I hadn’t expected his words to stick with me. To be fair, I hadn’t expected any of my conversation with Preston to stick with me. But it had. He’d been so easy to talk to.
Too easy.
And those words had been echoing in my head at the worst possible times ever since.
Why had I told him those things?
I shook my head, annoyed with myself as I shoved the wedding task list away again and reached for my phone.
A text thread blinked at the top of the screen.
Committee Group Chat
Tilley:
Important announcement! I’ve decided our next step is NOT sitting in a room. Thoughts??
Chase:
You had me at “not sitting.”
Becky:
Does this involve another hike? Because Mason would love to come.
Jess:
I’m in favor of hiking.
A few seconds passed before another message popped up.
Preston:
There’s a loop off Alder Ridge we didn’t cover. Different terrain. Less traffic.
My lips curved before I could stop it.
Jess:
That works. Maybe a week or two from now?
Chase:
Put it on a weekend, and I’m there.
Becky:
Same. As long as it’s not at dawn.
Tilley:
Perfect! A hike it is! I’ll bring snacks.
Chase:
If you bring that trail mix again, I’m feeding itto the squirrels.
Tilley:
