Page 54 of Bound Hearts

The waitress returns and sets our drinks on the table before scurrying away to a table that was trying to grab her attention.

“Okay, let me backtrack.” Savannah twirls her finger. “Foster?”

“We were casual.”

Her eyebrows shoot up, lips pressed together like I’ve flipped the whole conversation upside down.

I feel Elodie gently touch my elbow. “Uh… as someone who has been there, it wasn’t planned, was it?”

Right. Serious friend conversation.

“No, not at all. It took time to process. That’s why you’re only hearing now.”

“But you’re happy?” Savannah checks.

My long breath feels good. It’s because, after weeks, everything finally feels like it is falling into place. “It’s been hard mentally at the start, but now I’m excited and curious is the best way to describe it.”

“How’s Foster?” Elodie wonders.

“Over the moon, if I’m honest. Supportive. And also…”

They look to one another for a clue.

No need to hide now. I dig into my purse, pull out the ring Foster gave me, and show them.

“We’re getting married. Soon.”

Neither of them says a word. They stare at the ring, speechless.

But then Savannah begins to chuckle. “I always had him down as traditional.”

“Maybe. But I also feel the same, apparently.”

“You’re beating us to the altar,” she points out.

“Courthouse is more our style,” I say.

Elodie presses her fingers to her temple, grinning wide. “This is wild.”

“Tell me about it.”

Savannah slides out of the booth. “I’ll be right back. I’ll see if they have non-alcoholic champagne.”

Her absence leaves Elodie alone with me. Even with her smile still pasted on, the shade of her face turns concerned. She remains quiet, observing me. “You’re really doing okay?”

She’s been in my shoes. “Yeah. Tired. It’s getting better, though.”

“Good. But I meant you and Foster and baby and marriage… did I miss anything?”

I purse my lips, trying to gather my thoughts. “I’m okay. At first, I was in denial, then I struggled. But Foster’s been nothing but patient and supportive.”

“That’s good. As much as women are strong and can do it alone, I’m not going to lie. When Hayes entered Lola’s and my life last year, it became easier.”

“I get it.”

“And I also understand the whole quickie wedding, if that’s what you both feel is right.”

I stifle a laugh. “You probably think I’m crazy—and the last person in our group to even consider this.”