CHAPTER 29
ZINA
The next fewweeks flashed by in a haze of wedding preparations, rehabilitating the puppy mill dogs, and spending as much time as possible with Alex. Bodie was certain the dog-fighting ring had moved out of town, so he’d given me the go-ahead to move back into my place. But Alex insisted I stay at the Phillips House with him. He used all kinds of logical reasoning to make his point: it was closer to where the dogs were staying, I could help with the wedding, and the most convincing argument of all . . . it would give us more time to be together.
It didn’t seem fair for one person to have so much happiness, but I was trying hard to enjoy it. I’d been dreading the upcoming wedding not only because of all the work, but because of what it represented. But now, based on what Alex said, it was no longer a looming date signaling the end of whatever had been growing between us, just a milestone marking the end of his job with the penguins and when he’d have to start looking for something else that would keep him nearby.
I didn’t know what kind of opportunity he might be able to find or how far he might have to go from Ido. But he seemed committed to sticking around and that was good enough for me.
“You ready for this afternoon?” Lacey fluffed the pillow behind her and sat up straighter.
I’d stopped by to get last-minute instructions for the wedding weekend. Poor Lacey. The biggest event Ido had ever hosted and the woman who’d made it all possible was stuck in bed. She was her own worst enemy, though, since she kept pushing herself too hard and ending up right back on bed rest.
“We’ve gone over it at least a dozen times. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” I took the folder Lacey held out to me. “What’s this?”
“I took the liberty of doing a little research on all of the members of the wedding party. Those are just some helpful hints. You know, like the bride’s mother prefers her cosmos with a twist of orange instead of lemon. Little things that will make a difference.”
“You cyberstalked the Munyon family?”
“No, I did the groom’s family, too. His grandma is allergic to hairy caterpillars, so I’ve asked your brother to do a sweep of the tents before everyone arrives.”
I shook my head. “How long did it take you to pull this together?”
Lacey waved her hands. “What else am I supposed to do? Between you and Bodie I’ve barely been allowed to walk to the bathroom. I’m bored out of my mind.”
“I’ll pass the info along. I’m sure everyone will find it extremely helpful.” I tucked the folder into my bag. “Anything else you need to fill me in on?”
Lacey shook her head. “Nope. Just be nice. I know you’re not one hundred percent on board with the whole wedding destination thing. Try not to piss anyone off, okay?”
“Piss anyone off? What exactly do you think I’m going to do out there?” I pressed a hand to my heart in mock offense.
“Nothing.” Lacey reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’re just not as warm and fuzzy as . . .”
“As you?” That was the gospel truth. And thank God for that. I could tell by the way Lacey’s shoulders drooped that I’d hit the proverbial nail on the head.
“You know I love you, Z. Just channel your soft side. These people are going to be demanding and probably push every hot button you’ve got. I’m just asking you to keep the needs of Ido in mind before you fly off the handle because of some stupid request.”
I could appreciate her concern. Lacey had always been the mushy, gushy one. I was more calculating, a lot less enthusiastic, and had a history of dissing people who came up with outlandish expectations.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be so accommodating they won’t know what hit them.”
Lacey smiled but her brows drew together, showing she didn’t fully believe the promise.
“What now?” I pulled my hand away and picked up my bag. “Make it quick. I’ve got to get over to the Phillips House to make sure they’ve got those garlands installed just like you wanted.”
“Nothing. I know you’ll be great. Just . . .”
“What?”
“Thanks.” Lacey wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. The pregnancy hormones must have been jacking with her emotions. Even as the emotional one in our relationship, she was rarely reduced to tears.
“Oh, honey, you’re welcome.” I perched on the edge of the bed and pulled my bestie in for a gentle hug. “We’ll get through this weekend and then you can stop worrying about everything and focus all of your attention on growing that baby.”
“You’re the best. And I know you’re not the hard-ass you pretend to be. At least not so much now that you’ve got a certain birdman in your life.”
“Do not call him a birdman. That strips away any kind of attractiveness.”
“It’s true though. Alex said he might be sticking around for a while, maybe even for good?”
