She pulled on a floral summery dress that fell to her knees and had spaghetti straps. It was one of Ryan’s favourites. He said the blue brought out the colour of her eyes. Outside, she wandered down to the lake’s edge and dipped her toes into the water. It was cool, but she quickly grew accustomed to it. She played for a few moments, swirling the water around with one hand and watching the bugs skate across its reflective surface.
Then she sat in one of the grey Adirondack chairs Ryan had placed side by side under the shelter of the roof that jutted from one side of the boathouse. She hugged her knees to her chest, letting her damp feet rest gently on the chair. Her chin found its place on top of her knees. She sat there quietly, staring out across the water. The lake always helped to calm her frayed nerves. Whenever she was feeling anxious, she liked to come out here and spend time in peaceful nature. Just so long as there weren’t any jet skis breaking the no-wake rule. Today there wasn’t a sound in any direction other than the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline and the distant hum of car engines.
A door slammed. Matilda spun about and fixed one hand over her eyes to cut the glare of the setting sun. She saw Julie striding across the back lawn of Rita’s lake house wearing a pair of white pants, a blue halter top, and white sandals. Her brown hair was pulled into a low ponytail. She waved at Matilda as she made her way over to see her.
“Hey there. Care for some company?”
Matilda patted the chair beside her. “I’d love company.”
Julie groaned as she lowered herself into the chair. “I worked out too hard yesterday at the gym. Too many squats. I’m paying for it today.”
Matilda laughed. “I wish that was my problem. I haven’t been to the gym in months.”
“Busy?”
“Far too busy, I’m afraid. I can’t remember what it’s like to have downtime. I’m sitting here thinking about all the things on my to-do list and feeling guilty about relaxing for five minutes.”
Julie shook her head. “That’s not good. Something’s going to have to change.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Hey, I wanted to ask you something.”
“Okay…”
“As you know, I’m getting married at the end of the year. I was hoping you’d be my bridesmaid. Not that I want to add to your to-do list...”
Matilda was speechless for several long moments. She blinked, her heart squeezing. “I… wow… I would love to do that. That would be so special. Thank you for asking me.”
“I know we’re not actually sisters, but it kind of feels like we are in a way.”
Matilda smiled through a blur of unshed tears. “I feel the same.” The two of them embraced. Matilda missed Stella. She missed the warmth of a sister, someone to talk to, laugh with. Julie reminded her what it was like.
The door flew open again, and Tyler strode out. Matilda had met him at her own wedding when he flew in briefly for a training op somewhere in southern Georgia. And she’d heard through Rita that he was back. He looked the same as he had at the wedding — tall, muscular, short hair. He was little intimidating, but a nice guy. He jogged toward them.
“Hey, Julie. What do you want for dinner? Mom sent me out to ask. Oh, hi, Matilda.”
“Hi, Tyler. How are you settling in?”
He shrugged. “It’s strange to be back.”
“It’ll probably take a little while to get used to everything. I’m sure it’s much different from being in the military.”
“Yeah, I kinda feel like I’m on vacation.”
“Do you have any idea what you want to do next?”
“Not a clue. I’m probably going to take a little break before I get too worried about figuring it all out. I haven’t had a real vacation in a minute.”
Matilda smiled. “That sounds like a good idea. I’m sure you’ll be refreshed in no time.”
After Tyler left, Julie stood to her feet. “I’m going in.” She stretched her arms over her head. “Thanks for the catch up.”
Matilda stood as well and gave Julie a hug. She whispered in her ear. “Thanks for asking me to be your bridesmaid.”
Julie hugged her back. “You’re so welcome.”
They stepped apart. Matilda squeezed her hand. “We have a connection that no one else will ever fully understand.”
