She loves him fiercely for the good, kindhearted man he is. Not for what lies in his bank account.
Matt knew Harrison had found his perfect partner as soon as he learned she was a single mom to two little boys. Harlow embodies all of the strength and determination Matt’s mother had displayed during their formative years. She’s not only raising her children while working full-time as Carolyn had, but also manages to get them to the ball field for practices and games, simultaneously setting an example of living in service of others by serving in the National Guard in addition to her nursing career.
“He just lights up when he talks about her, Ellie,” he’d said beaming about his brother’s new found love. From what Matt had shared, Harrison had avoided relationships once it was clear the women he’d dated weren’t interested in sharing his attention with their mother. Any concern they’d shown over here dementia was superficial at best.
“It’s going to be complicated. I mean, managing our restaurant is a full-time job. Trying to arrange the food for a wedding three states away on top of that is a little daunting. Especially on three months’ notice.” But the happy couple seem so happy and easy to please. Harrison is the least stuffy person I know. And Harlow has been married before. She was quick to say this wedding would be small, friends and family only. While I’ll get as much input from the bride as I can, I honestly think they’ll simply be happy to have us preparing the food for their special day, regardless of what we come up with.
Scratching the back of his neck, his brows pinch together at my words. The moment his eyes land on my concerned face, the look of worry quickly transforms to one of encouragement. “Three months will be here in no time, Ellie. But I get it. They want to get married before school starts back up for the kids.” Matt glances away momentarily, staring off into space, before turning back to me. “I know everyone back home will step up to help. Charlene, Salty Jo, and Mrs. Fletcher will gladly pitch in. I’m sure of it. And I’ll do anything I can leading up to the big day,” he says before strolling out of the kitchen toward our bedroom.
Harrison and Harlow had called via video chat as Matt walked in from poker night with the guys from the firehouse, the familiar stench of alcohol and cigar smoke surrounding him like the dirt and dust clouds enveloping Pigpen in the Charlie Brown cartoon. While dressing up and going to the Cigar Bar in town might be sexy, poker nightis not. Matt always comes home smelling of cheap bear and pungent herbs.
Don’t get me wrong, a whiff of a good cigar reminds me of my dear old Pops. My grandpa loved a good cigar or a puff from a pipe once in a while. But only when Jo would locate “the good stuff.” And the boys at station 12 were smoking no such thing.Gross. Hearing the shower turn on in the distance allows my thoughts to return to the present.
The big day.
Once alone with my thoughts, the familiar pang of the green-eyed monster falls heavy on my heart. This sensation was commonplace in my youth, always wishing for what the rich girls had. I haven’t acknowledged that ache of jealousy in so long.
‘Til now.
I’m happy for Harrison and Harlow. Really, I am. I’ve let my fast-paced schedule at Elliot’s Hot Chicken distract me from the fact it’s been a year since I moved into Matt’s place with no mention of a ring.
There’s no question Matthew loves me. I feel it every day. He not only cares, but he’s an equal partner in our relationship. I’ve never doubted our commitment to one another. Yet now that I’ve moved in with him, have I given up the chance for a proposal? What had my grandma Joan said when I was a teen? Oh yeah. What man is going to buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?
It's not that I think he’s taking me for granted. We’re just both busy, getting settled into our life here in Sycamore. But have we become complacent with our current situation? How did I let this get this far without having a more serious conversation about our plans?
When I moved here a year ago, it was after we’d both talked about wanting to get married and have a family one day. Sure, this was usually while we were naked and cuddling, but the scenario didn’t make the conversation feel any less serious.
Yet since that time, several of Matt’s firefighter brothers have proposed to their girlfriends. Addison and Trevor had been engaged when I moved here, but Alex and Jason had each gotten down on one knee. Knowing a few of them were younger than the two of us only added fuel to the fire.
I know there’s still time for having children. And workhasrequired a lot of my time lately. But have things gotten too comfortable? Have we turned into an old married couple, without the ‘married’ piece of the puzzle?
Realizing the hum of the shower is no longer in the background, I pad down the hall to the bedroom and start to ask Matt that very question.
Until I see him. Already under the covers, lights off.
Not even a kiss goodnight.
* * *
“Ellie, we’re all out of dessert,” Chuck yells.
“Even the banana pudding?”
