Wright’s Eatery was the setting for the party.She’d spent the morning with Kate and Carrie, decorating the café.The tables were set up.The games were sorted.So, then why was she so nervous?
The door opened and in walked Carrie.“We did a really good job.The place looks amazing.Sadie is going to love it.”
“Thank you for the help with setting things up.Without you and Kate, I would still be rushing around to get things done.”
“Glad we could help.”
Every time she heard some sort of noise, she’d glance at the door.
“What has you so distracted?”Carrie arched a brow.
“I’m not.”Liar-liar.“It’s, uh, just that Brad is supposed to co-host with me, and he still isn’t here.”
“Oh, he’s at the B&B with his mother.”
“His mother?She really came with him.”
Carrie looked puzzled as she nodded.“Why do you seem so surprised?”
“Because he wasn’t sure she would make it because she has a cruise with her friends on Monday.”It wasn’t until she saw the surprised look on her friend’s face that she realized she’d said too much.
She hadn’t told her friends that she messaged with him every day, and since her trip to Chicago, they’d started talking each evening.Sometimes those conversations would go on for hours, and other times, when they were both utterly exhausted from work, they’d just talk a few minutes.
Of course, Sadie knew about her talking with Brad because he’d mentioned it to Reed.She wasn’t sure what to make of him talking about her to Reed.
But she didn’t have time to worry about that.She was about to meet his mother.She glanced down at her dress.Was it nice enough?
It was an A-line midi dress with short sleeves, a solid black bodice with a high waist and a black and pink flowered skirt that ended mid-calf.She didn’t buy dresses very often.It was the newest one in her closet.
And her hair, well, there wasn’t much she could do about it.It was a pixie cut so it pretty much did whatever it wanted.She’d put on makeup, including eyeshadow.She also took the time to put on some jewelry that she didn’t normally bother with at the coffeeshop.
She turned to Carrie.“How do you think I look?Is this dress nice enough?”
“Your dress is pretty, and you are beautiful as always.What’s up with you?”And then Carrie’s eyes widened, as though she’d put the last puzzle piece into place.“You’re nervous about meeting Brad’s mother, aren’t you?”
Guilty as charged.Abby nodded her head.“I don’t know what I’ll do if she hates me.”
“She isn’t going to hate you.”
“How do you know?”
“Because no one hates you.It’s impossible.You are sweet, generous, and thoughtful.”Carrie gestured to the decorated room.“All you have to do is look around this place to know that your heart is as big as Bayberry.”
At last, Abby smiled.“What would I ever do without friends like you?”
“You’ll never have to find out.”Carrie glanced past her.“I’ll, um, just go check the kitchen.”
Before she could ask why Carrie was making a quick exit, she heard the door open behind her.She turned to see Brad enter.Her heart started to thump in her chest.He was here.At last.
She did a quick glance around to see if his mother was with him.When she realized the coast was clear, and they were alone, she took quick strides toward him.
“I was starting to worry you were going to miss the party.”She smiled at him.She was so happy to see him.He’d never looked more handsome in his black leather coat, a light-blue collared shirt, dark jeans, and dark laced navy-blue shoes.
“I would never miss this.”He swept her into his very capable arms.The next thing she knew, his lips were claiming hers.
The breath caught in her lungs.She hadn’t forgotten what a good kisser he was.And if there wasn’t a party...
As the kiss deepened, she lost track of her thoughts.He held her close as her arms wrapped around his neck.She didn’t know it was possible to miss someone this much.
