Meri tilted her head. “He, being the handsome Ephram.”
I felt a small stab of jealousy but put it aside. Ephram was simply a helpful person. “He did help.”
“And how does that make you feel?” Kitty asked, far too casually.
I stared into my glass. “Seen and not managed. That feels… new.”
Meri’s expression softened. “You did something hard today.”
I nodded. “I did.”
“And you didn’t do it alone,” she said gently.
“No,” I agreed. “But I also didn’t give up control.”
“Exactly,” Meri said.
Kitty slid off the floor and scrambled to her feet, already energized by the word decorate.
“Okay,” she said, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s talk aesthetics.”
Meri glanced at her. “That’s a dangerous opening.”
“I’m serious,” Kitty said. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.”
I laughed and moved back toward the couch, sinking down beside Meri again. My legs finally felt heavy, the adrenaline giving way to the dull ache of effort. I closed my eyes briefly and pictured the truck again, the way it had looked parked under the lights. It was solid and capable. “I was thinking of greenery along the sides of the bed. Pine or cedar, something that smells like winter without shedding too aggressively.”
“Nothing that will prick people,” Meri said without looking up.
“Yes,” I said. “We can weave some ribbon through it.”
Kitty nodded.“Lights?”
“Battery-powered,” I said. “Wrapped through the greenery, secured properly so they don’t come loose or catch.”
Meri glanced up. “Anything in the bed of the truck?”
“Low profile,” I said. “No tall arches. No signs taller than the cab.”
Kitty made a face. “You’re killing all my fun ideas.”
“I’m preventing a lawsuit,” I replied dampeningly.
She considered that. “Fine.”
I shifted, leaning forward now, elbows on my knees. Talking it through made it feel more real, more achievable. “I thought maybe a bench in the middle. Something simple. I was hoping Dad and Mom would sit on it and wave to everyone.”
“That could work,” Meri said. “As long as it’s anchored.”
“Yes,” I said. “Bolted if possible.”
Kitty blinked. “You’re saying words like bolted now.”
“I had a very practical conversation,” I said.
“With the cop,” Kitty said lightly.
“With someone who understands how to put together a float,” I replied.
