“Thank you, friend.” I sip the last of mydrink.
“You are welcome, friend.”
“That may be true.” Cole takes my glassfrom me, sitting it on the table. “But what is also true is that the two of youare intoxicated.”
“I do enjoy drunk Kate.” Laura smiles,finishing her own drink.
“You know what? I enjoy her too.” I nod.Oh, I am drunk. I just referred to myself in the third person. “She says whatshe thinks, without thinking.”
“Hey, that was catchy.” Laura snorts.
“I know, huh?” A server comes up to ourtable: she has short shorts on and a tank top that says Nightlifer on it. I doa double take and nearly fall off Cole’s lap onto the floor.
“Is everything all right?” She looks atme, concerned.
“Um—yeah, I’m good. I thought you weresomeone else for a minute.”
“Oh yeah? Someone famous?” The serverbeams at me.
I shake my head. “Someone who used towork here.” I’m not exactly sure what would happen if it was Tandy who had beenstanding in front of me.
“Oh, darn.” She smiles. “Can I getanybody anything else?”
“Yes.” Both Laura and I raise our hands.
“No way.” Cole puts my hand down.
“No more, okay?” Race sits Laura backinto the crook of his shoulder.
“Party pooper.” I slump back onto hislap.
“How about some water?”
“I’d rather have a soda.” I glance atCole.
“Water and diet soda.” The server nodsand then leaves.
“What is going to happen tomorrow?” Coopasks, spinning his empty glass in his hand.
“We are going to get on a plane and go toCrystal Falls and say I do…again,and then go on a honeymoon to Hawaii.”
“Wait, what? How, did you find out aboutHawaii?” Cole muses, squeezing my thigh.
“My mom.” It’s not technically true sinceLaura blurted it out accidentally, but the information originated with mymother. She’s not here, so I can blame her.
“I didn’t tell your mom…” He curses underhis breath. “I did mention it in passing.”
“That’s all good, but I mean all the inbetween?” Cooper looks at me, annoyed.
“I don’t know. All I know is thateveryone is staying at the Hilton, and that the ring ceremony is at fiveSaturday evening with the reception to follow. Other than that, you’re on yourown. Sorry Coop.” I playfully slug him in the arm.
“I think Kate’s dad has something plannedtomorrow night.” Laura yawns, resting her head against Race’s shoulder.
“What time is it?” I lift Cole’s arms,turning his wrist. “Holy crap, it’s almost two in the morning. No wonder I feellike toothpicks are holding my eyes open.”
“Should we call it a night?” The tablemutters a round of yesses.
Cole helps me stand up, but I’m done withthe heels. I try to bend over to take them off, but Cole grabs my waist,hoisting me in the air. “Oh Cole, don’t do that, that’s making the room spin.”
