I’m startled by a tap on the window, andthen Cole opens the door. “Scoot over, Cookie.” I scoot down the bench seat andhe crawls behind the driver’s seat. “Dang, this car is enormous.” He looks inthe back. “Wanna do it in the back seat?” I sniffle but manage a smile. Hemoves closer to me, pulling me to him. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Kate, it’s not nothing if it’s makingyou cry. Is it because everyone saw you driving this car?”
“What? No. Why would you say that?”
Cole shrugs. “That’s what your mom said.”
“I’ll admit it’s embarrassing drivingthis blue beast in front of all the guys and Olivia, but I really don’t mind.”
“So why the tears?”
“Well…” Tears well up in my eyes again.“It’s just on the way here, I realized that I probably won’t ever drive thiscar again, and that I’m not going to live in Crystal Falls or my houseanymore.”
Cole rubs a hand up and down my back.“Oh, baby.”
“I know it’s stupid. I got a littlenostalgic. My life is with you, and I’m excited about it.”
“I really do want to make love to you inthat back seat.” He runs his lips along my neck and jaw. I shiver withpleasure. “I’m sorry you’re feeling bad about leaving. Let me make it up toyou.”
“In the back seat?”
“Hell yes.” He growls, nipping at mybottom lip.
“Promise?”
“Oh god, I promise, I cross my…thatneedle in my eye—however that saying goes.”
I laugh.
“Better?” He wipes the tears from undermy eyes.
“I’m better.”
“We better go then, everyone’s waiting forus.” I check my face and apply a little makeup to hide the streaks. Cole helpsme out of the car, and we meander hand in hand up to the vineyard farm house.Everyone seems to have dispersed from the front yard. We walk around back intothe garden. Annie is pouring champagne for everyone. Oh yes please. But whenshe hands me a glass, my stomach rolls with nausea. I try taking a sip, butthat just makes my stomach worse.
“Not thirsty?” Cole whispers.
“No, I’m not.”
“Your attention, everyone.” My mother standson a chair so everyone can see her. The garden quiets down. “Thank you,everyone, for coming. We will keep this short, just a run through of what willhappen tomorrow evening, so we aren’t all running around like chickens with ourheads cut off.” Everyone is gracious, giving a light laugh. “I just wanted tostart us off with a small toast.”
I tense, I have no idea what my mother isgoing to say. Cole puts an arm around me, and I snuggle against my favoritespot, feeling at ease. “I wanted to say a few words as the mother of the bride.I’m so proud of Kate and the choices that she has made in her life. She’salways been cautious and smart about the decisions she’s made. So when myeldest son Ben called and told us that Kate had eloped in Las Vegas, I couldn’tbelieve it. That isn’t my Kate.”
Oh no, what is she getting at? This ismaking both Cole and I look bad. He must feel my anxiety because he tightenshis hold around me, giving me one of his beautiful smiles.
“But then I met Coulter Holt, Kate’s newhusband, and I understood. It isn’t often in life that one is blessed with alove like Kate and Cole. I’m so happy for my beautiful daughter and for her,Cole. To Kate and Cole.” I swipe the single tear that’s escaped down my cheekand take another sip of champagne; it tastes better. I decide if I’m going tomake it through tonight. I need another and I drain my glass.
Cole takes my glass from me, giving methat look. “No more for you, Cookie.”
My mother directs people on what to doand where to go and before I know it, I’m standing next to my dad, waiting towalk down the aisle.
“Hey Dad, are you surviving?”
He gives me a half grin. “Yes, and no. Iwant this damned event to be over but I’m excited to share in your day Katie.”
“Amen.” My dad gives me a one-sided hugand we laugh.
