“Cameron and the boys will get it over to the reception, so you don’t have to think about anything other than making memories with your daughter.”
“Thank you,” I said. “And thank them again if I forget tonight.”
Somewhere beyond the kitchen walls, a round of cheers grew into a roar.
We were missing something good, and I didn’t want to miss another minute of anything in my life or Camilla’s.
I opened my arms and moved our little group toward the party, herding them back through the swinging doors in the direction of the fun. “Okay,” I said brightly. “Let’s go.”
Jeannie laughed and bounced against the others, a group picture of bliss.
Sylvia steadied her and smiled over one shoulder at me. “Your new life is so cute. I want it.”
“Everyone wants it,” Jeannie said.
“If it still comes with spending twenty-plus years married to Robert, I’ll pass,” Alicia said.
I laughed. “Touché.”
“Oh!” Jeannie snapped her fingers. “Someone should write a book about it! I’d read the shit out of that.”
The ladies nodded in agreement.
I grinned. It wasn’t often that justice was served so abundantly in life, or that happiness prevailed so thoroughly despite unfortunate circumstances. And I would never downplay my mind-boggling good fortune.
My friends often said the life I had today was a result of that first, brave step I took last spring, when I walked away from my longtime bully and husband.
I preferred to think the life I had today was a result of all the love I put into the world boldly shining back on me. I believed in good karma, because I’d seen it in action.
I hoped my mom could see me now, and that she knew Camilla had chosen a better path than either of us had at her age. Camilla chose her own path. Finding a handsome, helpful best friend to go along for the journey was a really nice bonus.
As if on cue, Lucas rounded the corner into the hallway, and my book club ladies dispersed in a cloud of goofy giggles.
“Get her on the dance floor,” Alicia called as she led the women away.
“On it,” he returned.
“They’re all drunk,” I told him. “Your work here is done.”
He opened his arms and smiled. “Your little girl’s getting married tomorrow.”
I stepped into his embrace with a deep, contented sigh.
Of all the things I never saw coming a year ago, Lucas topped the list. I probably would’ve guessed Robert’s arrest before thinking the handsome restaurateur would give me hope for a different future—romantically speaking.
Things changed for us in France, though I hadn’t realized how much until the dust on my divorce finally settled. Lucas walked beside me on my journey from frightened, newly separated, part-time pastry chef to confident, joyful, full-time businesswoman. From a woman who hated all men for the sins of one, and deplored marriage as an institution on principal, to one who deeply appreciated that anything was possible.
Mary’s words often came to mind, because whatever Lucas and I had, wasn’t it first built on friendship?
Lucas kissed the top of my head and rocked me gently in his arms. “Are you nervous for tomorrow?”
“Nope.” I rested my cheek against his broad chest and inhaled the fresh, crisp scent of him. “I’m excited. Thank you again for letting us use the restaurant tonight.” Holding the rehearsal dinner here made the day feel more personal and family oriented. I’d also saved a fortune on renting a venue, and the food was unequivocally fantastic.
“Anything for you or that precious girl of yours. Plus, you know how I like to party.”
If party meant feed me and ply me with wine, then yes, he certainly did.
I laced my fingers with his, taking one more look into his soulful brown eyes before getting back to the event.
