“You just found out we were dating! We haven’t even set a wedding date and you already have us married with babies. And you wonder why I didn’t want to tell you sooner?”
Her jaw dropped. “Ohmigod, you’ve talked about setting a wedding date? Is that why Joel wanted to talk to your dad… to ask his permission to propose?”
I loved that even though we weren’t getting married for real, Joel was still considerate and respectful enough to ask my dad for my hand. He was a traditional guy and would appreciate that Joel had made the effort.
I raised a finger to my lips. “Mom, calm down. Deep breaths.”
She leaned forward, squeezing my knee. “Just tell me, is he going to propose? Have you two talked about getting married?”
It was pointless to try and keep it from her, since my father would be in on it, and I’d be making it public knowledge on social media soon. My mother would never forgive me if she learned I was engaged via Facebook.
“We went ring shopping this afternoon.”
She squealed, stomping her sandaled feet against the patio stones. “I knew it! I just knew you two would end up together! Let me see the ring!”
“For Heaven’s sake,” I muttered, picking up the purse at my feet. “Would you settle down, Mom? Think of your blood pressure.”
She snorted. “There’s nothing wrong with my blood pressure and you know it.”
I unzipped the side pocket where I’d carefully stowed the ring in its velvet box and passed it to her. “I didn’t want to wear it in front of you guys until Joel had a chance to talk to Dad.”
Her eyes widened and she ooed and aahed before passing it back to me. “It’s gorgeous, honey. Try it on, just so I can see how pretty it looks on you.”
I glanced in the direction of the garage to make sure we were still alone. My dad wouldn’t appreciate knowing I had a ring before Joel asked for his blessing.
Slipping the ring on, I tried to ignore the little flutter in my belly. It was stunning, and it felt so right on my hand. I knew it would be hard to take it off once our little charade was over.
She held my hand, her eyes swimming with tears. “It’s perfect on you. Not too big or flashy. Something like that would never have suited you.”
It seemed big and flashy to me, but who was I to argue? Her tears of joy made me feel even worse about our ruse, but if we let my parents in on our plan, they would try to talk us out of it, and I couldn’t risk that.
“I think it’s perfect too.” I stifled a sigh, thinking it’s exactly the kind of ring I would have chosen if I were getting engaged for real.
“So,” my mom said, clapping her hands as I slipped the ring back in my purse. “What about the wedding? What do you two have planned?”
“Nothing’s set in stone, but we’d like to do it soon.”
Her gaze fell to my stomach. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”
I tipped my face up to the sky, trying to rein in my frustration. “Mom, I just told you we weren’t having babies anytime soon.”
“I know what you said, but why else would you be in such a hurry to get married?” She raised her hand. “Not that I think it’s a bad idea, mind you. You’re not getting any younger and you know what they say, having a baby after thirty-five can be a bit more challenging.”
That’s why I loved my mother. She always pointed out all the things I’d rather forget.
“So, you’re thinking this summer then?”
I nodded before taking a sip of my iced coffee. “Yeah, we’re going to do it at Joel’s place. Outdoors, maybe with a barn contingency, if we can get it fixed up in time.”
“Ohh, yes, those barn weddings can be lovely, can’t they? Rustic, but beautiful. I’ve seen pictures online.” She tapped her fingertip against her lips. “In fact, Madelyn Conner got married that way last year. Remember her? Her parents lived just down the road from us when you kids were teens?”
I remembered Madelyn. She’d always had a thing for Joel. I was happy to hear she’d finally tied the knot, and I didn’t want to analyze what that said about me and my feelings for one of my best friends.
My mother didn’t wait for a response before she rushed on. “Her parents still go to our church, whenever they feel like it, of course.” She sniffed. “And her mother showed me pictures from the wedding at the last service. It really was beautiful.”
Joel’s place would be the perfect wedding venue. He could make a fortune if he wanted to renovate the barn and rent it out, but I’d already pitched that idea and he shut me down. It wasn’t like he needed the money, but our little town was seriously lacking in venue options so he’d be doing the locals a favor if he set up a business like that.
“We have our work cut out for us, if we want to get the place ready in a month or so, but—”
