Cherry Stems Group Chat
HAILEY:You guys aren’t going to believe this. Nothing I say could ever prepare you for the news you’re about to receive. Your lives are about to change.
COLE:Wait a second. I just said like the exact same thing not too long ago. Are you going to tell us you love us too??
AVERY:Close, but not quite
ABBY:Oh Avery is in on it too. This has gotta be good
RILEY:You guys won the lottery!
JOSH:You’re getting a puppy!
ELENA:You found an indoor soccer league for us to play in where slide tackling is allowed
COLE:Damn, girl. I like the way you think
RILEY:Wait! Are you guys adopting Cole?? That would be adorable
COLE:OMG you guys I’m so honored! I’d love to be your son!!! #dreamscometrue
AVERY:Really? No other guesses?
ABBY:We’re getting new jerseys?
HAILEY:WE’RE ENGAGED!!!! [image of Hailey and Avery showing off ring]
JOSH:You guys aren’t already married?
HAILEY:What? No, when would we have done that?
ABBY:OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!! WOOOOO!
ELENA:Congrats! [wedding bells emoji]
RILEY:Congratulations! That’s awesome!
AVERY:Thanks!!!
HAILEY:We’re so excited! :)
COLE:OH MY GOD FINALLY THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH! Can I be the best man? But, I love Hailey too so can I be man of honor? This is the greatest news in the history of news! We need to celebrate! We need to do all the celebrating! THIS IS AMAZING!
AVERY:[gif of Joey and Chandler from Friends celebrating]
26
“ARE YOU NERVOUS?”
Avery quickly turned to her before looking back at the road. He seemed to be clutching the steering wheel tighter than normal and she was worried.
“I guess I’m a little antsy,” he admitted. “It’s not like I haven’t met your parents before, but I know I’m not exactly what your mom was hoping for in a son-in-law.”
“Don’t worry. They can tell the difference between me now and me eight months ago,” Hailey said as she placed a reassuring hand on Avery’s thigh. “I’m way happier now and anyone who knows me can tell.”
Avery’s cheeks turned pink a bit as a smile grew on his face. “All I want to do is make you happy.”
He stole another quick glance at her and released a deep breath.
