Chapter 20
“This is not my style at all.” Haven stood in front of a mirror and frowned at her reflection. She wore a sleeveless tulle
wedding gown with a low-cut neckline and a corset-style bodice. “I honestly didn’t think I was this picky.” She turned back
and forth for another look, then shook her head as she met her mother’s gaze.
It was Friday afternoon, two weeks later, and Darcy sat on a chair in the dressing room at the Fairytale Bridal Shop located
on Main Street in Flowering Grove. She and Haven had taken the afternoon off from work since Derek’s mother, Marcia, had managed
to get an appointment for Haven. She insisted they come to the Fairytale Bridal Shop since Marcia’s nieces had all gotten
their wedding gowns there. Haven’s mother, Lola, and Derek’s younger sister, Kaylen, had also joined them.
“I agree.” Lola touched her daughter’s shoulder. “Let’s keep looking.”
Marcia gave Haven a sympathetic expression. “You need to feel comfortable on your wedding day. You’re not picky, Haven. You
just haven’t found the right gown yet.”
Dakota Jamison, the shop owner, tapped her chin. “I think I might have just the one.” She disappeared into the back of the
store while Haven and her mother slipped into a dressing room.
Darcy’s mind wandered to the gown she had planned to wear to her own wedding. She had felt like a princess in that gorgeous dress with its beading, lace, and long train. After Jace had passed away, she’d tucked the gown away in the back of one of her closets, unsure of what to do with it.
If she were to get married, she couldn’t imagine wearing that gown. She’d bought it while planning her future with Jace and
no one else. She’d asked about returning it, but since it had been altered for her, the sale was final.
She’d thought about selling it or even donating it in hopes of another woman wearing it and feeling as beautiful as Darcy
felt when she first tried it on—but she couldn’t bring herself to do that yet. The idea made her feel like she was giving
away her memories of Jace and all of their special plans.
Darcy’s heart squeezed at the memory, but she banished it. Today was Haven’s day, and she wanted to be as supportive to her
as Haven had been while planning Darcy’s wedding.
When Haven reappeared from the back of the store with Lola and Dakota in tow, she wore the new gown. She stood in front of
the mirror, turning from side to side while scrutinizing her reflection. As if on cue, Lola, Marcia, Kaylen, and Darcy all
gasped at once. The white sleeveless gown had a sweetheart neckline, a dropped waistline, and a chapel-length train. The full
tulle skirt featured lace appliques, and the top included a matching short-sleeved removable jacket. The gown looked as if
it had been designed especially for her.
“Oh, Haven,” her mother whispered. “Honey, this is it.”
Darcy moved to the wall of mirrors. “You’re stunning.” Her eyes filled with happy tears as she imagined her best friend walking
down the aisle on her father’s arm toward the love of her life.
“Breathtaking,” Kaylen added.
Marcia nodded. “Absolutely.”
Haven laughed before spinning in front of the mirror. “I love it.”
Dakota clapped her hands. “Wonderful. Now, have you thought about shoes?”
Darcy and Kaylen exchanged smiles. Darcy had always thought Derek’s younger sister was lovely with her dark hair and eyes that matched her mother’s. At twenty-five, she was sweet and friendly, and she loved her job as a pet groomer.
Kaylen waved Darcy toward the front of the store. “The wedding will be here before we know it. We need to talk about the bridal
shower.”
“You’re right,” Darcy answered.
Kaylen nodded. “Let’s plan a time to get together.”
“There you two are.” Lola joined them at the front of the store. “Darcy, I’ve been meaning to ask you about Carter. How are
things going?”
Darcy blushed. “Great.”
“I’m so glad to hear it.” Lola clasped her hands together. “I know you’ve been through a hard time, sweetie, but Jace would
want to see you move on and find happiness with another man who loves you.”
Hearing her late fiancé’s name never seemed to get easier for Darcy, but she tried to mask the sadness with a smile. “Thanks.”
“Mom!” Haven called from the dressing room. “Come and tell me what you think of these shoes.”
Lola motioned toward the dressing room. “Duty calls.”
