AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Miles smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It feels like just yesterday you came back to town and stumbled into my life."
"More like I blew in like the hottest of hot messes, and you helped fix me," she laughed, recalling the disasters they endured along the way of renovating Leeside, which had been nearly condemned when she had moved back to Maine. "But look at us now, planning our future together."
"Speaking of which," Miles said, pulling out a small notebook from his coat pocket, "I've made a list of things we still need to take care of before the big day."
"Of course you have," Ariel teased. "I do love your organizational skills."
"Someone has to keep us on track," he replied, feigning offense. "Now, let's get down to business," Miles said with a grin, next drawing a pen from his other pocket. "We need to finalize the guest list, make sure absolutely all the vendors are confirmed, and double-check the seating chart."
"Sounds good, but I'm worried about the weather," Ariel admitted, her brow furrowed in concern. "I mean, the snow is beautiful, I just hope it doesn't impact anyone's travel plans."
"Hey," Miles said softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "No matter what happens, we'll be together, surrounded by those who love us. That's the most important thing, right?"
Ariel nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for this man who understood her so well. "Right. I can't wait to marry you, Miles Clemens."
"Neither can I wait to marry you, Ariel Hawthorne," he replied, overly formal, mock-bowing from his seat, his eyes brimming with love and anticipation. Together, they turned their attention to their lists, eager to finalize the details of their special day as the world outside continued to transform into a winter wonderland.
Miles made a note on his pad. "And I'll double-check the delivery schedule with the caterers. We don't want any surprises on our big day."
"Have we confirmed the musicians?" Ariel asked suddenly, her brow furrowing. "I remember speaking with them, but I can't recall if we sent the deposit."
Miles flipped through his notes, his expression turning concerned. "I'm not sure either. Let me call them right now and find out." He hopped up and stepped outside the diner to make the call, leaving Ariel alone with her thoughts—and Jill, she suddenly realized.
She glanced at Jill, who was wiping down the front counter, trying to think of a way to bring up the subject without being too obvious. Finally, when Jill moved to wiping the tables, coming to the one right next to Ariel, she blurted out, "So, Jill, who are you bringing as your date for the wedding?"
Jill stopped mid-wipe and looked up at Ariel, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh... I haven't really decided yet," she said evasively. "I'm still thinking about it."
Ariel smiled knowingly. She could tell Jill was hiding something. "Come on now," Ariel prodded with a sly grin. "Who is it? Is it someone I know?"
Jill laughed nervously and shook her head. But Ariel saw the blush on her cheeks deepen before she turned away, making Ariel wonder if what she already suspected—that Jill had a crush on Darcy just as he had on her—was true.
"Well," Ariel said slowly, taking a sip of her coffee as if thinking. "If it's Darcy you're bringing as your date, let me know. I’ll add an extra boutonniere to the floral order so he can match your corsage.”
Jill looked momentarily flustered, and she hadn’t gathered herself to respond before Miles returned, breaking the moment. He wore a reassuring smile. "All set. They've got the deposit, and they'll be there bright and early to set up."
"Thank goodness," Ariel exhaled, relief washing over her. Jill scampered off, and Ariel felt a little foiled in her mission. "I just want everything to be perfect for us and our guests."
"Hey," Miles said softly, reaching across the table to take her hand. "We've worked hard on all of this, but remember that even if there are a few hiccups along the way, it'll still be the best day of our lives."
Ariel smiled at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "You're right. I guess I'm just letting the stress get to me."
"Understandable," he replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "But together, we can handle anything that comes our way."
Miles's words echoed in Ariel's mind as she gazed out the café window, her eyes tracing the snowflakes that danced and swirled through the air. The winter chill permeated the glass, but the warmth of his reassurances lingered within her, offering solace amidst the chaos of wedding preparations. In stark contrast to the flurry outside, a serene stillness seemed to have settled over Endless Harbor. The boats were moored in their icy cradles, waiting for warmer days to return.
She had a sudden thought, wondering how her dad fared in the Airstream during this time of year. It had looked comfortable enough, but what if it snowed? Worry spiked in her. She thought back to finding him weeks ago, after all the years of estrangement they had suffered.
He told you to leave, she thought. He doesn’t want to reconnect.
"Are you okay?" Miles asked, concern etched on his face.
Ariel blinked, pulled from her reverie. "Yes, I'm just... thinking about my dad."
"Ah," he said softly, understanding filling his eyes. "You want him at the wedding?"
"Part of me does, but another part is afraid," Ariel admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if he doesn't want to be involved? He seems done with that part of his life.”
"You mean his children? You, Charlie, Oliver? Hey," Miles said gently, rubbing her hand with his thumb. "You're an incredible woman, Ariel. Your dad should be proud of you, no matter what."
