“I know.”
“So why do you sound like you’re about to throw up?”
I laughed, the sound a little hysterical. “Because it is huge. Because he’s giving up everything for me and what if I’m not worth it? What if he gets to Blue Point Bay and realizes he made a terrible mistake? What if…”
“Stop,” Wren interrupted. “You’re spiraling. That’s supposed to be my job.”
“I’m being realistic.”
“You’re being terrified, which is different.” She paused. “Leigh, listen to me. That man loves you. Like, really truly loves you. The kind of love that makes you willing to change your entire life.”
“That’s what scares me.”
“I know. But here’s the thing… he’s not doing this just for you. He’s doing it for himself too. From everything you’ve told me, he’s been stuck for years. Maintaining instead of living. This is his chance to build something that’s his. You’re just the catalyst.”
“So I’m not special?”
“You’re incredibly special, you idiot. I’m just saying that you’re not responsible for his happiness. He’s choosing this. For himself. You just happen to be the best part of that choice.”
I let that sink in. “When did you get so wise?”
“I’ve always been wise. You just usually ignore me.”
“True.”
We talked for another hour, about everything and nothing. About logistics, where he’d stay when he first arrived, how to find him a space for a garage, whether she should start looking for apartments for us and if we should even live together right away.
“Live together,” she said firmly.
“What if we’re moving too fast?”
“You’re literally asking him to change his entire life for you. I think sharing an apartment is pretty tame in comparison.”
She had a point.
Around four, I heard movement inside the house. Mom, probably, getting water or heading to the bathroom.
“I should go,” I said. “I need to at least try to sleep. Big day today.”
“Leigh?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m happy for you. Really, truly happy. And I can’t wait to meet this guy who loves you enough to turn his whole world upside down.”
“Thanks, Wren. For everything. For always being there. For not making me feel guilty about this.”
“Please. You’re my person. I want you to be happy, even if it means I have to share you with some mechanic from Kansas.”
“It’s not Kansas…”
“Close enough. Now go. Get some sleep. And text me tomorrow after the wedding. I want all the details.”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hung up and sat on the porch for a few more minutes, letting the quiet of the night wash over me.
