He jumped up, high fiving the air. He was like a big kid, but he was such a great guy, and his enthusiasm was contagious.
“Have fun!”
He jogged off, and she figured Nora was already in her office, so she made her way back there, putting her focus back on work where it needed to be.
“Okay, now that no one’s around, how are you doing? Really. I can see that you’re smiling and you look happy, but I want to make sure that’s not just for show,” Kelsey began as they found a quiet spot to talk out by the firepit. Connor had set up an ice cream bar, so everyone was inside taking advantage of it.
“You’re sweet, and it’s not for show. I’m genuinely happy. So much that it kind of freaks me out.”
“That’s understandable. It’s been a long time since you’ve been in a good place—both mentally and physically.” She paused. “And Connor?”
“I know I said I wanted nothing to do with him, but apparently the heart wants what it wants,” she said with a serene smile. “Things have been really good. We just don’t get to have any real time alone because of the kids.” She shook her head. “That sounds terrible, right? Like I’m a terrible mom for complaining?”
“Lex, you’re not complaining. You’re stating a fact. And I imagine it’s frustrating when you’d like a grown-up night out once in a while.”
“We’re going to try to work on that after the wedding and the opening of the resort. There’s just so much going on in the next few weeks that it’s just crazy. But a good kind of crazy.” Reaching over, she playfully smacked Kelsey’s hand. “Enough about me, how are you? You must be so excited that your wedding is finally here!”
Her friend’s smile said it all—she was totally and blissfully in love. “I am. I feel like once the weekend is over, we can focus on the rest of our lives. We’ve been fixated on the wedding, even though it’s small, and we hardly talk about anything else. Well, except for the honeymoon. I’m very excited to get away for a week.”
“I can’t believe you opted to go on a road trip instead of to an all-inclusive resort,” she mused.
“To be fair, all our stops were the places I was originally thinking of moving to. Jayce thought it would be fun for us to experience them. You know, in case we decide to move.”
“I thought you loved Raleigh! And Jayce’s business is there.”
“Oh, I do, but we’ve talked about it and we just want to satisfy our curiosity. So we’re spending two days in Charleston, two days in Savannah, and then the rest of the time in Orlando.” She grinned. “And I’m planning on sending the kids some goodies from Disney World.”
“You don’t need to do that. It’s your honeymoon. Focus on the two of you.”
“Are you kidding? Jonah is my godson, and he needs some fun theme park mail.”
It was pointless to argue, so she didn’t.
“Did everything go okay with your meeting with the event staff today? We didn’t really get to talk about it over dinner.”
“It went great. Connor’s fantastic at what he does, and it’s kind of mind-blowing how we did all of this long distance while the resort was under construction, and now everything’s coming together. I love the little garden down by the lake, and I already know I want to take pictures there.”
Lexi nodded, loving that she knew what Jayce had planned.
“And the ceremony is going to be…?”
“Weather permitting, it’s going to be down by the gazebo on the north side of the lodge. Connor has a backup option where we do the ceremony in front of the fireplace in the lobby and then move everyone into the restaurant for the reception. Obviously, I’ve got my fingers crossed for sunshine, but I’m totally fine if we have to move inside.”
“You’ve got to be the most relaxed bride I’ve ever seen. Good for you!”
“Thanks. I think it’s because I just know this is what I want. It’s a small, intimate celebration with mostly Jayce’s family, and some of our closest friends. And I get to spend the rest of my life with the greatest guy in the entire world.” She sighed happily.
“Hey, Kelsey? They’re getting ready to put the ice cream away,” Jayce called out from the back stairs. “Why don’t you come in and have some?”
“Because I have a dress I need to look fabulous in!” she replied with a laugh.
“One little bowl of ice cream isn’t going to hurt,” Lexi whispered. “Besides, I think I’d like some too.”
They got to their feet and walked arm-in-arm toward the back stairs. “Or maybe you let Jayce and me hang out with Annabeth and Jonah for a little while so we can see which characters and movies they love while you and Connor sneak out for a little while. What do you think?”
The idea had merit.
“I’ll have to make sure Connor’s okay with it. I don’t know how involved he is with the cleanup tonight, so…”
