As I follow John to the dining room, both our arms laden with pies—apple, pumpkin, and pecan, because heaven forbid we don’t have options—I hear Rachel talking about me again.
“It doesn’t make any sense.” My sister doesn’t even try to keep her voice down. “How did Abby land someone like John? I mean, he’s successful and charming. What does he see in her?”
I freeze, the pies as heavy as lead weights in my arms. John’s back is to me, but I see his shoulders stiffen.
“Rachel.” Jake sounds uncomfortable. “Come on. That’s not fair.”
“What?” Rachel says with wide-eyed innocence. “I’m only concerned for my little sister. Their relationship seems sudden, don’t you think? Almost like it’s not quite real.”
The room goes deathly quiet. My family and Jake look at John and me. I want to run away and not deal with it, but the part of me that’s tired of Rachel’s put-downs decides to face this head-on.
I march into the room, setting the pies down. “You know what, Rachel? My relationship with John is sudden. And it might not make sense to you. But it doesn’t have to.”
Rachel’s mouth falls open in shock, but I’m not finished.
“John sees me,” I continue, gaining momentum with each word. “He accepts me for who I am and doesn’t try to turn me into someone else. What’s between us is real. We’re real.”
I tremble, but I feel lighter than I have in forever. It feels good.
As Dad motions for Jake and Rachel to calm down, Mom brings out a chocolate cake, which is Rachel’s favorite. I guess pies aren’t enough, either.
She places the cake on the table and sits. “I made something for everyone.”
Jake adjusts his tie, which means he must be nervous about something. “I have something to say first.”
He stands and takes Rachel’s hand.
No, no, no.
Stop. He wouldn’t do that.
“Rachel.” Emotion fills his voice, and he clears his throat. “You are the most incredible woman. You make me want to be a better man every day.”
Uh, isn’t that what John said about me? Not surprised Jake would steal that line because the guy is nothing but a walking red flag. Rachel can have him.
Jake drops to one knee and the room starts to spin.
Yes, he would do that.
My hands ball.
This can’t be happening.
Not here.
Not now.
“Rachel Elizabeth Sinclair, will you do the honor of being my wife?” Jake shows her a black velvet ring box. “Will you marry me?”
Rachel squeals and throws her arms around Jake. “Oh, my goodness, yes.”
The room erupts in cheers. Mom rushes off to fetch champagne while Dad claps Jake on the back. I sit frozen as Rachel prances around the table, showing off her new ring under everyone’s nose.
“Talk about gorgeous.” She shoves her hand in front of my face. “Doesn’t Jake have such exquisite taste?”
I manage a weak nod, unable to form words. The diamond, practically the size of an iceberg, seems to mock me, a glittering reminder of everything I’ve lost.
“Oh, Abby.” Rachel’s voice drips with faux sympathy. “I hope this doesn’t make you sad since you and Jake had a small, little thing once upon a time.”
