We continue to chat about mundane things like the wedding-day weather and surfing. Justin lets me know the family has several surfboards and wetsuits stored in the first-floor walk-out recreation space, and that I’m welcome to borrow any of them during our stay. I think I’m going to like this guy after all.
“Do y’all mind if I go freshen up? It’s been a long day of travel,” Keri says.
“Not at all. I need to change into something more comfortable myself,” Justin responds. He drains the rest of Roxy’s champagne and hands the empty glass back to her with a chuckle. “Sorry, I drank it all. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was.”
“No worries. There’s plenty more where that came from. I’ll grab us another bottle while you go and get comfortable.”
Justin stands and looks at his watch. “Hey, Babe! It’s the official kickoff to our wedding weekend. By this time forty-eight hours from now, we’ll be husband and wife.”
Roxy squeals with delight and catapults herself into his arms again. “I can’t believe it’s finally here!”
The room is filled with a hubbub of excitement before Justin and Keri exit to their separate rooms to change, leaving Roxy and me alone.
“Justin wanted to make reservations for dinner, but I talked him into having something delivered tonight since you’ve been traveling all day. I think a quiet night at home will be good for all of us,” she explains.
“You know me. I don’t need anything fancy. I’m good with whatever.” My smile is empathetic when I catch her eye. She seems to sense my confusion regarding her fiancé but doesn’t push. “I’m gonna go join Keri and unpack.”
“Take your time. I’ll be right here with more bubbly and appetizers when you come back down.”
I start toward the stairs.
“Adam?”
I stop and look over my shoulder. “Yeah?”
“I hope you know how much it means to us to have you and Keri here for our wedding.”
“I know how much it means to you. I’m not so sure about Mr. Nerdy-pants.”
She snort-laughs. “Adam! He’s a good guy, I promise.”
“I know. I’m just kidding.” I chuckle. “We’re glad to be here for your special day.”
Her eyes narrow. “He’s not as nerdy as you think. We’ll chat more later, okay?”
“Okay…Babe.”
She growls, and I laugh again. It feels like old times.
Chapter Sixteen
Keri
I know Adam is struggling, though he hides it from the others. Since we landed in California, he’s put on a brave face, clinging to me and using forced banter to distract his cousin as he battles a raw ache of grief. I stick close to him during dinner and afterward, on our private deck, stars shimmering above the restless ocean. He squeezes my hand tightly all evening, as if afraid to let go. I’m grateful for this refuge where he can let his feelings ebb and surge with the tide.
Adam told me the Dirk home suits me. That he could see me living in a grand house with magnificent views and enjoying champagne every day. The funny thing is, he’s not wrong. I used to dream about living in Atlanta in a professionally decorated townhome near my besties, Candace and April. I’d imagine landing a corporate job in upper management and being paid a ton of money for my expertise and people skills. I’d meet myfriends for brunch on the weekends or cocktails on a Friday night at the trendier bars, nothing like The Twisted Daisy back home. I’d buy expensive furnishings to fill my home without batting an eye and take decadent vacations to tropical climates. I truly believed I’d date powerful men and have a personal trainer.
But everything shifted after my father died and left me with a broken business and a crumbling farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. All my glittering dreams faded in the shadow of loss.
I’m not upset. I’ve realized I no longer need or want those things, because God’s plan is always better. Sometimes, He saves you from something because He’s saving you for something. Or for someone else.
And that someone is Adam.
I stretch across the king-sized bed, luxuriating in the softest sheets I’ve ever slept on. The smile on my face is unavoidable. My grin slips when I notice Adam isn’t beside me. I sit up and clutch the sheet to my chest, scanning the room for him. “Adam?”
No answer from the bathroom. Maybe he’s already downstairs making coffee? I grab the white guest robe from the bathroom door. Roxy suggested I use it and even take it home with me. I brush my teeth and smooth my hair. Today will be busy with Roxy’s bridal luncheon and the rehearsal dinner, but those are hours away. A few cups of coffee with Adam before our hosts wake up sounds perfect.
I shuffle to the French doors that open to our private balcony with panoramic views of the ocean. The saltwater breeze caresses my face as I pan the beach and spot Adam zipping up his borrowed wetsuit next to a long surfboard stamped into the shoreline. I smile, knowing he’s doing something he loves.
