“That’s great.I heard Sadie mention that Abby’s birthday is coming up at the end of this month.Do you think you could make it then?”
“I, uh...”He wasn’t sure what to say.Thinking about how their last conversation hadn’t gone well, he said, “I don’t know if Abby would want me there.”
“Sure, she would.”There was such confidence in Reed’s voice it had Brad wanting to believe him.
“I don’t know.Maybe you should run the idea past Abby.”
“No can do.Sadie wants to surprise her with a little birthday party.I don’t know if it’s the wedding or what, but Sadie is suddenly into wanting to do surprises.And I couldn’t think of a bigger surprise than having you there.”
Wanting to change the subject in order for him to figure out if he should or shouldn’t crash Abby’s birthday, he asked, “So, how are you and Sadie doing?Getting cold feet or anything?”
“Cold feet?”Reed’s tone changed.“Why would I get cold feet?I’m marrying the woman of my dreams.”
A collision of emotions occurred within him.On one hand he was happy for his friend.Everyone should find that someone special.On the other hand, he was disappointed that Reed wasn’t thinking about moving back to Chicago.
Reed was more than a friend to him.He was family.And Brad missed him every day.
“I’m happy for you.”Brad truly meant it.
“Is there a specific reason you asked?”
Brad thought of his conversation with Abby and decided to keep her confidence.Whatever was going on with Sadie was most likely a case of nerves.
“Uh, no.Just checking on the groom and making sure that everything is going well.”
“Couldn’t be happier.Well, that’s not quite true.I’ll be happier when I have an office again.With the winter weather, the rebuilding of the newspaper office has been put off until spring.”
They were buildingRumor Quilloffices above theBayberry Gazette.This was all happening whether he liked it or not.Abby was right, he had to get onboard with it.
Brad tried to be as supportive as he knew how.“Spring will be here before you know it.”
“Talk about a busy spring between the build and the wedding.It’s going to keep us on our toes.”
They talked for a little longer—long enough for Brad to be certain that everything was okay between Reed and Sadie.
“So, you’ll come for Abby’s birthday?”Reed asked.
Brad felt as though there was only one right answer; otherwise, he’d never hear the end of it from Reed.“Yes, I’ll be there.”
“Good.I’ll send you details about the party.”Reed’s voice took on a happy tone.“You’ll see.Bayberry will grow on you.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Just wait.You’ll see.I’m right.”
Brad rolled his eyes.He was not moving to a small town.No way.No how.
After they said goodbye, Brad realized he was going to have to figure out a birthday gift for Abby.And he had no idea what she would like.This was not going to be easy.
Chapter Nineteen
Abby’s birthday
Februarytwenty-sixthcameandwent.
Two days later, Abby was frowning as she wiped off a table at the coffeeshop.She knew she shouldn’t feel sorry for herself.She had a good life.But the only person to wish her a happy birthday was her mother.For the first time ever, her friends had all forgotten.
Her birthday had been on Thursday, and when it came and went, she’d thought it was because her friends were planning to take her out Friday night.But then Friday came and went without anyone mentioning grabbing dinner or going to hear a band at Sonny’s Jukebox.