After Haven had settled on the gown, veil, and shoes, they all headed out to the sidewalk. The mid-June air was humid, and
the sun was high in the sky. Darcy smiled at Haven as they started toward their cars. She couldn’t wait for her best friend’s
special day.
***
The following evening, Carter lifted Darcy’s hand. He kissed her knuckles as they sat in his truck in her driveway after the
concert. His heart felt full after sitting on the amphitheater lawn and watching one of his favorite country singers perform
some of his favorite songs.
The concert had been amazing, and he’d had the time of his life. He grinned as he recalled the best part of the night—when he’d held Darcy close and slow-danced with her to “The Keeper of the Stars,” a country song he’d always loved.
“From that smile on your face, I’m going to assume you had a good time tonight.” Darcy’s expression was coy.
“Try wonderful time.”
She scrunched her nose. “I just wish I could’ve gotten you real seats instead of general admission, but those were already
sold out.”
“I don’t think we could have gotten away with slow-dancing in the seats, so the lawn suited me just fine.” He shifted closer
to her. “Thank you for the best birthday gift ever.” He brushed his lips over hers, and the taste and feel of her sent desire
humming through his veins.
When he broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers. “Good night, Darcy.”
She touched his cheek before pushing her door open. “Good night.”
He started the engine but waited until she was safely in her house with the door closed before he began his drive home.
When he stopped at the entrance to her neighborhood, Carter found Tracy Byrd on his phone’s music app and clicked on “The
Keeper of the Stars” before turning it up loud. He sang along with the song and remembered their dance—the feel of holding
her tight and swaying to the music with her. It was like heaven.
Carter rolled down his window and rested his arm on the door while he sang along with Tracy Byrd’s music. During the whole ride home, he relived the evening. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been as happy as he was, and he owed it all to Darcy. He was so grateful she’d come into his life. He laughed to himself thinking about the first time they’d met. What were the chances that he’d walk by her car just as she was struggling to start it? He had definitely been in the right place at the right time, and he had her car to thank for that.
When he reached Flowering Grove, he drove down Main Street and turned onto Ridge Road before merging onto Zimmer Avenue. He
pulled into the driveway and parked behind Gage’s silver Dodge pickup. He killed the engine and was surprised to find Shauna
sitting on the porch swing, talking on her phone.
Carter climbed out of his truck, shut the door, and locked it before starting up the path to the porch. When he reached the
top step, he noticed that Shauna’s brown eyes were red and puffy. Worry shot through him as he closed the distance between
them.
“Shauna,” he whispered. “What’s wrong?”
She held up her hand to shush him. “Hang on a second, okay?” she told the person on the other end of the line. Then she hit
the button to mute herself and wiped her eyes. “Carter, it’s Dad.”
Carter’s entire body went rigid.
“Do you want to talk to him?” She held the phone out toward him. Her eyes seemed to beg him to say yes and take the phone
from her.
His face twisted with a deep frown. “Hang up. He’s upsetting you.”
She shook her head, sniffed, and wiped her eyes again. “No, he’s not. We were just talking about Mom.”
“I’m going inside.” He ground out the words.
“Carter, wait!”
Ignoring her pleas, he stalked up to his room and flopped down onto his back on the bed. The joy he’d felt earlier disintegrated
the second Shauna mentioned their father. He rested his forearm on his forehead and tried to block the memories that swamped
him—losing his mom, getting sick, becoming a burden on his family—but it all hit him hard. He felt like anvils had landed
on his shoulders.
The truth felt like a blow to his chest, making it hard to breathe. Every time he discovered a little bit of happiness, it was snatched away. Dad left, Mom died, he got sick, Gabby abandoned him—and now Shauna was talking to the man who was the genesis of his pain. Of course Dad had to show up just as he’d found Darcy.
He stood and made his way to his bathroom, where he stripped and climbed into the shower stall and turned on the hot water.
When his anguish had dulled to numbness, he turned off the water and dried himself before dressing in shorts and a t-shirt.
Then he stared at his reflection in the mirror.
Pushing the door open, Carter stepped into his room and froze in place. Shauna was sitting in the chair by his desk.
“I don’t want to discuss him,” he growled, throwing his dirty clothes in the hamper.
