7. Grace
Chapter 7
Grace
J ason is sitting across from me, the dim lighting of the restaurant, Lunaire, casting soft shadows across his sharp features. He’s handsome, no doubt about it, with that easy smile and those piercing blue eyes. His voice is smooth as he talks about his move to town a little over a year ago, and I should be completely engaged. After all, this is exactly what I wanted—a distraction, something new, something uncomplicated.
But even as he tells me about his last trip to The Keys, my mind keeps drifting. I nod at the right moments, smile when he throws in a joke, but in the back of my head, I keep thinking about Kane. I was doing that the other night when we met at Hooplas for drinks, too.
Jason’s a nice guy. He’s polished, refined, almost perfect on paper. But every time he says something, I find myself comparing him to Kane. It’s infuriating. Kane, with his rough edges, his sarcastic remarks, and that damn cocky grin that makes me want to slap him as much as it makes me want to kiss him.
"Grace?" Jason's voice pulls me back to the present, and I realize I’ve been staring at my drink, completely zoning out .
“Sorry,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “I was just thinking about... The Keys. Sounds amazing.”
Jason smiles, clearly not catching on to my distracted state. “Yeah, it’s one of my favorite spots. Next time I go, I’ll have to bring you along. You’d love it.”
I nod, taking a sip of my water, but my thoughts are a jumbled mess. Next time? We’re barely through the first official date and he’s already talking about a next time. I should be flattered, but all I can think about is how Kane would never be this smooth, this... polished. No, Kane would probably mock me for something, make some offhand comments that would piss me off, and somehow, I’d end up wanting him even more.
"Yeah, I’d love that," I say, though my voice lacks the enthusiasm it should have. I know Jason’s a great guy, but something’s missing…we’re not clicking. I need a click.
Jason leans forward slightly, his elbow resting on the table, and I can tell he’s about to turn on the charm. “So, Grace, tell me more about you. What’s your story? I feel like I’m doing all the talking.”
I smile, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Well, I’m an accountant, as you know. I love my job, and it keeps me pretty busy.” I pause, trying to think of something interesting to say, but my mind goes blank. Kane’s voice, teasing me about my boring job, flashes through my mind, and I have to bite back a laugh.
“Busy is good,” Jason replies smoothly, his smile never faltering. “Keeps you on your toes, but surely there’s more to you than just numbers.”
I can’t help but think about how Kane would have responded to that. He’d probably make some snarky comments about me being a workaholic or tease me about how I probably organize my sock drawer by color, and as much as it would irritate me, at least it would feel real. With Jason, everything feels... easy. Too easy .
“You’re right,” I say, trying to shake off the nagging thoughts of Kane. “There’s definitely more to life than numbers.” I force a laugh, hoping it sounds natural, but inside, I’m a mess.
Jason smiles again, leaning in a little closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. “I’d love to find out more about what makes you tick, Grace.”
I smile back, but the warmth I should feel isn’t there. The truth is, while Jason is charming, attractive, and saying all the right things, he doesn’t make my pulse race. He doesn’t make me feel... anything…nothing close to what Kane does. Then there is the whole I’m pregnant with another man’s child thing. I think I’ll leave that little tidbit until the next date.
“Maybe I’m just a puzzle,” I say lightly, trying to steer the conversation away from any deep, meaningful territory I’m not ready for.
Jason chuckles softly, his fingers brushing lightly against the stem of his wine glass. “I’m good with puzzles.”
I nod, but my heart isn’t in it. I try to focus on Jason, on the way he’s looking at me with genuine interest, but my mind keeps pulling me back to Kane with his frustrating smirks, his infuriating ability to piss me off, and the way he kissed me like he couldn’t get enough of me.
I take another sip of water, trying to drown the thoughts, but they just won’t go away. Jason is everything I thought I wanted—stable, handsome, and clearly interested, but instead of feeling excited, I feel... disconnected.
“Grace,” Jason says softly, his eyes locked on mine. “I really like you. I’d love to see where this could go.”
His words hang in the air, and I know I should feel something—excitement, nerves, anything—but all I feel is confusion. Because no matter how perfect Jason is, no matter how much I should be into this, into him… I’m not. All I can think about is Kane .
When Jason asked me to drinks and dinner, I was thankful for the distraction from all the chaos going on in my life. I practically jumped at the opportunity, but I really didn’t think it through.
I smile at Jason, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. “I appreciate that, Jason. I do.”
He leans back slightly, sensing the hesitation in my voice. “But?”
I bite my lip, feeling bad for what I’m about to say. “But... I’m not sure I’m ready for anything serious right now. I’ve got a lot on my plate, and I don’t want to lead you on.”
