AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER19
RYDER
I checkinto the bed and breakfast where the wedding party and family members are staying for the next two nights. I’m escorted to one of the small brick guest houses on the grounds. This property has been owned and operated by the same family since before the Revolutionary War. That’s one of the reasons why Evie and Darius chose it for the location of their wedding. While this cottage seems to be newer in construction, it still has features consistent with the property’s history. Exposed beams run across the ceiling, and the entire fireplace wall is made of bricks. The mantel is made from a rough-hewn beam with candles lining the length.
There’s a main room with a television and a few seating options as well as a small table and chairs for dining.
The bedroom has a four-poster bed that looks as comfortable as a cloud. I drop my suitcase on the mattress and hang up the garment bag my tux is in.
I find a small refrigerator that’s stocked with water and beer. The labels on the bottles say Darius and Evie’s names with a heart wrapped around them. I grab a beer and use the bottle opener stuck to the side of the fridge. I take a sip and sigh. The cold beverage is refreshing. July in South Carolina is hotter than hell and a bitch to deal with. Good thing this cottage has air conditioning.
I’m about to sit down and turn on the TV when there’s a knock on the door. I know it’s not Calista because I called her when I arrived and she was still at her house packing her things. She’s getting a ride here from her parents. That way we can return home together on Sunday morning.
Opening the door, I find Murphy standing there. Stepping back, I let him pass by.
“Hey, man,” Murphy says.
“Hey. Want a beer?” I ask, dropping onto the couch.
“Yeah.”
“Help yourself.”
“Thanks.” He pops open the cap and raises the bottle to take a closer look at the label. “Jesus. Is this what I’m in for with Wendy?”
“Maybe. Weddings can make people do strange things.”
“Yeah, I guess if she wanted heartsy fartsy labels I’d want her to have them.” He sits in one of the armchairs.
I tip my bottle in his direction. “Exactly.”
“What’s going on with you and Calista? Any new developments?”
“I asked her to be my girlfriend and she accepted.” I can’t keep the grin from spreading over my face.
Who is this guy I’m turning into?
It’s like I hardly recognize myself, but it’s a positive change I’m happy about.
“That’s awesome. Congratulations.” He shakes his head. “I feel like a proud dad. My boy’s growing up.”
“It was bound to happen sooner or later,” I say.
“Have you told Darius yet?”
“No. And I’m going to wait until after their honeymoon.”
“Maybe he’ll be in a really good mood then,” Murphy says.
“If he is, it won't be for long. As soon as I tell him about Calista and me, he’s going to try to kick my ass.”
“Maybe let him get one good shot in to make him feel better.”
“Yeah, I can do that. But after the freebie, I’m hitting back.”
“Will you be able to play it cool with Calista this weekend?”
“For sure. She’s going to stay with Evie tonight.”
