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It’s not even about having been stuck in a plane in the middle of the woods. To be honest, I haven’t been myself since we left Deep Creek. My emotions are all over the place. This whole crazy situation is getting to be too much. The uncertainty is killing me.
Taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, I say, “I didn’t mean to lash out at you like that.”
“I understand.” He wraps his arms around me and drags me against his chest. “It will soon be over, kiska.”
I crane my neck to look at him. “Will it? Why? What’s going on?” What isn’t he telling me?
He kisses my forehead. “Do you want me to postpone the call with Joanne until you feel more like yourself?”
“No,” I say quickly, freeing myself from his embrace and brushing my hands over my hair. “I’d like to chat with her.”
Giving me another piercing look, he goes back to the sofa, takes a seat, and wakes his laptop screen to connect a video call. I sit down on the edge of the seat next to him.
Three seconds later, my friend’s face fills the screen. “Katie! How good to see you.” She’s walking through a spacious room with raw brick walls. “You too, Alex. Merry Christmas again.” She plops down on a brown leather sofa, folding one leg under her, and puts the laptop on a coffee table.
“Thank you,” I say with a genuine smile, some of my tension lifting. “Merry Christmas to you too.”
Ricky waves from behind an island counter stove where he’s stirring something in a pot. “Merry Christmas, guys.”
“We’re at Ricky’s place,” Joanne says. “He’s renting a loft apartment in the Meatpacking District.” She smiles at him from over her shoulder. “He’s cooking.”
She’s wearing makeup, and her hair has been blow-dried straight. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen her without her spiral curls.
“You look amazing,” I say.
“Thank you.” A blush colors her cheeks. “It’s a special occasion.”
Ricky comes around the counter carrying a bottle of wine in one hand and two glasses in the other. “Once you two are done with your honeymoon,” he says, taking a seat next to Joanne, “I’ll invite you for dinner too.”
“We’d like that,” Alex says.
Ricky winks as he pours the wine. “I’ll hold you to it.”
“How’s your mom?” Joanne asks. “I can’t believe you flew all the way to North Carolina and didn’t stop over to see us.”
Alex throws an arm around me. “As I said in my text message, duty called.”
“You work too hard, Alex.” Joanne takes the glass Ricky offers her. “Coming from me, that says a lot.”
Alex chuckles. “It’s a busy period. It will calm down after the new year.”
Joanne takes a sip of her wine. “Back to your mom, Katie. What’s new?”
“She’s feeling so much better,” I say.
“That’s awesome.” Joanne snuggles closer to Ricky. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“How about your parents?” I ask.
She shoots Ricky a puppy-eyed look. “They’re doing fine. It really went well.”
I look between them. “What went well?”
Ricky cups Joanne’s knee. His smile is all teeth. “I decided to do it the old-fashioned way and asked Joanne’s dad for permission to marry her.”
“What? You got engaged?” I gape at Joanne. “That’s fantastic! Congratulations. Is this what tonight is? A celebration dinner?”
Joanne glows. “We wanted you to be the first to know before we tell everyone else.”
“Congratulations,” Alex says. “That’s very good news.”
Placing a hand over my heart, I say, “I’m so happy for you. When’s the big day?”
“Soon,” Ricky says, his gaze heating as it lands on Joanne.
“I know it’s rushed,” she says, “but we know we’re good together. Why wait?”
“Why indeed?” I utter a shriek. “My best friend is getting married! I can’t believe it.”
She shifts deeper onto her seat and rests an arm on the backrest. “Ricky wants to elope. I think we should have a small, intimate ceremony.”
Joy warms my chest as I study their happy faces. “I’m sure you’ll work it out.”
“I hope I can count on you,” Joanne says. “I’d love for you to be my bridesmaid.”
“Of course,” I say on impulse. “It will be an honor.” Belatedly, I glance at Alex and bite my lip, realizing I’ve just made a promise I may not be able to keep. The thought is a damper on the happy mood. Not wanting to spoil the moment, I quickly change the subject. “When are you going to choose the ring?”
“We’re not getting rings,” Ricky says. “We’re getting tattoos. It’s a cliché, but it seems like the right choice for us.”
“Good for you,” I say with a smile. “This is a wonderful Christmas surprise.”
Joanne makes a face. “My mother is disappointed that I’ve decided against a ring and a big wedding.”
“She respects your choice,” Ricky says. “She just needs a little time for the idea to grow on her.”