Jason nods slowly, his expression softening with understanding. “I get it. No pressure. I just think you’re... someone worth getting to know better.”
And there it is again, that feeling I should be getting but I’m not. I should be thrilled that a guy like Jason is interested in me, but instead, all I can think about is how different this is from the fiery, electric pull I feel whenever Kane is around.
“Thank you, Jason,” I say, genuinely grateful for his understanding, but inside, I know the truth. As perfect as Jason is, he’s not the one who makes my heart race. He’s not the one I can’t stop thinking about, no matter how hard I try.
That person is Kane.
Fuck.
I arrive at Magical Moments just in time to see Mia through the window, already inside, flipping through racks of dresses. The boutique is draped in soft lighting, the air filled with the scent of fresh flowers and excitement. This dress fitting is supposed to be all about Kate, but I can’t help but feel a little flutter of nerves for myself. Being her maid of honor is more than a title…it’s everything about being a best friend .
I push open the door, the little bell above ringing softly, and a boutique clerk, a petite woman named Ari, greets me with a bright smile.
"Grace, right on time," she says warmly. "Kate’s already in the fitting room. Mia’s just getting started."
“Thanks,” I say, walking past the gleaming rows of satin and tulle.
Kate’s voice echoes from the back of the shop. “Grace! Get in here, we’ve been waiting!”
I laugh and step behind the velvet curtain that separates the dressing area from the rest of the shop. Kate is perched on a small platform, wearing an ethereal, ivory gown that hugs her curves in all the right places, her face glowing as she examines herself in the mirror.
I inhale quickly at the sight of her. "You look like an absolute princess," I say, stepping closer. “Hudson’s going to lose it when he sees you.”
Kate beams, smoothing her hands over the delicate lace bodice. "I hope so. I feel like I’m in a dream." Her voice is soft, a little emotional. “I wish my mom and grandma could see me now.”
Lori, Hudson’s mom, standing nearby in a shimmering wine-colored bridesmaid dress, spins in front of the mirror, testing the twirl factor. "Grace, you’re up next. You have to try on your dress. It’s perfect."
I smile, nodding at Lori and grateful that the wedding will be before I start showing my new secret little bundle of joy. “Let’s see if it’s that perfect.”
Ari comes over, holding the soft gown that Kate picked out for me. “Here we go,” she says, motioning toward an empty dressing room.
As I step into the fitting room and slip the dress on, I take a deep breath. There’s something about weddings that always tugs at my heartstrings and today is no different. Being here, watching Kate’s dreams come to life, it’s... special.
When I step out, Kate’s eyes widen. “Oh my god, Grace, you look amazing!” she exclaims, clapping her hands together. Mia and Lori nod enthusiastically.
I walk over to the mirror, and I can’t help but smile. The dress fits like a glove, flowing and elegant, but with just enough sparkle to catch the light.
“You’re going to steal the show,” Mia teases.
I laugh, shaking my head. “Not a chance. All eyes are going to be on Kate.”
Kate grins, her eyes misting over slightly. “I couldn’t ask for better people by my side.”
We all stand in front of the mirror together, the three of us side by side. Kate, in her stunning wedding gown, looking every bit the glowing bride, and Lori and I in our dresses, matching but still unique.
“Everything’s coming together,” Kate says quietly, her voice full of emotion. “It’s really happening.”
I reach over, squeezing her hand. “It’s going to be perfect, Kate. The wedding, the dress, the husband, all of it.”
Mia nods, smiling brightly. “You hit the lottery, girl.”
Kate turns to me, “The girl who’s marrying a billionaire tells me I’ve hit the lottery.” We all laugh.
I take a deep breath and look at both of them, my eyes sparkling. “I’ve hit the lottery with you two. I’m so lucky to have you guys. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
We stand there for a few moments longer, soaking in the moment, and I can feel the weight of what this day means for all of us. It’s not just about dresses or fittings—it’s about love, friendship, and the promises we’ll witness on Kate’s big day.
And then chaos ensues.
The moment the door to Magical Moments swings open, I hear them before I can see them—loud, lively voices filling the boutique like a storm rolling in. I glance at Mia, raising an eyebrow. "You hear that?"
Mia looks up from adjusting Lori’s dress in the mirror. “Uh, yeah. What is that, a parade?”
Before I can respond, the door bursts open completely, and in strut the Walking Ladies —Gladys, Florence, Betty, and Joan—each of them dressed in brightly colored tracksuits, oversized sunglasses perched on their heads like they're movie stars. They all carry the unmistakable air of women who have lived full lives and aren’t afraid to let everyone know it.
