Page 71 of Accidentally in Love

“Yeah, I’m off tonight, so let’s get dinner. But not at the brewery.”

“What about the Mediterranean place near the town square?” I offered.

“Near the bakery?” she asked.

“Um, yeah, on the cross street near the firehouse.”

“Oh! I’ve always wanted to try that place.”

“Let’s do it!”

I needed food. I had been out with my sister all damn day trying to find a dress for the wedding. I didn’t think I needed to wear something nice, but Gemma insisted.

On the drive back to town, she convinced me that a flower crown would look cute instead of a veil. She would make one up to look Christmassy with red and white roses and fir or evergreen as the crown. I told her it sounded like a Christmas wreath, and then she got all excited about making me look like a Christmas Bride. I didn’t care, but she enjoyed planning stuff like this, so I was going to appease her on this one.

We parked in the town square and walked over to the restaurant. We ordered, and I ate half the hummus while we waited for our food. Gemma stared at me like I had three heads.

“Shut up!” I said. “I’m pregnant, and you made me go shopping today.”

“Sis, I want to ask you something, and I don’t know how to,” she admitted after taking a long sip of her water.

I cocked an eyebrow at her. “What’s up?”

“Are you and Nolan good?”

I plastered on a fake smile. “We’re great.”

She sighed. “Did he tell you how he feels?”

“Um…”

“Oh, Avs,” she sighed and gave me a sad smile. I didn’t like the pitying look she gave me.

Our food came, and I shoved my falafel wrap into my mouth so I didn’t have to answer her next question.

When I came up for air, my sister looked at me sadly, but then she straightened up her spine. “Okay, do you know about the five love languages?”

“No. What’s that?” I asked around a mouthful of pita bread.

“I think Nolan’s love language is acts of service. Dec said he would rather get his hand stuck in a bear trap than talk about his feelings.”

I didn’t think Dec was being hyperbolic. That was the god’s honest truth.

“What do you mean by acts of service?”

“Nolan moved you into his house, shifted his entire life for you, and then he decorated his Grinch lair to look like Santa’s workshop. That was him showing his love for you.”

“You think?” I asked.

She nodded enthusiastically. “You, on the other hand, need him to tell you he loves you. You need the words of affirmation.”

I chewed thoughtfully at her words.

Gemma gave me a cocky grin. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Yes,” I muttered.

“Who’s idea was it to have a Christmas wedding?” she asked, even though she already knew the answer.