She clutches me just as tightly. Finally pulling away, Tuesday’s hands still gripping my arms, big green eyes blinking back tears. And then she notices Ben standing behind me.
Her gaze flicks between us. “Oh. My. God. Sheisyour Grace!”
“Yes.” He chuckles. My eyes bounce between them, confused at their conversation.
Tuesday steps in to give Ben a familiar hug. And then looks down. And then back up.
“Wait,” she says slowly, dramatically, “Holy shit, Gracie. Did you two get married?”
Ben clears his throat. “That would be a yes.”
Tuesday’s mouth falls open. She squeals again, louder this time, and slaps a hand over her chest like she’s about to faint. “YOU DID NOT. You romantic lunatics!” She launches into another hug, grabbing both of us this time, while Ben and I laugh.
“You know how romantic we are?” I snort. “So hot for it that we drove to a tiny mountain town to spend our honeymoon with my bestie.”
“Wait, what?” Ben interjects.
Tuesday doubles over. “I always knew I liked Ben.”
Ben
Later,we head over to Elliot’s Hot Chicken, the warm scent of spices and fried goodness hitting us like a hug of its own. Alex slides into the booth urging his wife to join him while Tuesday chatters nonstop.
Grace entwines her fingers with mine wearing a naturally radiant smile. Hell, I’d give my entire net worth if I thought it would keep it there. If only I could freeze this rare moment in time?—
When my eyes land on Betty behind the counter, I immediately try to retract my earlier thought. “Oh no,” I murmur.
“What?” Grace asks, the smile falling from her face.
Betty locks eyes with me, squints dramatically, and then shouts, “Well, I’ll be damned. If it ain’t sassy pants, returning to pay us a visit!” She comes closer, noticing my hand wrapped in Grace’s. “And you got hitched!”
The entire restaurant turns to stare.
I blink, unsure how to answer this unpredictable, scary woman. Slowly I raise my hand. “Hi, Betty.”
She winks at Grace. “Girl, you look like you won the lottery, and the jackpot married you back.”
I run my hand down my face and hold my breath waiting for Grace to respond while Tuesday wheezes with laughter.
“You’d be right,” Grace announces proudly.
“Congratulations, son. You did good.” I lower my hand nervously and exhale.
Soon the table is full, many of my new friends stopping by to wish us well as Ellie and Betty pile our plates high. Laughter mixes with the clatter of silverware and glasses.
As the night draws to a close, I tell Grace we should make our way to the Bed and Breakfast. Tuesday squeezes me into another hug before pulling her best friend into her tight embrace. Her sweet reassuring voice brings a warmth to my soul as she whispers, “Things are finally looking up for you, Gracie. And no one deserves it more.”
And once again, this woman is absolutely right.
EPILOGUE
GRACE
1 year later
Sunlight streamsin through the sheer drapes of our home, causing me to stir. I stretch, enjoying the warmth surrounding me. My left cheek feels as if it’s being kissed by the sun. A familiar breeze ruffles my hair, causing a smile to cross my face. Has this whole marriage been a dream? Because I feel like I’m right back there in that hotel room all those months ago.
I wipe the sleep from my eyes and try to orient myself to where I am. The warmth isn’t coming from the summer sun, but the firm body enveloped around me.
