“I got in earlier this morning. The roads were terrible when I came up. I can only imagine how terrible they were by the time you came.”
“They are pretty bad right now.”
“I’m glad you made it safely,” he said.
She looked over at him as they rode the elevator back down to the lobby. He seemed sincere in his comment. That was the second time he had said it without sarcasm. Before she could askhim why, the elevator doors opened and Brent’s parents were standing outside.
“There you two are! We were just coming to look for you,” his mom said. “Hey, Candace! It’s so lovely to see you! We were worried you wouldn’t be able to make it.”
Jan pulled Candace into a hug and squeezed her tightly.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Candace said.
Rick and Jan were like her own parents, but she knew they would never be hers. Jessica would marry into a wonderful family with a set of amazing in-laws. Candace knew she would always be welcome in their house, but it was a little bittersweet that her sister was gaining a family, and she was technically losing a sister.
“There’s my girl. It’s so good to see you,” Rick said, pulling her into a hug next. Then he whispered into her ear. “I can’t have any of my girls getting hurt. We’re so happy you made it.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Shall we?” Jan pointed toward the restaurant. She took Rick’s arm, and they walked ahead as Candace and Brent followed behind. Brent held out his arm, but quickly dropped it when Candace ignored him.
The guy was acting weird. After their history together, the last thing she wanted to do was be chummy with him. But at every family gathering they both attended, he laid on the charm. She wanted to ask why. Maybe he felt bad for standing her up all those years ago.
If he did, he could just flat out say it. No, there had to be more to the story, but she vowed she wouldneverfall for his charm again.
