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“Just because your father was an asshole doesn’t mean all men are.”
“It’s hard to put yourself out there and trust someone after that.” Initially, I thought it was my fault, but as I grew older, I wasn’t sure what to believe.
“You’re seeing Harrison now, right?” Lily asked.
Flustered that I almost forgot our arrangement, I was quick to add, “Yeah, I’m just worried it’s too good to last. Know what I mean?”
Lily nodded. “Jake struggled with something similar. His mother abandoned him when he and his sister were young. He hated seeing his sister get hurt each time his mom showed back up and then inevitably disappeared again.”
“At least my dad stayed gone.” But I’d imagine both were painful.
“And I bet it’s different with Harrison because you were friends first. You already love and trust him.”
“That’s true. He’s a good friend.”
“I think you have to have faith in your love for each other. And sure, nothing is definite. We’re all taking a leap of faith.”
“The arch is ready for you,” Harrison called over to Lily.
“Perfect. You mind finishing the rows?” Lily asked me.
“I’ve got it.” I pushed away the conversation, concentrating on making each arrangement perfect for the ceremony. But Lily’s words stayed in the back of my mind. Taking a leap of faith was the scariest thing I could imagine doing. I was supposed to just trust that someone would stay. That seemed foolish. Especially knowing what I did.
“I have to finish setting up in the barn. You almost done here?” Harrison asked, his voice soothing some of the anxiety in my chest.
Harrison was familiar and comfortable, and he had been in my life since we were kids. He’d only left when we attended separate colleges. But a part of my brain said he stayed because he got Lola pregnant on one of his breaks. Would he have stayed in town if it wasn’t for Wren? Would he have left, too?
“You okay?” Harrison asked, his face etched with concern.
“Yeah. I just need to finish these last two chairs, and then I can help.”
“Now you know what it’s like to set up. It’s crazy but exhilarating at the same time.”
“You enjoy this?” I asked him, gesturing at the bustle of activity. It was much worse this morning since they didn’t have any time to set up on Friday.
He smiled. “I do. I like creating something that will be remembered.”
“Even if it’s disassembled at the end of the day?” I asked him, curious to get to know him better.
“But the memory lives on in pictures and framed invitations.” He winked and smiled.
“I guess you’re right.” But I couldn’t imagine wanting something like this.
“This is what every girl dreams of. One day that’s all hers. Or, at least, that’s what Sage tells me.”
“I don’t know about everyone,” I grumbled.
Harrison chuckled, pulling me into his side, the rumble of his laugh settling into my bones. “I know how you feel about weddings. That’s why I was surprised when you started creating invitations.”
“There’s only so much you can do when your talent is calligraphy.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “I’ve seen your drawings. It’s more than that.”
“If you say so,” I said, a little surprised by his enthusiasm. I never thought about it before, thinking what he did was just a job, and he enjoyed the freedom of being his own boss. But he enjoyed setting up for weddings. He thrived on it. The energy of the event, the happiness and hope emanating from the couple. The belief that this could last forever.
“I’m going to crack that little black heart of yours. But first, I need to get back to work.” He kissed me on the lips. These greetings were becoming routine, yet each one still surprised me with its intensity. I’d dated and even had steady boyfriends, but no one had affected me with one simple kiss. Each one grounded me, reminding me that I was loved and cared for, at least by my friend. Sometimes, it was hard to remember that none of it was real.
I watched him saunter toward the barn, wondering what would happen when we broke up. Would he stop kissing me? I hated that idea. I’d become accustomed to them, lifting my day.