“Oh my god,” Mia mutters under her breath, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Are they... in the wedding?"
As if in response, the leader of the group, Gladys, claps her hands together, making the room feel ten times smaller. “We’re heeeerrrrreeeee! Ready for our fitting!” she announces, her voice booming. "Kate told us to be here at 3 p.m. sharp, and sharp we are!"
Mia stifles another laugh, but Kate steps out from behind one of the dressing rooms, beaming. “These three are my flower girls and Gladys is giving me away. Aren’t they perfect?”
“Perfect?” Mia echoes, trying to keep her tone light but clearly struggling. “Kate, I thought you were going to have some little girls as flower girls… You know, like normal. I thought you were kidding when you told us all this at the meeting at Kate’s.”
Kate shakes her head, completely unbothered. “Are you kidding? The Walking Ladies practically raised me! I couldn’t think of anyone better. My grandmother’s best friends have been around for everything in my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Florence, the shortest of the bunch but with the most attitude, winks at Mia. “Honey, you’re in for a treat. We’re pros at this. Been flower girls, bridesmaids, brides, even the occasional maid of honor. Joan here’s been married five times.” She holds her hand up showing five fingers.
Joan, a petite woman with a wild shock of white hair with rainbow streaks running through it, grins and waves her hand. “Oh, it’s true, and let me tell you, the key to a happy marriage is knowing when to leave.”
Lori’s jaw drops, and I bite back a laugh. This is going to be good.
“Now,” Gladys says, marching over to Ari. “Where are our dresses? I need to make sure it hugs these curves just right. You know, to give the groomsmen a little thrill.” She wiggles her hips and lifts her breasts up, and I swear I see Ari’s eyes widen in panic.
Florence nods, totally serious. “Yeah, no muumuus for us. We’re flower girls, not nuns.”
Betty, who has been mostly quiet, pipes up as she eyes the dresses on the rack. “And make sure the material’s light. Hot flashes don’t care if it’s a wedding or not. This shindig is on the beach, no less.”
Kate is grinning from ear to ear as the Walking Ladies bustle around the boutique, making themselves at home. Mia and I exchange a glance, and I can see she’s doing everything in her power to keep it together.
Ari approaches them cautiously, holding up a soft pink gown designed for a traditional flower girl. “These are the dresses Kate selected for you all?—”
“Oh, good lord,” Joan interrupts, squinting at the dress. “What’s that? A nightgown? We can’t be seen wearing that. We need something with a little pizzazz…a little color.”
“Pizzazz?” Ari stammers, clearly out of her element.
Gladys steps forward, pointing at a bold, sparkly red number on the opposite rack. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. Sexy, but not too much. Just enough to keep things interesting.”
Florence pats her shoulder. “Gladys, honey, you know we don’t have time to keep things interesting. Not anymore. We’re working on limited time here.”
Joan nods, adjusting her sunglasses. “Speak for yourself. I still get interesting.”
Kate’s eyes are practically twinkling as she watches them. “This is why I love them,” she whispers to me.
Florence turns to me suddenly, her gaze sharp. “What about you, Grace? Got yourself a man yet? Or are you still playing hard to get with that hottie firefighter, oh what’s his name? Kane?”
I feel my cheeks flush. “Um, I’m just focusing on the wedding right now.”
Joan rolls her eyes. “That’s what I said after my third marriage. Then I met husband number four. Best damn kisser in the state.”
Betty laughs. “Oh please, Joan, don’t scare the poor girl off. Grace, sweetie, you just need to find someone who knows how to make you laugh, and someone who can, you know, can keep it up in the bedroom.”
“Betty!” Kate’s face turns beet red, but she’s laughing too hard to stop her.
I can feel my face heating up. “I think I’m good for now, but thanks for the advice.”
Gladys isn’t done. “Well, you just let us know if you need any pointers. Back in our day, we knew how to keep a man happy. Florence here still gets calls from her high school sweetheart. Not that he can do much anymore, but it’s the thought that counts.”
Florence waves a hand. “He’s in a nursing home, bless his heart, but he always says I’m still the best thing that ever happened to him. ”
“Didn’t he marry three other women after you?” Joan asks innocently.
Florence shrugs. “They were practice. I’m the real deal.”
At this point, Mia’s lost it, bent over double with laughter. Kate’s wiping tears from her eyes, shaking her head at the Walking Ladies .
"Alright, ladies," Kate says, clapping her hands. "Let's get you into those dresses. Magical Moments isn’t ready for you."
Gladys grins, linking her arm through Florence’s. “Oh, honey, the world isn’t ready for us, but we show up anyway.”
