Page 118 of Peaks and Promises

Luke draped his arm around the back of Melanie’s chair. His beard was a little thicker than the last time I’d seen him, and he wore a Squirrel Protection Squad T-shirt. Melanie’s dark hair was up, and her wedding ring sparkled on her finger.

Theo got up and helped Reese bring our drinks to the table, and when they returned and sat down, Luke held up his bottle.

“Cheers,” he said simply.

We clinked our bottles and glasses, and all took a sip.

“Where’s your son tonight?” Melanie asked. “With Paul and Marlene?”

“He’s at Annika’s having a sleepover with her kids,” I said. “They’re having a cartoon marathon. Apparently, they all love the same show.”

“Enchanted Hollow?” Luke asked.

“Yeah, that’s the one. Nate’s a big fan.”

“Of course he is.” Luke said. “My wife is in it.”

Melanie nodded. “I’m a voice actor.”

“Wait, really?” I asked.

Luke grinned. “She plays the hot evil queen.”

Melanie smiled at him, and he leaned over to give her a quick kiss.

“I can’t believe the wedding is right around the corner,” Melanie said, switching gears and nudging Penelope. “Are you nervous?”

Penelope adjusted her glasses. “No, not nervous. Mostly excited. And hoping we haven’t forgotten anything important.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Melanie said. “Even if you did forget something, once the day gets started, it won’t really matter.”

“Oh no.” Penelope grabbed Theo’s arm. “We did forget something.”

“What?” Theo seemed unconcerned, like he had it all under control.

“The invitations went out before Reese and Summer were in town.” She turned to me. “I’m so sorry. I hope you can make it.”

Theo waved a hand. “They know when it is.”

“I’ll have to ask for the day off, but I’m sure that won’t be a problem.” I glanced at Reese. “You were planning to go, right?”

“Yeah, we’ll be there.”

“Do they make suits that fit those shoulders?” Luke asked.

“That’s a good point.” Theo tilted his head, eyeing Reese up and down. “Do you have a black suit already?”

“Yeah, but not here. It’s at my house.”

His house. Not the house we shared—temporarily and for faking-it reasons only. His house in Arizona. The one he’d be returning to when this was all over. The subtle reminder felt like a pinprick.

“I bet the guy we went to can tailor something,” Penelope said. “He did a great job with yours. We just don’t have a lot of time.”

“Why do I need a black suit for your wedding?” Reese asked. “I didn’t think it was formal.”

“It’s not, but if you’re in it…” Theo shrugged and took a drink.

“In it?” Reese asked. “Wait. I’m in your wedding?”