“Not much,” he said, his tone casual. “Got a bit of a problem, though.”
Carole’s chest tightened, wondering what was wrong. “What’s happened?”
“I’m supposed to be at a wedding today, but I really need a plus-one to come with me. Don’t suppose you’re free to tag along?”
The sudden anxiety vanished and Carole smiled. “Maybe. What’s in it for me?”
“Dinner and drinks at the reception to start with. Maybe a spin on the dance floor, too, if you’re into that sort of thing.”
“I could be persuaded.”
“Good. Can you get here in the next hour?”
“Okay. I might not have time to get changed into something decent, though.”
Tom laughed and the sound of it made Carole’s heart soar. “Whatever you’re already wearing is probably fine.”
Now she was the one laughing, because she knew Tom understood she was already in her wedding dress. She loved how he always knew what to say to make her laugh, make her smile, make her love him more than she already did.
“I can’t wait to see you,” Tom said, his voice tender now.
“Me too.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Me, you, and our little secret wedding guest,” Tom said. “That’s all we need to make today perfect.”
Carole’s hand touched her stomach again and smiled.Our little secret wedding guest. Our little baby. Our very own wedding plus-one.
They said goodbye and hung up. Outside the window, Carole saw her sister returning from her errand to their parents’ house, saw the wedding limousine pull up outside the house and park on the street, and felt the glorious rush of the wedding day coming at her at full speed.
With a soft sigh of happiness, she let the rush hit her and sweep her away.
