Chapter 23
“This is so beautiful,” Reese gushed, as she and Garrett walked into Caden and Hallie’s backyard. Strings of lights hung along the lower branches of the trees that lined the property, and dozens of tiki torches were lit along the creek. Floating candles in shallow bowls were set up as a centerpiece on a large table covered with a white tablecloth, and there were several more place settings than Reese remembered there being at Garrett’s a few weeks ago. The sun was setting, leaving behind trails of pink and purple clouds in a creamy blue sky. There was a magical feeling in the air. “Did Caden mention if this was a special occasion when he texted you?”
“No,” Garrett said, sounding just as confused as Reese felt.
“Dang,” Blake said, coming up behind them with Skyla. “What’s the occasion and were we supposed to bring something?”
“Hallie just said to come over for a barbeque,” Skyla said, then her hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened.
“What is it?” Blake asked.
“I think I know what this is,” she squealed. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I can’t believe they pulled it off.”
“Pulled what off?” Reese asked.
“Oh, good, you guys made it,” Caden said, stepping out of the back door. “Come on in, have a seat anywhere really,” He wore light colored slacks, a white button-down shirt, and nice dressshoes. He was definitely over dressed for a casual barbeque with friends.
“What is going on here?” Garrett asked his friend with no heat. “Is Skyla right? Are you getting married?”
Caden tried and failed to hide the huge grin on his face even if he had wanted to. “I guess the cat’s out of the bag. Now get in here and make yourselves at home. We’ll get started as soon as Hallie is ready.” He turned and went back in the house, leaving everyone stunned.
Reese turned to Skyla. “Did you know they were planning this for tonight?”
“No,” Skyla said. “I mean, she’d mentioned a few weeks ago that they were talking about doing something casual and maybe making it more of a surprise kind of thing, but I had no idea it was tonight. I would’ve brought something; I mean besides booze.”
Reese laughed. “We’ll have to get together and get them something big and super special.”
“Absolutely,” Skyla agreed. “I wonder where Orly is. I saw Luke’s truck parked out front.”
“Aren’t Orly and Hallie like best friends?” Reese asked. “I bet she got here earlier and is helping Hallie get ready.”
Skyla smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. “I can’t believe they’re really doing it.” She took off toward the back door, Blake following behind her, leaving Reese standing with Garrett.
“I think we might have a few minutes,” Garrett said. “Want to take a walk with me along the creek? There’s a path so we won’t get our shoes dirty.”
The fresh air and the sound of the trickling creek was even more inviting now that Garrett had mentioned it. “Sure, I’d love to.”
Garrett led the way to the creek, holding her hand and giving it a small squeeze as they meandered the path through taller grass.
“I’m glad you told me to wear this shirt,” Garrett admitted with a smile. “I was just planning to wear a t-shirt to be honest.”
Reese adjusted the collar on his button down. “I don’t think Caden and Hallie cared what we wore. They just wanted us here. No fuss. No muss.”
Garrett shook his head. “Those two are amazing. You know their second date was a party at my house for Luke and Orly who’d just gotten married?”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” Garrett nodded. “After everything those two have been through, I guess I’m not surprised they didn’t want to wait or make this into a big deal. They know what’s important in life. As long as they have each other, and their friends and loved ones, what more do they need?”
Reese smiled and nibbled her lip. She was happy for Hallie and Caden, but she wanted that same kind of love for herself. “Garrett?”
“Yeah,” he said absently, looking out over the creek as a bird flew by. There was still no sign of the bride and groom. Reese didn’t think she’d get another opportunity like this tonight, so she took a deep breath, and braced herself for what she was about to do.
She had no idea what to expect, but she hoped it would be alright. She could wait another day or two, but there really was no point. She was ready to look Garrett in the eye. To really see him and to let him see her. She wanted to do it. And tonight, surrounded by their friends felt like the perfect time.
In a way, this was just the first step in showing Garrett that what they shared was more than just a series of fleeting moments and incredible sex. He meant so much more to her.
She placed a hand on his cheek, and he leaned into her touch like he always did. Then his gaze met hers, but instead of averting her eyes, she held his gaze.
