“Thank you.” Lacey’s lips twitched. “I still say Rex and you would be perfect for each other. We all thought there might be something there since he stayed back in Charleston for a bit, but I guess we just had romance in our eyes.”
Everything in Monica fought not to take spit out her tea. “Rex and I are friends that go back years. You know me. I like my independence almost as much as he does.”
“I know, but I can’t help but think you’d be a great cousin-in-law.”
Monica needed to change the conversation and fast because she found herself wanting to confide everything to Lacey. “I quit my job.”
“No way, I thought you loved it?” Lacey’s brows knit with confusion.
“I’m going back to school. Being injured gave me a lot of time to think, and I decided I want to help kids before they ever become the bad guys I worked against.”
Picking up a mushroom, Lacey smiled her approval. “That sounds ideal for you.”
“Changing careers is scary, but I’m confident it’s the right decision. Besides, I am going to have a little niece soon, and my sister wants me around to see her grow up.”
“Aww, I love babies. When is she due?”
“Right after Thanksgiving.”
“How perfect!” Lacey had the glow and mentality of all pregnant woman who are excited for the arrival of her little one, and much like Carrie, she felt the need to discuss every aspect of pregnancy and each article of clothing already bought for the little one.
Monica didn’t mind—she enjoyed sharing their enthusiasm—and now that she allowed herself to be involved with someone, she no longer felt the pangs of loneliness that once haunt her at the mention of a growing family.
An hour later, Lacey reached for her purse. “I hate to leave so soon, but I have a doctor’s appointment. Could you come for dinner tonight? I’d love for you to be in my wedding.”
“Wedding?” Confused, Monica raised her brows.
“After everything that happened in Charleston, we decided to renew our vows.”
“That’s so sweet.”
Lacey rubbed her belly. “I’ll be huge so we’re keeping it lowkey, but I still can’t wait.”
“You could never be huge, and even if you managed that, you’d still be beautiful.”
“But you’ll be in my wedding?”
“Of course.” She took several bills from her purse and left them on the table.”
“I’m so glad you called.” Lacey reached in for another hug.
“Good luck at your appointment. and I’ll call you later, I promise.”
“You better.”
Monica left refreshed after the time with Lacey. She drove to Rex’s and took Chance for a walk while waiting for Rex to come home. When she heard his truck, she ran to the porch to greet him, excited to share her day.
“Guess what?” The words spilled from her before Rex could get inside. “I had lunch with Lacey today, and she asked me to be a bridesmaid for her vow renewal. She invited me over Friday afternoon to meet with the wedding planner and asked me to stay for dinner. Do you mind if I go?”
His mouth curved to an amused grin. “I think we’re being set up. Tom called me half an hour ago and invited me to dinner Friday night.”
“Those little sneaks.” She wrinkled her nose before joining in Rex’s laughter. “Lacey told me she thought we would be good together.”
A gleam sparkled in his eyes. “There’s no denying that. I happen to think we are very good together.”
She slid an arm through his. “I agree.”
“Maybe we should just tell everyone,” Rex suggested, pulling her into his side.
