“What? Why?” Becca asked.
“Yeah, it has that hot guy in it playing the lead,” Mac said diplomatically. “What’s his name?”
“Dorian Masters,” Chloe supplied.
“Yesss,” Candace said. “Heishot. Come on, Joanie. It’ll be fun.”
Her sister rolled her eyes. “I do not have time for some pretty-boy movie star who’s just going to ruin one of the greatest romance heroes of all time.”
Larry and Mac booed while Becca tried her best to cajole Joan into going.
Eventually, Candace drew our attention her way again. “Okay, two more announcements.” Then she seemed to hesitate before a huge grin took over her face. We all quieted and waited expectantly. “Mark proposed! We’re getting married in December at the orchard. We don’t want to wait.”
Our group erupted again with well-wishes and delight. Larry hooted when Candace showed us the ring, which she was wearing on a chain around her neck until it could be sized. Becca was teary with happiness. Joan had a soft expression on her face while she watched her sister. And I was so very glad for my friend.
Candace and Mark Mercer were going to be ridiculously happy together.
More champagne arrived, and we toasted the happy couple.
I didn’t really hear Candace’s second announcement because I got distracted. I watched as Chloe clinked her glass with everyone before placing the flute down on the table without taking a drink. I frowned as she gave Larry, who was seated beside her, a gentle nudge with her elbow. The other woman reached out, quick as a flash, and snagged the glass before downing the contents. She gave Chloe a subtle wink as she put the empty flute back in front of her. Chloe returned the gesture with a grateful smile.
I forced my gaze away before anyone realized. It wasn’t my intention to make Chloe feel awkward or obligated to share if she wasn’t ready. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe Chloe wasn’t pregnant, but it was the first thing that came to mind after witnessing her behavior. I couldn’t remember seeing her drink anything besides water tonight, come to think of it.
If my suspicions were true, she and Jordan would be amazing parents. And I was happy for my friend.
So I couldn’t figure out why the knowledge settled like a stone in my chest. Excited chatter continued around the table, but I couldn’t focus. It seemed that so much was changing. Our little group was evolving. Larry was dating someone seriously for the first time in her life. Mac and Brady were nearly inseparable. Now, Candace and Mercer were getting married. From the looks of things, a baby would be on the way soon for Jordan and Chloe.
And I’d changed too, hadn’t I?
I was divorced and starting over.
For so long, I’d been the only one of my friends in a committed relationship. I’d assumed the role of married woman. Being the responsible one, arranging events, giving advice, and planning celebrations.
Now I was single again, and miles away from where I expected to be at this point in my life. So far away, in fact, that I felt like I was going backward instead of forward.
“I’m going to get some more drinks,” I said, standing abruptly.
I didn’t even wait for anyone to respond. I just walked to the bar, eager for an escape and overwhelmed by my conflicting emotions.
I jolted when a hand reached for my elbow.
“Sorry!” Candace said immediately. “You took off so fast. I wanted to ask if you’d like to be a bridesmaid, but ...” She wavered, and I hated myself a little more for making my friend feel the need to hesitate, to ration her happiness because I was such a damn mess. “I was worried. I didn’t want you to feel weird or obligated.”
“Of course I’ll be a bridesmaid,” I gushed, so touched and honored that she wanted me by her side on her big day. “It’s not weird, and I would never feel obligated. You and Mercer deserve to be happy, and I want to be there to celebrate with you,” I told her honestly as I reached out and pulled her into a fierce hug. “You’re going to be the most beautiful bride. I can already see it.”
Candace leaned back, eyes shining with happiness. “Thanks, Bonnie. And thanks for saying yes.”
Emotion threatened. I smiled, grateful that my friend had found someone so worthy of her love. Mercer was a good man. She was safe with him. Safe to build a life together, a marriage and a family. Something that would last.
She squeezed my arm gently before heading back the way she’d come.
I took a deep breath and faced the bar, telling myself to put one foot in front of the other.
I hated feeling like this. It was weak and pathetic to be . . . I didn’t even want to think the word.
Jealous.
I was jealous of my friends—people I loved.
