“I’ve only met him twice, but he’s a down-to-earth, all around nice guy. Kate knows him much better than I do and has nothing but good things to say about him.”
“At least I’ll get to thank him in person for the prayers and funeral.” The mention of Mike’s funeral didn’t strike her as hard as it normally would, didn’t make her want to crumble to pieces. “Kate said she’d hand-deliver a note, but in person is even better. I had sent a note to his management company, but you never know if the stars actually see them.”
Evan shrugged. “Probably not. I bet they have a full-time staffer in charge of handling fan mail.”
“Have you heard from Jared? I sent him a text earlier today and never heard back. That’s not like him.”
“He didn’t want to tell you his plans for tonight.” Evan frowned as he rounded a curve in the road.
“Why not?”
“A bunch of guys from the squadron are having a party tonight.” He darted his gaze at her before looking back at the road. “Not the ones we usually hang with.”
“Oh.” A disappointed sigh came out. “I’m assuming lots of alcohol will be involved?”
“Yes.”
“What happened to Wyoming? Wasn’t he supposed to be there until next week?”
“His full leave wasn’t approved. I thought he told you.” He parked along the curb in front of Kate’s house.
“Maybe he did, and I forgot.”
“Ready for a night of fun?” He cast her a wink. “Welcome to New Year’s Eve for boring adults.”
“Most people’s boring is my idea of fun.”
“Which is why I like you so much.” He leaned over, as if about to kiss her cheek, then pulled away.
What was that about?She walked beside him, taking deep breaths and praying she acted normal around Bryce. Now wouldn’t be the time to be star struck for the first time in her life. Unlike her sisters—who’d pierced her eardrums with their shrill screams when she told them who’d be at Kate’s tonight—she’d never even had a celebrity crush.
Kate opened the door. “Come on in. We’re hanging out in the living room.”
She led them through the house, which she’d given a tour of earlier in the week, to where the other three were. Janie recognized Luke, and then Bryce from magazine covers. Making a reasonable assumption, she guessed the other female was Sophie.
Everyone stood, and Kate made the introductions.
Sophie drew her into an embrace. “Kate’s told me all about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You, too.” She slinked back awkwardly. Everyone knew about her, but she knew little about them.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.” Bryce stepped forward and shook her hand.
“And you. Thank you for all you did last year.”
“It was the least I could do.” His eyes expressed sincere emotion. “I only wish there had been a better outcome.”
“Me, too, but I have to trust God will make it work for the good.”
“You can’t go wrong with that.” Bryce stepped back to stand beside his wife.
Janie immediately liked him and Sophie. Neither had an ounce of pretense or arrogance, and they both possessed a warm and welcoming demeanor.
“If you’re hungry, there’s tons of food in the kitchen.” Kate stepped that way. “That was a hint this pregnant lady wants food.”
Everyone laughed as they went to make plates of food.
Evan leaned over her shoulder and pointed to a small slow cooker. “You have to try that one. I found a recipe for artichoke fondue last night and made it while you were out earlier.”