“Then you’re going to listen to me. I told him what we’ve been going through, and he feels terrible that he hasn’t been here.
I told him about Mom and about you. He said—”
“I don’t want to hear this! The damage is done.” He nearly spat the words as he dropped onto the corner of his bed. “If he
had been here, then maybe you wouldn’t have had to go under the knife for me,” he said, his voice cracking. “I hate myself
for what I’ve put you and Gage through. I think there’s something wrong with me—physically because of the transplant and emotionally
because of all the losses I’ve experienced.” He sniffed and wiped his eyes. Why couldn’t he keep his emotions under control
tonight?
“Hey.” She sat beside him. “You’re my brother, my only sibling, my family, and I love you, Carter. I would do it all over
again without hesitation, and I know you’d have done the same for me if the situation had been reversed.”
He wiped his nose with a tissue. Then he pushed himself off the bed and crossed the room before leaning against the wall. He needed to put some distance between himself and Shauna. “I don’t want to talk to him.”
Shauna nodded. “Okay.”
“You shouldn’t talk to him either.”
Shauna’s expression became fierce. “That’s my choice, Carter, and I’m not done with him yet. I’ve only just begun saying what
I needed to say to him. You need to trust me on this.” She stood, walked to the doorway, and spun toward him. “I’m sorry for
upsetting you. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I just wanted you to know that I’m going to get through to Dad.”
She wagged a finger at him. “And don’t you ever say you’re broken again. There’s nothing wrong with you, Carter. You’re my
brother and my family.” Then she turned and trudged down the stairs.
***
That same evening, Darcy bounced up the stairs while humming “The Keeper of the Stars.” She flounced into her bedroom and
twirled around as the memory of Carter holding her close filled her mind. She couldn’t remember a time when she’d been so
happy. Not since...
A vision of Jace’s handsome face came to her, and she froze with her arms outstretched. As it often did, her happiness evaporated
as sorrow dragged her back down to earth.
Crossing the room, she opened her jewelry box once again and pulled out her engagement ring. She sat down at her vanity and
turned the ring over in her hand, recalling the night she had received it. Jace had taken her out for a fancy dinner on Valentine’s
Day, and the server had brought them two glasses of champagne. The ring was in the bottom of her glass, and when she looked
up with surprise, she saw Jace had gotten down on one knee.
Plans for their November wedding took over her life that year. Haven would be her maid of honor and walk down the aisle wearing a gorgeous navy-blue dress. Derek would serve as Jace’s best man, and Haven would walk back down the aisle with Derek after the ceremony. Darcy planned to throw the bouquet straight to Haven in hopes that Haven and Derek would be the next couple married.
And just as Darcy had predicted, Haven and Derek’s engagement day had come. They were the next couple to be married, and Haven
was planning her wedding.
Actually, they would be the first to be married since Darcy and Jace never got their day. Their life together was not to be.
Darcy could still see Jace’s face and hear his voice, his laughter, in her mind. She slipped the ring onto her finger, and
it still fit like a glove. She sniffed as she placed the diamond ring back in her jewelry box next to the wedding bands she
and Jace never got to wear, gently tucking them into their special spot at the bottom of the box. She closed the lid, wiped
her eyes, and curled up on her bed.
When Darcy closed her eyes, Haven’s mother’s words from the day before at the bridal shop echoed in her mind.
Jace would want to see you move on and find happiness with another man who loves you.
Darcy shook her head. It was so easy for people to tell her that Jace would want to see her happy, but how could she be happy
when she was the reason he died?
Darcy lifted her phone. When it automatically unlocked, a selfie of her and Carter at the concert filled the screen. She scrolled
through her photos, finding more of her and Carter at the concert, at his birthday party, at her parents’ beach house.
Darcy set her phone on her nightstand, and tears pricked her eyes. Would she ever find true happiness with Carter—happiness without guilt?
As her sorrow and regret spiraled, she found her mind shifting toward a new fear. What if something happened to rip Carter
from her life? She couldn’t imagine losing him like she’d lost Jace. Just the idea of another loss nearly broke her heart
in two.