“Me neither, but it’s been worth the wait.” She took a sip of her cider. “This is really nice.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
A couple walked by. “Y’all found the perfect spot to picnic,” the woman said.
“Thank you. I couldn’t agree more,” he called.
Another couple a few steps behind must’ve heard the comment. “We’re getting married in the Italian garden next summer,” the brunette woman said. “We just booked it.”
The woman who’d continued on along the path spun in delight and raced back to the woman. “You’re kidding. Congratulations. This is the most beautiful place for a wedding. Under the pergola?”
The bride-to-be squealed, bouncing with unbridled enthusiasm. “Yes! It’s been my dream since I was a little girl.”
“Congratulations,” Matthew yelled to her. “If I hadn’t exploded our bottle of sparkling cider, we’d celebrate with a cup with you.”
“It’s the thought that counts. Thanks!” The girl waved, hugging her fiancé’s arm and beaming as the two women continued to chat.
Whitney slipped her shoes off and wiggled her toes in the cool grass. “That’s sweet. They are so excited.”
“Pretty special,” he agreed.
“I wish I’d brought your list with us,” Whitney said. “I’m so curious about all the other things here now. I had no idea this place was so sprawling.”
“Does that mean you’re looking forward to coming back?”
“Definitely.” She leaned in, and the moment was quiet and special until all of a sudden someone shouted Whitney’s name.
“Whitney Winters!”
Whitney shot straight up. The brunette who just a moment ago had announced her upcoming wedding plans jogged up the path toward them.
“I thought that was you,” the woman said. “I hoped you’d still be here. It took me a minute to put your face and name together, and then it was there. How are you?”
It could’ve been her brain was still in almost-a-kiss heaven, but Whitney didn’t recognize the woman. She pushed her hair back behind her ear, a nervous habit, and hoped her memory would kick in. “Yes. Hi.”
“When we walked by I told Joey—Joey, I think that was my divorce attorney.”
Whitney wasn’t sure what to say. “Well, it seems things are going your way.”
“Yes. As I mentioned, we just booked the venue. This is my fiancé, Joey.”
“Hi. Nice to meet you.”
Joey looked embarrassed, and she felt for him. She was struggling with the moment as well. She glanced over at Matthew, who seemed to have already figured out she was clueless as to who the person was.
Matthew climbed to his feet and reached for Joey’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Whitney’s friend, Matthew. Congratulations.” They shook hands. “Who is your beautiful bride-to-be?”
Joey’s love for the woman was easy to see. “My fiancé, Brooke Daniels.”
“Nice to meet you, Brooke.” Matthew cast the tiniest side glance toward Whitney.
Whitney loved that he’d done that, and without a cue. “Brooke, that is so exciting. Congratulations.” Happiness overcame her, because the Brooke she remembered looked tired and not nearly as young and vibrant during her divorce, and that was a few years ago.
She hugged Joey’s arm tight. “I’ve never been this happy. I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“How long have you been together?” Whitney couldn’t help herself. The words slipped right off her tongue.
“Three years. We’ve been through all the seasons. I took my time, trusted the journey. Whitney, you were so much more than just a divorce attorney. I was in such a rotten place during that divorce. I don’t think I could’ve gotten through it without you.”
