“Go, get a run in, we’ll be fine,” Gray insists.
I nod and head down to change quickly before walking out to the trail, where I start stretching and then run around the trail loop. It’s not far, but far enough that I get in my zone for a few minutes. By the time I make it back to the bench, I’m feeling better.
I notice Al sitting there, and I walk over to say hello.
He smiles up at me. “You ready for tonight?” he asks.
I nod, but I must not look convincing because Al pats the bench. “Have a seat, kid,” he says as he scoots over to give me space.
I sit, and we stare out at the stream. Cliff is apparently sleeping because she’s nowhere to be seen. The flowers sit on the bench between us.
“Edith loved starting her day here,” he says with a smile.
I return his sad smile with one of my own. I miss that lady. She was one of a kind.
“I remember,” I say. We sit in comfortable silence as I let my breathing go back to normal after my run.
“Were you nervous to ask Edith to marry you?” I inquire as I glance over at him.
He chuckles. “Hell yes, I was. My hands were sweating, but I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. So, I reached way down and mustered all my bravery. When she said yes…well, it made me the happiest man in the world,” he says with another sad smile before patting my leg.
“You’ll do great. Carly and Ava love you, and we all know Ava is one hundred percent on board with this idea,” he adds.
“Thanks. I…well, it just all feels rushed. Like we’ve been idling at a light, and now it turned green, and I’m barreling down a highway going as fast as the car can go,” I try to explain.
“That’s love for you. Sometimes it sneaks up on us and then sends us soaring in the same instance,” he says as he goes to stand. “I’m going to go get the bar ready. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Al?” I say as he starts to walk away.
He turns to look back at me.
“You really think she’ll say yes?” I ask.
“Yeah, kid, I do. Good luck up there. I’m glad we all get to be a part of it,” he says with a genuine smile; this time it reaches his eyes.
I nod and sit there as I contemplate what comes next. I can’t believe I’m about to propose.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Carly
“Ava! It’s almost time for happy hour!” I call out as I change into a dress. Al sent out a message that he wants to try a themed happy hour tonight. So, I’m dressed up like I’m going to a formal summer party in the Hamptons.
Ava comes out of her room and twirls her dress. “Mommy? Can I go help Mr. Al set up?”
I look at the time. “Sure,” I say as she claps her hands and runs out the door. I finish putting on fresh makeup and give myself a once-over. I actually look good. I haven’t dressed up since Cam’s wedding five weeks ago. I look at my profile in the mirror and suck in my belly.
I’ve known for ten days. And I haven’t told a soul. I know I need to tell Bray, but I’m terrified. This is all happening so fast. We haven’t even discussed where our relationship goes from here and now…I’m pregnant.
Even my doctor was shocked that it could happen. Happy, but shocked.
Ava is going to go crazy when she finds out. She’s been bugging me for a sibling for about as long as she’s been talking.
I cradle the belly that’s just starting to grow. It’s not obvious to anyone yet, but it will be soon.
“OK, little one, let’s find a way not to drink this week,” I say. Last week, I used the excuse that I had a migraine to get out of happy hour, but if I do that again, people will start to get suspicious.
I slowly make my way up to the rooftop. Al pushed back our start time a little, so the sky is beginning to light up with colors. That should make for a pretty evening.
