After they left the restaurant, Brad yawned.What he needed was some caffeine.But that would mean going to the Steaming Brew and seeing Abby.
He came to a stop on the sidewalk as he debated how much he needed the coffee.Then he realized he was being ridiculous.It wasn’t like she was going to throw herself into his arms.And he could ignore the way her smiles made her eyes twinkle.He didn’t have to notice the way the pink gloss she wore made her lips oh so tempting.After all, he was a full-grown man, not some hormonal teenager.
Determined to prove that she couldn’t get to him, he turned in the direction of the Steaming Brew.Apparently, he wasn’t the only one who needed an afternoon pick-me-up, because when he entered the coffeeshop, he found most of the tables occupied, and there were a few people in line at the counter.
As he took his spot at the end of the line, his gaze swept along the counter, searching for Abby.He didn’t see her anywhere.He ignored the pang of disappointment he felt.
Instead, he focused on the espresso machine.It was still working.A little smile temporarily lifted the corners of his mouth.But it disappeared when he remembered it was just a bandage fix, and she really needed a new machine.
It was party time.
Abby had been in contact with Sadie most of the day.It was Sadie’s job to keep Reed distracted until the party.And she’d succeeded until Reed insisted that he was having lunch with Brad.
While the men ate, Sadie met Abby at the community hall.There were a few last-minute touches needed.But for the most part, the place was ready for a party.When she’d seen Sadie’s big smile, she knew it was worth all of the effort—even having to fake being Brad’s girlfriend for an evening.
And now it was time for the party.All of the guests had arrived and were waiting for the guests of honor.
Brad strode up to her.“The lookout spotted their car.They’ll be here any minute.”
“Okay.This is it.”Abby sent him a smile before climbing up on the stage.“Ladies and gentlemen.”
It took a moment for the murmur of voices to quiet down.As she waited, she looked out over the crowd of familiar faces.She was so happy that so many people had showed up to share in the joy of Sadie and Reed’s engagement.
“They are almost here.We’re going to turn off the lights.When the lights come back on, we’ll all call out surprise.Are you ready?”She glanced over to where Brad was at the light switch prepared to plunge them into darkness.
“They’re here.”
“Okay, everyone.Remember, not a peep.”She looked over at Brad once more.“Okay.Lights out.”
She used the flashlight app on her phone to help guide her off the stage.She stayed along the outside wall as she made her way to the door.She moved as quickly as she could in the darkness.
When she reached Brad’s side, she turned off the app on her phone.It was so dark and quiet in the hall it was hard to believe there were a couple hundred people inside.
Just then the door opened.The street lights illuminated the outline of Sadie and Reed.
“Why is it so dark in here?”Reed asked.
“Because no one is here,” Sadie replied.
“Then why was the door unlocked?”
It was a good question.She was glad they were done trying to keep this party a secret.
“Where is the light switch?”Sadie asked.
Reed turned on his flashlight app.Luckily, they were standing back far enough that he didn’t see any of the guests.
A moment later the lights came on, and everyone, including herself, yelled, “Surprise.”
Reed’s eyes widened as a big smile came over his face, but then he pressed a hand to his chest as his mouth gaped.Oh no!He was a terrible actor.
Reed had been on to them.The question was how long had he known about the party?She thought of the evening before and the double date.Had he known then?Had he totally played them?
She didn’t have a chance to ask him as Sadie and Reed greeted their guests.It wasn’t until much later that the four of them had a moment together.
Sadie smiled at them.“I want to thank both of you for arranging all of this.It’s perfect.”She looked at her groom-to-be.“I hope you enjoyed the surprise.”
“I did.Thank you.”He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to Sadie’s lips.When he pulled back, he looked at Abby and Brad.“And thank you both.I was so surprised.”
