Chapter 15
Harper
The last place I want to be is at Kenzie’s bridal shower, but I don’t have much of a choice.
The community center’s fluorescent lights flicker above a sad collection of white plastic folding chairs arranged in a half-circle.
Three wilted pink balloons droop from a crooked “Bride-to-Be” banner, and a single vase of grocery store carnations sits abandoned on a card table.
At least the crowd is small—just six women clutching paper cups of what looks like watered-down punch.
Kenzie squeals as I step through the door, rushing toward me with arms outstretched, expecting a big hug. I manage to sidestep her, leaving poor Alex caught in an awkward embrace instead. Oops.
Dorothy approaches and wraps her arms around me. “It’s good to see you, Harper.”
The hug feels both awkward and familiar. “You too, Dorothy.”
I can see the anger simmering on Kenzie’s face, and I know the punches are about to land. No matter how much I brace myself, it’s uncomfortable.
“I thought I would have heard from you. You know it’s polite to RSVP,” Kenzie says, her smile stretched thin.
“If it’s that big of an inconvenience, I can leave,” I reply.
“No, I’m glad you’re here. It would just have been easier to know for sure in case we needed to change anything to prepare for your presence.”
Frowning, I scan the room. Three folding tables with chairs, a covered table holding three gifts, and one laden with food. “Prepare what?”
“You know what I mean—changing anything that might hurt your feelings.”
“Well, Gina’s wedding plans are still unfolding, so I couldn’t guarantee I’d attend. Besides, the invitation was a Facebook post yesterday, so I assumed formality wasn’t a strong requirement. When people expect RSVPs, they usually send actual invitations,” I say.
Her eye twitches, but she’s interrupted when Tracy asks, “How are Gina’s wedding plans going?”
“Oh, they’re going great! We’re just hoping not to forget anything in the rush. It’s all very exciting.”
Kenzie holds out her hand, angling it to catch the light and make her ring sparkle. She’s so transparent.
“Are you trying to get our attention or something?” Alex asks.
“I’m just admiring my beautiful ring that Asher gave me. Isn’t it gorgeous?” Kenzie replies, pleased to reclaim the spotlight.
“Isn’t it similar to the one Asher got you, Harper? Only smaller?” Tracy chimes in.
I stifle a laugh, hiding a snort behind a cough as Kenzie glares daggers at me. If this were an animated movie, lasers would be shooting from her eyes right now.
“You know, Harper, I can’t help but notice you didn’t bring a gift. I know it was short notice, but it’s customary to bring something to a bridal shower.”
I was hoping she’d mention that. A wide smile spreads across my face. “I figured paying for your wedding venue was generous enough. Isn’t it a bit greedy to expect more?”
Gasps ripple through the crowd that has filtered into the room. My presence has clearly attracted the busybodies eager for a front-row seat to the unfolding drama.
“What is she talking about?” Dorothy asks. “You paid for the wedding venue?”
“Kenzie and Asher didn’t tell you?” I reply. “I had to cover the Starlight Manor because Asher was short on funds, and then that money was transferred from our wedding to his with Harper.”
Alex raises a hand. “Wait, that means Asher didn’t actually cancel the wedding at the venue. He just swapped out his bride’s name. How long have you two been planning to get married?”
Kenzie’s eye twitch intensifies, and she falls silent. But Dorothy isn’t done yet. “You and Asher took Harper’s money to fund your wedding? I’ll speak with Asher and make sure he pays you back every penny, Harper. That’s beyond disrespectful—from both of them.”
“Kenzie can pay her back with all the money she claims to make as an internet influencer, right?” Tracy adds. “You can just write her a check.”
“I would, but I don’t have my checkbook with me,” Kenzie says, frustration evident in her voice. Her unhappiness brings me a sense of satisfaction. And perhaps a bit vindictive.
“Gina’s getting everything set up for her wedding?” Betsy Johnson suddenly asks.
I have no idea where she came from, but I’m glad to see her. She’ll be sure to spread this whole exchange around town. And Kenzie can finally get the attention she craves.
“She is. Luckily, we had a cheat sheet from my wedding prep, so I’m pretty sure we have everything covered.”
“Oh, that’s right, the wedding on Christmas Eve that I’m now marrying Asher at. Does it sting, Harper? Is it too painful for you to be here? I understand if you need to leave,” Kenzie sneers. “No hard feelings.”
Hard feelings? Is she serious? “That’s not really the impression you’ve given,” Alex counters. “You basically guilted her into coming today.”
I almost laugh. “I think the right people are getting married on Christmas Eve. Two people who truly deserve each other.”
“Amen!” Tracy calls out.
Even Dorothy struggles to suppress a smirk as others join in, while Kenzie looks ready to explode.
The doors swing open, and Ford steps inside, his eyes wide as everyone turns to him.
Kenzie seizes the moment to divert attention back to herself.
“Did Asher send you to make sure I was behaving? I told him this is just the bridal party, not the bachelorette party. There won’t be strippers here.
That I know of.” She flashes a sweet smile at me.
“Asher’s so considerate. Always worrying about me.
You remember what that’s like, don’t you? ”
“That might have something to do with the fact that being engaged doesn’t mean much to you when you’re chasing after men. You being engaged. Him being engaged. It really doesn’t matter to you, does it?” Ford shoots back.
Kenzie stutters, her mouth agape, and I can hardly contain my glee at Ford’s intervention. “Harp, Gina sent me to come get you. She needs help with something,” he says.
“N-now?” Kenzie stammers, her left eye twitching so badly it’s nearly shut. “What could she need help with that can’t wait another two hours?”
“We’re stuck here for two more hours?” Alex groans. “This wasn’t the deal, Mom.”
Screaming, Kenzie stomps her foot. “This is my party!”
“She needs help with decorations. Or maybe it was fabric for the dress? I’m not really sure, but she asked me to get you right away,” Ford explains.
I turn to Kenzie with a wide smile. “Thank you so much for the invitation, Kenzie. This was quite the event. I hope you have the best day.”
Linking my arm with Ford’s, we hurry out of the room and towards his pickup. Before long, most of the other guests filter out too.
“She’s going to lose it,” Ford chuckles.
“I didn’t know how many more rounds I could go before I lost my fake pleasantness. Thank God Gina sent you to get me. My reputation wouldn’t have held up much longer,” I admit.
He winks at me. “Gina didn’t send me. I figured you needed an out. Wanna grab a burger with me?”
Ford Stokes interrupted a bridal shower to give me an escape and now wants to take me out to eat? “I can’t think of anything I’d like more,” I say.
The smile on his face makes my stomach flip, and I can’t help but wonder if what Eric and Gina said was true. Has Ford really had a thing for me all these years?