He had to admit he was curious to hear what she had to say.He noticed how Sadie kept glancing over her shoulder in Reed’s direction.What was that about?
He didn’t think they were fighting.He’d seen the love in their eyes when they looked at each other.So, what was going on?
“I need both of you to help me,” Sadie said.
Immediately Abby said, “Sure.Just let me know what you need.”
Sadie’s expectant gaze moved to Brad.
He froze.He barely knew her.But now he knew what the glances over her shoulder were about.She didn’t want Reed to know about whatever she was about to say.
He swallowed hard.“What do you have in mind?”
Sadie once more glanced over her shoulder.Reed was standing at the counter, talking to an older gentleman.Then Sadie turned her attention back to them.“The short and sweet of it is I was so touched by how Reed went out of his way to surprise me with that romantic proposal.Now I want to surprise him with an engagement party.Can you help me plan it?”
“Yes,” Abby said.“It’ll be so fun.When were you thinking?”
“The middle of January?You know, after the fun of the holidays is over and people need something fun to look forward to.”Sadie’s gaze moved to him.“Brad, will you help with the planning?I mean, you know what Reed likes and stuff.”
Talk about being put on the spot.His gaze moved from Abby to Sadie, who had a pleading look in her eyes.How was he supposed to say no?
Still, he wasn’t a party planner.And he had a business to run.They didn’t need him for this party stuff.
But when he leaned forward and opened his mouth, he said, “Sure.I’ll do what I can.”
Sadie glanced over her shoulder.“Here he comes.Remember, it’s a secret.And thank you.”
“So, what did I miss?”Reed’s gaze moved around the table.
Brad settled back in his seat.He wasn’t touching this one.When Reed’s gaze shifted to him for answers, Brad shrugged.
“I was just gushing to them about my beautiful ring and how amazing the proposal was last night.”She stood and stared into Reed’s eyes.“How did I get this lucky?”She leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Reed’s lips.
Brad couldn’t deny that they were crazy about each other.Originally, he’d thought Reed was acting rashly with only meeting Sadie a few months ago and now proposing.Brad thought he’d arrive and save his best friend from making the biggest mistake of his life.
Obviously, that had been a miscalculation on his part.He just wondered if their feelings were strong enough to go the distance.For Reed’s sake, he hoped so.
“We should get going,” Sadie said with a cheerful lilt to her voice.
Brad didn’t say anything.Neither did Abby.When Reed said he’d see him later, Brad merely nodded.
After they departed, their food arrived.Brad had to admit that the hearty stew smelled delicious.His stomach rumbled its agreement.
After a couple of bites, Abby asked, “Isn’t it the best?”
He couldn’t deny it.“It’s really good.”
“I’m telling you, Bayberry is going to grow on you.”
“All because I like the stew?”He was highly doubtful.
“Wait until you try the bread.It’s baked fresh each day.It’s so soft that it practically melts in your mouth.”
Boy, was she laying it on thick.Bread was bread.It couldn’t be that good.
He picked up a thick cut slice and noticed that it was warm.Surely it wasn’t still warm from the oven.No.Impossible.
When he went to take a bite, Abby said, “You need to add some butter.”She slid the small bowl with pads of butter toward him.“Go ahead.”
