Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“If we’re doing it together? Then yeah.”
The tension in his shoulders gradually releases and his eyes search my face. “I love you.”
“You said that.”
“I meant it. Just in case you were wondering.”
“Thank you.” I am not going to cry. “I really needed to hear it. And I love you too.”
“That’s nice,” says someone.
Someone else hums their agreement. “So much couple’s therapy in their immediate future, though.”
“Yes,” answers Joyce. “But they’ll be okay. Love can work wonders. Just you wait and see.”
“Shut up everyone, please.” The corners of Connor’s lips curl up in the best way. “Blue, we’re going to be okay, right?”
“Yeah.” I smile back at him. “We really are.”
The cacophony of noise when the Jenga tower fell can’t compare. His mouth slams down on mine with the kiss of the century. My hands fist in his shirt. Not that he is trying to go anywhere. But I can’t get close enough to the man and he definitely feels the same.
Rain on a tin roof or front row at a rock concert can’t compare to the noise the crowd is making. We damn near bring the roof down on the over-a-hundred-year-old building. And neither Connor nor I could care less.
EPILOGUE
A year later…
Ava: This is bullshit. I am not wearing that thing.
Me: So don’t.
Katja: You said I could pick your dress, Liebling. And it will look amazing with Riley’s wedding gown.
Ava: It’s bright fucking yellow.
Katja: Ja. Because you are my sunshine.
Ava: I am going to look like the back of a school bus.
Shanti: This is hilarious. But we have other things to discuss. Tell her already, Katja.
Katja: Fine. I was just joking.
Ava: I don’t have to wear the dress? Thank fuck for that. You’re lucky you’re not home right now. Or I would tickle the crap out of you.
Katja: I hate being tickled.
Ava: That’s kind of the point.
Martha: Lulu has left the chat again.
Nicole: I don’t know why you keep adding her. She does it every time. We’re all cringe according to her.
Shanti: LOL
Joyce: Martha keeps adding her because she’s a mean old woman who thinks it’s funny to annoy her grandchild. But the language in here is not suitable for a child her age.
Noor: Pfft. It’s not like she hasn’t heard it all before. And community is good for children.
Denise: The wedding is in a week. Don’t we have important things to discuss? I thought that was the point of this chat group.
Me: You’re absolutely right, Denise.
Martha: Suck up.
Martha: I am bringing a pack of cards to the reception. Just in case it gets boring. Nothing like a hand of poker to liven up a party.
Me: Whatever makes you happy. Just please don’t fleece my mother of all she’s worth.
Martha: Spoilsport.
Me: We’ve got the park at the point booked for the ceremony and the Lighthouse Bar and Grill sorted for the reception. I have a dress, we’ve ordered flowers, and Nicole is kindly doing the music. Connor and Stu have got their suits. Is there anything I am forgetting?
Nicole: You’re going to like my choice of songs. Thought we’d start with some Rick Rolling and go from there.
Me: I LOVE IT
Shanti: Martha is right. Riley is a total suck up these days.
Noor: She’s happy and in love.
Joyce: Yes she is. Leave her be. Her and Connor make such a cute couple. Did I tell you I saw them dancing in the fruit and vegetable section at the grocers the other day?
Ava: Gag.
Noor: Shush, young lady. We all know you’re just as silly with Katja when no one can see.
Harold: You tell ’em, ladies. Love is a beautiful thing.
Shanti: Harold? What the fuck are you doing in here?
Harold: I was invited. Thank you very much.
Me: He’s head fisherperson. Every wedding party needs one.
Harold: That’s right. I bought new waders for the event and everything.
Ava: …
Katja: I think you’ve actually stunned her so badly she can’t speak.
Joyce: She’s probably just so happy to be a bridesmaid and excited about the wedding and getting to wear her new yellow dress.
Noor: Ha.
Ava: You’re not funny.
Shanti: They kind of are.
Denise: That’s enough for now. It’s getting late. Bedtime, everybody.
Me: Excellent point. Good night, Denise.
Martha: All of this groveling won’t help you win the chowder competition this year, Riley.
Me: You never know your luck in a small town, Martha.
Denise: My judging is always impartial. She knows that.
Me: Of course it is, Denise. We all trust you implicitly. I was just playing.
Harold: And I am entering the competition this year with a special creation so I don’t like your chances.
Me: Don’t make me hurt you, Harold.
Shanti: Nothing like the chowder competition to bring violence to the streets of Port Stewart.
Noor: We’ve also got Jenga for that.
Joyce: Goodness that’s true.
Denise: Alright. Goodnight, ladies! And Harold.
Ava: Night, Denise.
Nicole: Sweet dreams!
Lulu: WHO ADDED ME AGAIN???? WHICH ONE OF YOU DID IT???