As they march toward the fitting rooms, I exchange a look with Mia. “You think they’ll actually go through with wearing the pink?”
Mia shakes her head, still giggling. “Not a chance.”
Kate just smiles, watching them fondly. “They’re a force of nature, but they’re my force. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
As I watch the Walking Ladies sweep through the boutique like they own the place, I have to admit—Kate picked the perfect flower girls.
The fitting is winding down, and the Walking Ladies are finally settled into their chosen dresses. I lean against the counter, watching them parade around the boutique like they own the joint. Florence is adjusting her neckline for the hundredth time, while Gladys is making sure everyone notices the shimmer on her dress.
“Make sure these groomsmen know they can look, but no touching,” Gladys declares, adjusting her sparkly red dress with a wink.
Kate grins at me from across the room, mouthing, I told you they’d be a hit .
My phone buzzes in my hand, pulling my attention away from the chaos. I glance at the screen and blink in surprise—it's Jason, the handsome client, and my date from the other night. My heart does a little flip as I step outside to take the call.
“Hello?” I answer, trying to sound casual.
“Grace, hi,” his deep voice comes through the line. “It’s Jason. I hope this isn’t a bad time?”
“No, not at all,” I reply, leaning against the wall wondering why he’s calling me since I thought I was pretty clear the other night. “What’s up?”
“I was wondering… I enjoyed our date the other night, and I’ve been thinking about it. Would you like to go to dinner with me again sometime? Say, one night this week?”
I pause, surprised at how smooth he is, how confident. For a moment, I think of Kane and the chaos he brings into my life. Dinner with someone calm, collected, and undeniably attractive sounded like exactly what I thought I needed when I said yes the first time. Now, I’m not so sure.
“Um, Jason. I don’t think that’s a good idea. Like I told you at dinner the other night, I’m just not in a place to be dating right now,” I say, surprising myself with how easy it is to turn him down.
“I understand. I was just hoping you’d change your mind,” he replies, and I can hear the disappointment in his voice. “The answer’s always ‘no’ if you don’t ask, right?”
“Thank you for understanding.”
We exchange a few more pleasantries, and when I hang up, I feel a bit bad for turning him down. Jason’s attention is flattering, and honestly, it felt good to be thinking about something…someone…other than Kane, but then again…Kane’s all I was thinking about at dinner.
I slip back into the boutique. Kate notices immediately, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “Who was that?” she asks, already grinning .
I laugh, shaking my head. “Just… someone I had dinner with the other night.”
Kate’s eyes widen in delight, and she practically skips over to me. “A date? Grace! Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing someone?”
“I’m not seeing anyone,” I correct her, but I can’t help smiling. “It was just dinner. A client from the office. He asked me out, and I figured, why not?”
Kate’s grin doesn’t fade. “I bet he’s hot, isn’t he? I can tell by the way you’re avoiding me.” She laughs.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the slight blush creeping up my cheeks. “He’s... good-looking, sure, but it was just dinner. Besides, I just turned him down for a second date.”
She crosses her arms, giving me a knowing look. “Well, I’m happy you’re dating again. But, um…” Her voice lowers as she leans in conspiratorially. “What about Kane?”
I let out a groan. Of course she’s going to bring up Kane. “What about him?”
Kate raises an eyebrow, giving me a pointed look. “Come on, Grace. Everyone knows there’s something between you two. Are you seriously telling me nothing’s going on?”
“Yes, I’m seriously telling you that there’s nothing between me and Kane,” I insist, though the words feel heavier than I mean for them to since it’s a boldface lie. I’m pregnant with his kid. “We don’t even like each other, but we’re going to get along just for you and Hudson.”
Kate gives me a skeptical look. “You expect me to believe that you two don’t like each other? I’ve seen the way you two look at each other.”
I sigh, feeling my frustration bubble up. “Kate, I’m serious. Kane and I don’t have anything. It’s not that complicated.” Oh…it is so complicated.
Kate eyes me for a moment, clearly not convinced. “If you say so,” she finally replies, but I can hear the doubt in her voice. “But don’t sell yourself short, Grace. It sounds complicated to me. Sometimes the best things come out of the most complicated situations.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I mutter, but I can’t help but think about Kane, about the tension between us that never seems to go away. Still, I push the thought aside and focus on the excitement of the dresses and the wedding.
“I just hope you enjoyed yourself on your date.” Kate says, squeezing my arm gently. “And if the next guy turns out to be the one , I’ll be the first to toast at your wedding.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “It was just dinner, Kate. Let’s not go planning my wedding yet.”
But even as I joke, my mind drifts back to Kane. Why does it always come back to him?