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″Let me change.” Going out will help clear my mind and shake my mood. Seeing Hudson has stirred many emotions, some I buried so deep that they rattle me as they resurface. Nothing like an ex-boyfriend to make your insecurities reappear in your life.
I stand and walk into my house with Hope. After placing the coffee mug in the dishwasher, I go to my room to change.
″Ready?” Hope smiles when I step back into the kitchen.
“Let’s go.” I shimmy, and Hope giggles.
Looping her arm through mine, I lock up my house and head to her car.
″What errands do you need to run?” I ask once she’s pulling out of my driveway.
″I need to drop off the deposit for our venue and meet with the caterer. We can have lunch at The Mill. I’ve been craving their food.”
″Oh, yeah,” I sigh, my mouth watering. “I’m always craving their food.” The Mill is a lakeside restaurant that was a watermill back in the day. It has a beautiful view of the lake and town. This time of year, the fall leaves stand out, making the landscape magical.
″I knew you’d agree.” Hope reaches for the volume and turns up the country song. She belts out the lyrics as she drives. Her singing is terrible, and I laugh as she squeaks a verse instead of actually singing it.
“I’m getting married!” she yells over the music, looking at me briefly with a blinding smile before turning her attention back to the road. I laugh at her outburst.
″Sometimes, I can’t believe it. Toby and I have been waiting for this for so long, waiting for the right time.”
″You deserve it,” I grin. Toby and Hope are high school sweethearts. I’ve never met a pair that’s a better fit than them.
″Do you have any ideas for the bridesmaids’ dresses?” I shift my body toward her.
″I’m torn. I was hoping we could talk about it today. We can have coffee after lunch and brainstorm. I have a few ideas but can’t settle on one.” She grimaces.
″We’ll figure it out,” I promise.
We continue to talk about her different ideas as she drives out of town to the wedding venue. Mountains surround us as fall colors drown the green. It’s a beautiful drive.
Ex-boyfriends or not, I’m going to enjoy this time and make memories. In the words of… I don’t know who, but I don’t need a man to have fun. Maybe it was Shania Twain?
″We’re here!” Hope glows as she pulls into the long driveway to the historic estate they’ve chosen for the venue.
″It’s breathtaking,” I say as I step out.
″I know. It’s always been part of my dream wedding. I was so excited when they had an opening, even if it’s a shorter engagement.”
″It’ll be worth it. Besides, you have eight months, almost a pregnancy. If a woman can grow a child, we can plan a wedding,” I assure her as we walk up the steps to the expansive porch before entering a grand entrance room with a huge chandelier. The back wall has floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors that give a view to an outdoor area. In the distance, I can see a glimpse of mountains. It’s a dream location for a wedding.
After the quick transaction, we’re off to the caterer.
″I’ll be quick with the caterer, too, and then we’ll go have lunch. My stomach is about to yell at me to feed it.” She pats her belly.
″Sounds good.” I lean back in the seat, glad that Hope asked me to come with her.
Hope and I talk about the coming holidays, our Thanksgiving plans later in the month, and more ideas for the bachelorette party. In no time, we’re at the caterer’s location.
″Hey, what are you doing here?” Hope tilts her head and looks at Toby, who’s walking out of the caterer’s office.
″Uh, what do you mean? I told you I was coming to pay the deposit.” He looks at his fiancée with raised eyebrows.
″No, you didn’t. I told you I was coming.” She points at herself.
″I sent you a message. I said we’d divide and conquer since you were driving to the venue.”
Hope scrunches her nose. “I haven’t checked it.”
