Page 22 of The Other Plan

“Yeah, and I couldn’t do anything without having a detailed plan... hence why I’m a wedding planner.”

“We couldn’t have been more opposite.”

We shared a look and a quiet laugh.

“But we complemented each other, I think,” Jenna said softly. “You helped me loosen up a little, and I helped you get a little more responsible.”

“You may have overcorrected because I’m now the most structured, responsible guy around.”

“That’s bananas.” She blew out a sigh. “I’m pretty much the same ‘ol Jenna, but I do think it’s thanks to you that I was brave enough to start my own company. I could almost hear you in my head. ‘Life is all about taking chances. Big risks. Go big or go home!’ So, I went big, and it paid off. I guess I owe you a thanks for drilling that into my head.”

Go big or go home. It had been my motto in life. I remembered saying it to her the first time I’d taken her out surfing. She’d been so scared of sharks she didn’t want to get in the water. I’d sworn to protect her and finally had coaxed her out onto my board with that very phrase. Man, she wasn’t wrong. Now I would weigh the risks and rewards before making every decision in life, something the Carter she knew had never done. He’d just followed his gut and his passion and had let the cards fall where they may.

“It’s pretty crazy to think how different I pictured my life being. You’re right, though. I never would have thought I’d want a career in futures.”

“So how did that happen? How did you go from opening a surf shop to futures in New York?”

“Eric, actually.” I glanced at my best friend, who sat on the back bench kissing his bride-to-be. “When we graduated college, he got an internship in New York complete with housing. Since I had nothing planned out and nowhere to go—surprise, surprise—” I paused and chuckled, “—he let me come and crash with him. I got a low-level job in a trading company, and it turned out my winning personality and boatloads of charm were just the ticket to work my way up. Then, the opportunity to start my own firm came up, and the rest is history.”

“Well, I’m really happy for you that you’ve found success. It’s well-earned.”

“Yeah, it is. I’m really grateful that I managed to do something other than turn into a beach bum.”

“Well, I kinda liked that beach bum,” she said, then her face dropped a moment after she said it.

The trolley hit a bump, and our party all laughed as their drinks spilled.

“Party foul!” Eric called up to his other groomsmen, Jed, after his plastic wine glass tumbled to the floor.

“Oops!” Jed laughed and looked around.

“Okay, everyone! We’re at the next stop,” Jenna called as she stood up and clutched the metal railing above. “This is Orchard Country Winery and our last stop of the day. The Lautenbach’s are the owners and my friends, so try not to get into too much trouble.”

She swept a playful scolding look across the group of inebriated people.

Eric swirled his finger around the top of his head. “Angels. We’ll be angels.”

As the trolley slowed to a stop, Aunt Tilly rose and clutched the seat for balance. “The Lautenbach’s know us all well. In fact, they are supplying most of the wine for the wedding. Listen to Jenna everyone and be on your best behavior. Let’s not embarrass the Bronson family name.”

Even though Aunt Tilly scolded them to behave, from the glassy look in her eyes, she’d also fallen victim to tasting too many of the wines. She wobbled a bit while she stood, then quickly sat back down.

“Okay, everyone. Let’s go!” Jenna said as she made her way to the front by the driver and ushered everyone along like a tour guide.

One by one, everyone filed off, and I smiled as I passed Jenna when I stepped down the stairs into the gravel parking lot. Aunt Tilly followed behind me, slowly taking the steps as I walked toward the winery.

“Oh!” she shrieked, and I spun around to see her miss the last step. I launched forward to catch her, but I was too far away to stop her fall.

“Aunt Tilly!” Valentina and Jenna shrieked in unison as Aunt Tilly tumbled onto the ground.

“Are you okay?” Jenna rushed down the steps and kneeled by her side. “Are you hurt?”

“Mostly my pride, dear,” Aunt Tilly said as she struggled to right herself. But the movement caused her to grimace and touch her neck. “And maybe my neck.”

“Don’t move, Mother!” Lydia dropped to her knees and grabbed her mother’s head. “We need to stabilize your C-spine!’

“My what? Ow. Let go of my head!”

Lydia didn’t let up on her firm grip. “Your C-spine! I watch enough Grey’s Anatomy to know the first thing we need to do is stabilize your C-Spine to prevent paralysis. Someone call 9-1-1!”