Page 117 of Sparks Fly

Inside was even more elaborate.

Blush pink decorations covered nearly every surface. Sashes hung over chair backs exactly where I had suggested, and a chalkboard itinerary stood near the entryway in bubbly cursive that matched the Pinterest board I had titled Bride Weekend Vibes.

FRIDAY: ARRIVAL + CHAMPAGNE

SATURDAY: BRUNCH, BOAT DAY, DINNER

SUNDAY: RECOVERY BRUNCH

“This is insane,” I said as I stepped farther into the room.

“I know!” Lilly laughed and grabbed my arm. “You absolutely nailed this.”

The excitement on her face made every group chat, reservation, and ridiculous pink detail worth it.

“I’m glad you love it.”

“I love it,” she said, hugging me tightly. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I loved seeing my friends happy. I wanted this weekend to be loud and ridiculous and everything she had imagined.

That didn’t mean it wasn’t exhausting.

I slipped easily into the role I had played for most of my adult life.

Drink in hand. Smile ready. Keeping the energy up and smoothing out problems before they became noticeable.

Taking care of everyone came naturally to me. I liked knowing they were having fun. I liked hearing Lilly laugh from across the room.

I just wished Sawyer were there to share it with me.

She would probably tease me about the amount of pink, then help me refill drinks without being asked. She would lean close and whisper something dry in my ear until I laughed. She would make the whole weekend feel less like something I had to manage and more like something I could enjoy.

Her absence tugged harder than I expected.

When it came time to choose rooms, I let everyone else rush toward the primary suite and the rooms closest to the pool. I slipped down the hallway toward the back of the house. The room I chose was smaller and quieter, with one window facing a line of trees instead of the water. It was the only room I had intentionally left unassigned when I made the room chart.

Relief settled over me when I closed the door.

I had spent months planning a weekend everyone would love. Needing a few quiet minutes didn’t mean I loved them any less.

I dropped my bag beside the bed, sat down, and pulled out my phone.

Me: Just got here. Everything’s set up.

Sawyer: Of course it is. You okay?

I glanced around my quiet little pocket inside the chaos.

Me: I am. Lilly loves everything.

Me: But it’s also… a lot.

Sawyer: Pink?

I smiled.