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“How are the wedding plans coming along?” Sam asked Lilia.
Her face flushed with a rosy blush. “Very well. While you’re here, I wanted to ask if you might be an attendant on behalf of Harry, who said, ‘Please ask Sam because she’s like a sister to me, and you love her, too.’ If I promise to keep dress fittings to a minimum and prohibit any sort of inane games at the shower, would you consider it?”
“Lilia,” Sam said, amused and touched. “I’d be honored.” She would also be an attendant in Lindsey and Terry’s wedding, while Nick was Terry’s best man. Nick was right when he said it was shaping up to be a busy summer.
“Thank you. I can’t believe the president and first lady will be in my wedding party.”
“Believe it. We love you, and we love Harry. We’re thrilled to be part of your big day. I trust you’ll tell me what you need when you need it?”
“I’ve got you covered, as always.”
“Thank God for you.”
A few minutes later, Sam and Roni got up to leave.
“Roni, could I have a quick moment?” Sam asked.
“Of course. Come in.” She led Sam into her office, which featured an antique typewriter on a shelf and several awards that Sam took a closer look at.
“Those are from when I worked on my college newspaper.”
“Very impressive.” Sam turned to her friend. “Derek told Nick you guys are officially seeing each other, and I just want you to know that I think it’s wonderful.”
“Oh, thank you,” Roni said with a small smile. “It’s all so strange, you know?” She placed a hand on her pregnant belly. “Everything has changed since Patrick died, and it’s probably way too soon, but…” She shrugged. “Derek makes me smile again.”
“I love that for you. For both of you. You’ve been through so much.”
“It’s made it easier for me to open this door, because he understands what I’m going through like no one else in my life ever could.”
“I’m so glad you have that kind of support.”
“He’s been great, and my Wild Widows have, too. It’s amazing how all these new people have come into my life, and a few I thought would be there forever have kind of faded away.”
“People don’t know how to handle a loss like yours.”
“Too bad for them. How do they think I feel?”
“That’s right. I’m glad you’re surrounding yourself with people who can show you the way forward. Derek is a wonderful guy, and Maeve is just delightful.”
“I’m madly in love with her.”
Sam hugged Roni. “I’m so happy for you, and I wish you guys all the best.”
“Thank you for the good wishes. I fear that some people might not understand what I’m doing with Derek so soon after losing Patrick.”
“They don’t need to understand. As long as it works for you, that’s what matters.”
“That’s what I tell myself. And it’s really nothing more than very close friendship at this point.”
“You’re doing great, and I’m proud of you for surviving something that would’ve wrecked most people.”
“It did wreck me, and it continues to. From what my widow friends tell me, it always will. But Patrick wouldn’t want his death to ruin my life, so I’m trying not to let that happen.”
“Good for you. Keep me posted on how it’s going with Derek.”
“I will. Thanks for caring.”
“I really do. About both of you and Maeve.”
