Chapter 9
Quinn
“Ellie! Girl, get over here and show me that ring.”
Reaching for her hand, I take it in. The only thing sparkling brighter than this solitaire on her ring finger is her bright smile. Dropping down into the chair beside her, I lean in for a hug. “Oh, I’m just so happy for the both of you.”
One of Ellie’s co-workers brings over a tray of coffees and creamer to go along with the assortment of breakfast pastries Addison brought from Honey Bunz to our monthly girls’ breakfast meet up. Glancing over at the sweet bouquet of flowers at the center of the table I’m certain Tuesday brought along, I feel a twinge of guilt that I’ve had nothing to contribute.
A blush crosses Ellie’s sweet face that rivals her red hair. “To be honest, I was starting to think he’d never ask. I mean, when I arrived here, Addy was engaged, but none of the other boys from station 12 had proposed. Then suddenly, everyone seemed to be planning a wedding but me.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, Ellie. I might have been engaged, but we haven’t planned a thing.”
“Me either.” Tuesday and I giggle in unison.
“It was such a major transition for me, moving here and trying to get my business up and running. I just never had time to plan a wedding on top of all of that. There are days I think Jason wonders if I still want to get married.”
“Same,” Addison cackles. “I don’t think Trevor has any idea what it takes to start your days at the butt crack of dawn in a bakery every single morning. I’m physically and mentally drained by the end of it. Other than occasionally tearing through bridal magazines or Pinterest, I haven’t had the mental fortitude to come up with concrete wedding plans.
Tuesday throws her head back and laughs. “Oh my gosh, it’s like you three are my spirit animals.”
Tapping my fingernail against my lower lip, my mind goes into overdrive. “Hey, maybe it’s the planner in me. But how on earth are we going to manage this? I mean, we will have to space our weddings apart if we want each other to participate. I mean, I’m only speaking for myself. But I can’t imagine anyone else doing the flowers, catering, or cake than the three of you. But weddings can be a big deal. So it’s not like we are going to do them back to back.”
“You know, you’re right,” Addison adds. “It would be a lot to do four weddings, one right after the other. Unless you guys are planning a long engagement. I’ve been shocked I’ve held Trevor off this long. He asks every day if I’ve changed my mind and just want to live in sin.” She giggles.
“No, we are looking to get married soon,” Ellie blurts.
“Same,” Tuesday adds.
I consider their answers. “Well, I’ve never been directly involved in wedding planning like you guys. So I don’t really bring the same thing to the table as you three.”
“Nonsense,” Ellie interjects. “Who do you think will be the wedding coordinator for mine?” She points in my direction wearing a lopsided grin. “The professional planner, that’s who.”
I can’t help but beam at her. It’s nice to feel I might be on equal footing with my friends after all.
“You know…”
We all look toward Tuesday. She’s so quiet and sweet, we often run right over her during these group conversations.
“There’s one other way this could work.”
I tilt my head in confusion, my compadres wearing similar expressions of puzzlement.
“No, it’s crazy. Never mind.”
The three of us jolt forward, pushing her to continue. “What? What?”
“I had to prepare floral arrangements for twins that got married back home in Hanover. It was my first experience at a double wedding. Why not a quadruple one?”
We blink at her. I’m shocked by the question, until I consider her words further.
“I thought it would be a nightmare. But it was so easy. They shared the expense and we highlighted their individual tastes as well as the things they chose together. I know I’d be okay with it. But I completely understand if you guys would feel it would take away from your special moment. It was only an idea.”
The room is suddenly so quiet you can hear a pin drop. My gaze jumps between my three tablemates. I can’t read what they’re thinking. As much as I actually like the idea, I’m hesitant to announce I’m onboard. The last thing I’d want to do is goad someone else into it for fear they’d be the only hold out.
Yet, I don’t have to consider this long before Ellie and Addison blurt, “Yes.”
The four of us lean forward like we’re in on a big secret. “Tuesday, I absolutely love this idea.” Addison’s cheeks are aglow with enthusiasm. “I have been putting off wedding planning because it’s hard enough to keep up with my business as it is. How on earth was I going to juggle devising wedding details. And there’s no way I’m leaving it to Trevor. Our wedding would be the equivalent of a kegger.”
Unable to contain the snort that escapes me, I throw my head back and wrap my arms across me at the thought. “Well Jason would probably hire shotgun Sam to plan ours.”
Ellie nearly chokes on her water. “Oh my god, Quinn. I never thought about that. Matt would sign up for that one too.”
“Look, my family has already accepted that I walk to the beat of a different drummer. After telling them I had no interest in medical school and packing my bags to shack up with my boyfriend in a little mountain town where I sell flowers, they won’t be a bit surprised by my sharing the big day with my friends.”
We all turn to look at Addison.
“Oh my God. I gave up worrying about my hoity-toity mother long ago. I think she’d be shocked if Trevor and I didn’t elope. I’ll simply tell her in great detail it is going to be like a big backyard party and wait for her to politely decline.”
“Oh, Addy. Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything. They’ve never supported me in anything that truly matters. If they honesty want to be here, I’m thrilled for them to join us. But I’ll make it abundantly clear that my wedding isn’t the place to start giving a hoot about me.”
My heart hurts at her statement. How awful they’ve been to her. And she’s honestly one of the kindest most genuine people I’ve ever met.
“Heck, Trev will hate it. But I’ll offer to let Mom throw a small reception at their house after we’re married.”
Ellie nods. “That seems like a fair compromise.” It’s in this moment I remember Ellie doesn’t have any family left to speak of. Her grandmother and grandfather had raised her, both now departed. This makes the idea of doing a group wedding even more appealing. I’d hate the thought of her feeling alone on her special day.
“Well, I feel like I need to talk to Jason about it before I commit. But can’t imagine he’d have an issue with it.”
A chorus of “Same,” rings out around me.
Addy bounces in her seat, rubbing her hands together in excitement. “Gah. Let’s do this!”