“We hate mystery woman,” she snorted.
“Yeah, we do. He’s mine,” I said before thinking. She stopped laughing and looked at me with a saucy expression I’d seen before.
“Seems like your fiancé is not theonlyone falling.” She tilted her head side to side with a smirk.
I scoffed. “Youknowhow I was raised. I don’t know anything about this. I’ve dated, but you know I’ve never been in love. I thought I might have been once or twice, but I was never able to make it work. What if I never feel that way about Mike?” I twisted my hands together nervously. She put hers over them to calm me down.
“Hey, you said you believe God is in this, so He will show you. Love is a beautiful thing that just blossoms without you doing anything. Before you know it, he’s all you think about, all you dream about. You want to be with him, and when you’re not, it’s like a piece of you is missing. Your feelings may not run as deep as his yet, but it’s obvious they’re there, amica. I wouldn’t let you go through with this if I didn’t think so.”
I nodded and changed the subject. “Okay, let’s get back to the dress. I was thinking something simple. We don’t have time to get a traditional gown, so I was thinking of a simple dress that hopefully we don’t need to get altered.”
Knowing me well, she went along with the diversion. “I agree. It’s in Sofia’s backyard, so no need for super fancy. I know you love bold colors, but are you thinking about white?”
I smiled. “Yeah, I think I am. You know, I was never one to have a bridal scrapbook or anything close to that, but ever since he asked me, I could see myself in white. What do you think?”
She nodded resolutely. “If the bride wants white, she’ll get white. And I know just the place to look for it. It has tons of dresses for different occasions. I bet we can find what you’re looking for there.”
“Vicky, I’m getting married,” I said dreamily, letting go of my fears and deciding instead to stay in my little happy bubble for a moment.
Chuckling, she answered, “You are. You’re moving to California and marrying a tall, dark, and handsome man. And you’re going to open a business with me someday and have little curly haired babies who surf and say things like ‘rad and dude.’”
We were both hysterical by that point. When we finally calmed down, I said, “This is what I dreamed of for my life. Laughter, friendship, plans, belonging.”
“I had no idea how lonely and unhappy you were. That’s my fault for missing it. I’m really sorry I haven’t been a good friend.”
I enveloped her hand in mine. “Nope, none of that talk, Victoria Austin. You have no idea what joy it brought me to see you find your happiness. You’ve been the best of friends. The absolute best. And knowing we get to do life together again? That’s more than I could’ve ever hoped for.”
“Then, let’s plan the sweetest backyard wedding San Diego has ever seen, yeah?”
“Let’s do it.”
Despite my objections,Papa wired me money to buy my dress and anything else we needed for the wedding later that day. He’d sent me a text saying how excited he was to meet Mike and see my new home. Mama was quiet but answered my calls or textswhen I reached out. I prayed that whatever I said in answer to her concerns would be enough to quell her reservations.
When Vicky left, I headed to the hospital. Grammy had been moved to a regular room and I’d promised Mike to visit her that afternoon.
Just as I was getting out of my car, I got a text from Mike. I smiled when I read it.
Mike: Thinking about you. What are you up to?
Me: Just got to the hospital. Was thinking about you too earlier.
Mike: Oh really?? Good things I hope. Like my handsome face or big muscles. Or maybe my swoony moves.
I laughed loudly, making a woman look up from her own phone with a grimace.
Me: Was thinking about your proposal. Not your face or anything else on you, Mr. Walker.
Mike:
I smiled as I hit the button for the elevator.
Me: About to go in. Call you after.
Mike: Talked to her this morning, but give her a hug. I’ll stop by there before I come to see you. How about Greek food for dinner?
Me: Perfect. See you soon
The elevator pinged at the floor Grammy was now on, and I smiled when I thought about the last time we’d been to the hospital together.
