Chapter 9 #2
I lift my shoulders in a shrug. “He’s leaving, Eve. He’s only here until the end of the month. I don’t exactly see how this can go anywhere, despite how amazing the kisses were.”
Eve sighs. “I see your point.” She finishes off her turnover before asking, “So what will you do?”
“I guess I’ll enjoy my time with my old friend while I can,” I reply, knowing there’s no reason to get too worked up over it. It’s not like this is a relationship.
“And enjoy more kisses,” she adds with a smirk.
“Well, duh.”
We both chuckle as she sips on her mocha.
“So what about you and John? I think Mom’s on Ring Watch.”
She rolls her eyes. “She literally checks my finger every morning when I get to work.”
I laugh harder. I can definitely see my mom giving her the ring finger check every day. “Not surprising. She’s excited for grandkids.”
Eve squirms in her seat and casts her eyes down at her drink cup.
“What?”
“What what?” she replies, delaying.
“You got all…twitchy.”
“I’m not twitchy,” she denies.
“Okay, whatever, twitcher.”
She awkwardly chuckles and shakes her head. “Okay, fine. Don’t say anything though because it’s just talk, all right?”
I nod, anxious to hear what she has to say, and sit up a little taller in my seat.
My sister leans forward and whispers, “We’re talking about kids.”
“Really? I’ll be the bestest auntie ever,” I reply eagerly, already thinking about the playdates and the ice cream and the snuggles. Not to mention the overflowing Christmas tree at the holidays.
“You will be,” she confirms with a gentle grin. “It might be sooner than expected too.”
My mouth drops open and I whisper-yell, “What?!”
She glances around. “I’m not. I mean, I don’t think I am. We talked about it a couple weeks ago, and well, we decided we wanted to try right away.”
“So, Biggie and Miss Snowflake aren’t the only ones getting it on at that house,” I tease, watching as my sister yawns and pulls a disgusted face.
“The difference is cats are…loud. And it’s not for pleasure, if you know what I mean.”
I do, and I’m sorry I said something, honestly.
“Anyway,” I say, trying to stop thinking about cat sex. “So, you’re all for putting the cart before the horse, huh?”
“What is with you and these horse references?” she asks, laughing.
I shrug. “I don’t know, they’re just coming to me.”
“Well, if it happens, it does, but…”
That’s when it hits me. They aren’t exactly trying to get pregnant first. “You’re engaged!” I whisper-yell again, this time a touch louder.
Eve’s eyes widen as she glances around. “No, not yet, but…well, kinda.”
“Explain, because I don’t know how you get kinda engaged.”
“Well, we want to get married at Christmastime because that’s when we reconnected, and it’s our favorite holiday,” she confides.
“Oh my gosh, that’ll be so great. And now is the time to start getting stuff because the closer you get to Christmas, the bigger discounts they offer,” I state, recalling when I first started purchasing decorations for my tree and the business, I got a lot of it right before or after the big holiday.
It’s always on clearance to get rid of it and make room for new merchandise.
“And a whole year of planning! I’m so excited,” I bellow.
She just stares at me. “Not next Christmas, Joy.”
“Holy mistletoe, Eve. You’re getting married in two and a half weeks!” I proclaim, forgetting to use my indoor voice.
Fortunately, there’re only two tables occupied in the bakery and both seem engrossed with those in their party at the time of my outburst.
“Thanks,” she mutters.
Covering my mouth with my hand, I mutter a soft, “Sorry.”
She waves off my apology. “It’s fine. Everyone’s gonna know pretty soon anyway. John is meeting with Dad today to ask his permission.”
“And what if Dad doesn’t give it?” I ask, even though I know he will. My parents love John. He’s already been a part of our family for the last year, and they’d never deny my sister the happiness she’s found with her first love.
“Do you think he will?” she asks, suddenly worried about the conversation happening later today.
“Of course he won’t. We all love John and want him to become an official part of the family. That includes Dad.”
She visibly relaxes before looking up and meeting my gaze. “I know he hasn’t officially asked me yet, but…will you be my maid of honor?”
“I’d be so pissed if you didn’t ask me,” I tell her with a giggle.
“It’s going to be a very small affair. Just close family and friends.”
I know I’m grinning from ear to ear, but I can’t help it. I’m so dang happy for her. “It’ll be perfect. And I’ll help however I can.”
“We really don’t need much, but I’d love you to make a small cake or something for us. I know it’s your busy season—”
“Say no more. I’ll take care of everything.”
She relaxes again and takes a sip of her mocha. “Thank you, Joy.”
“What are little sisters for?”
“I got the best one,” she announces before glancing down at her watch. “I should get going. I was heading to the grocery store when I dropped by.”
Standing up, I pull my sister into a warm hug. “I’m so happy for you, big sister.”
“Thanks,” she replies, returning the gesture and squeezing extra hard. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Let me know what else I can help with.”
“I will.”
“Oh, and tell me every detail after he proposes.”
She grins like a love-sick teenager. “I will.” She tosses her cup and the paper plate that once contained her turnover into the trash can. “Talk soon,” she adds, moving toward the door and stepping outside.
I watch as she pulls a stocking cap out of her pocket and slips it on her head. There’s no missing the smile etched across her lips as she makes her way to where her vehicle is parked.
My sister’s going to get married.
Soon.
And I couldn’t be happier for her.
A Christmas wedding is the dream.
With a little extra bounce in my step, I take in the sparkling holiday lights on my tree, start humming “The Wedding March,” and get back to work.