My time with the brunch crowd is over.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
MORGAN
Ava’s bridal party chatters, several rising to greet Mrs. Pax, but all I can focus on is the beautiful boy—smiling at me and reclining against my car across the decorative fence separating us brunch-goers from the parking lot. My pulse has picked up into high gear.
Tonya slides down a few seats and nudges my arm. “Is that Leo? He’s yummy.”
I nod, not trusting my voice.
“I’m surprised he came.” Ava flicks my hand. “Did you know he would be here?”
Leo smiles even wider, enjoying our attention.
“No.” My insides are ajumble. “We talked yesterday, but he didn’t mention it.”
What will my parents think about him being here?
What do I think?
What will Will think?
I shift in my seat. Will’s no longer where he stood only a moment ago. He’s pushing through the patio gate.
I open my mouth to call him back, but what would I say?
The maid of honor whispers, “Things. Just. Got. Interesting.”
I sigh. “I don’t know about interesting. But complicated.”
Ava lets out a low whistle. “Oh, it’s interesting. That’s for sure.” She grabs her phone. “I have to text Hudson.”
“Don’t.” I grip her hand, stilling her. “Please. Besides, you promised you wouldn’t communicate today until you see each other at the altar.”
“Fine.” She huffs and clatters her phone to the wooden tabletop. “But guess what we’re going to whisper about while the minister is talking.” She flashes a devious smile, and Tonya laughs.
“Ava,” I scold.
“I’m kidding, of course.”
Fran stands and taps her knife against her third mimosa. “Ladies, ladies, can I have your attention.”
Tonya returns to her seat, as do the other ladies who had begun milling about the patio.
Once Fran has waited a beat too long, ensuring she has every eye upon her, she continues. “This morning, we celebrate my dear Ava. What a glorious time for all those who love her to gather together.”
A general murmur of ascent rises.
Fran gestured toward her daughter. “Ava, dear, would you, first, like to say a few words to your guests? And then perhaps tell them some of your love story.”
Ava stands, gripping her napkin. My poor friend wasn’t expecting this. Fran waves her to the front, jittery with excitement. Only someone truly oblivious to the inner workings of an introvert would put one on the spot like this. If there’s any word that describes Fran, it’s oblivious.
Here at this table, we’re all friends and family, and though her cheeks are flushed, Ava moves to the head of the table and speaks with quiet confidence.
“I want to thank all of you for joining us today and some of you for the entire weekend. I’m so honored you have taken the time to travel to this lovely, albeit remote spot in Oklahoma that means so much to Hudson and his family and now to me as well.”
Leo has moved on, and the pale-blue stain reflects the sunlight.
