Page 77 of Ardently Yours

Nic: We can talk about it tonight at the sleepover.

Jane: You mean the slumber party extravaganza!

Me: YES! Oh, and what about the flowers for the wedding? And the dresses?

Jane: No worries. I picked them up. I’ll bring your dress tonight. And the flowers will be delivered to the church in the morning for the ceremony.

Me: Thanks! You’re a life saver. Oh, and Will prepped the sweets for the wedding yesterday morning before we left the cafe. And I prepped the latte mix. My sisters will bring everything to the church tomorrow for the reception.

Nic: Sounds good. But tonight, we PARTY.

Jane: Haha. We can only try to match that level of excitement. And, we’ve got it all covered, Nic! You provide the place. I am bringing the hair and nails supplies. Lizzie, are you still okay with bringing the snacks and drinks?

Me: Yep! Everyone wear your cozy PJs. Tonight will be fun! See you all at 6 p.m. at Nic’s. Love ya.

Jane: Love you too, girlie. But please check on Will.

Nic: What she said. Love ya too.

***

Pre-sleepover chaos has ensued. Checking on Will? Not so much.

I’ve gone to the local grocery store and stocked up on all the best snacks and drinks, ordered pizza from the place just up the street from Nic’s house, and am now headed home to shower, change into my pajamas, and pack an overnight bag before heading over to Nic’s. My phone buzzes as soon as I pull up and park my truck.

My phone is connected to my truck, and an automated woman’s voice reads the text from my family group chat.

Papa: How’s it going, Lizzie? Do you need help with those groceries?

Me: Are you spying on me???

Mama: We can see you from our window. And your sister texted us saying that you were back in town.

Lydia: I was the cashier on duty, so of course I saw you.

Me: I know you saw me. I checked out in your line. Still, you didn’t have to snitch on me.

Lydia: It’s a small town. Someone was bound to report back to the folks that you’re home. Be glad it was me and not some other nosy neighbor.

Me: You all are my nosy neighbors, actually. Except I live with some of you.

Janet: Unrelated but I’m glad you’re back Lizzie. Sorry we were hard on you about Will. I just want the best for you.

Kitty: And I guess Lizzie is supposed to assume that the ‘we’ you are referring to is you and your husband?

Janet: Yes…he was being overprotective of Lizzie.

Mary: Or he was being a jerk…

Janet: You know what… I only chimed in to apologize to Lizzie. I’m gracefully bowing out now. Love you all.

Mama: Girls, stop fighting. Lizzie, I’m sending your father out to help you carry your groceries inside.

Me: Janet, thank you. All is forgiven. Love you too. And, I’m okay, Mama. I have my grocery wagon in the trunk. I can use that. Prepping for Nic’s sleepover tonight.

Mama: We’re coming over to help since your sisters aren’t home.

Me: I don’t need help. I’m fine.