Ten
Ten
Growing up, Grace dreamed of having a home and a family who loved her unconditionally. She imagined Christmases with grandparents and birthdays where she was celebrated. Unlike many of her classmates, she didn’t have a mom to go through the ups and downs of puberty, boys, and friendships with. Her mother was too busy living her own life to worry about Grace. To this day, her mother was the epitome of selfishness. Grace had worried she’d end up the same but couldn’t imagine not wanting the very best for the people around her, and she’d do anything for any of them.
As Grace got older, her dreams shifted. She realized that some people had to go through life alone and she was okay with it. She packed away thoughts of family and focused on goals. By the time she graduated from high school, she knew she’d do whatever it took to build a life for herself; one that included a house to come home to and a career that let her take care of herself without relying on anyone.
Descending the wide, curving staircase, two of her closest friends right behind her, she realized that the dream she’d stored away long ago was coming true. Not only did she have the home and the family, she had a man who wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, building and chasing new dreams and goals. Together.
“You good?” Hailey asked as they came off the stairs.
The two women she’d become so close to, whom she knew would be there for her no matter what, flanked her, making Grace’s chest grow impossibly tight.
“I’m so good. I can’t believe I’m going to marry a man I wasn’t even sure I could live next door to.”
They laughed together as Rosie came into the foyer. In her hands, she held a delicate bouquet of flowers Grace recognized from the yard. Rosie had woven them together and tied a pink satin bow around the shortened stems. She pulled Grace into a one-armed hug as she passed it over. “You ready?”
“So ready,” Grace whispered, looking down at the flowers then back up at her friend. “You made me a bouquet.”
Rosie pulled away, nodding. Tears shone in her eyes. “Of course. I’m going to walk you around the house. Everly and Hailey, you two can go out the back. Is that okay?”
Even though she wanted this with an urgency she didn’t recognize, nerves danced over her skin. “Yes. Is Noah outside?”
Rosie nodded, brushing a lock of Grace’s hair off her shoulder. “He is. He can’t wait to marry you.”
The girls hugged Grace and then she and Rosie went through the front door, down the steps, and around to the side of the house. When Grace stopped, looking at the house she owned next door, images of inheriting it, meeting Noah, leaving Morty’s place, and all the moments of the last few years came together like a highlight reel in her head.
“I’m so happy for you, Gracie. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I love you and I’m so glad you found everything you deserve.”
Grace’s breath hitched as she looked at her best friend. “There’s so much of it that I wouldn’t have made it through if not for you.”
Rosie shook her head. “That’s not true. You’re a survivor. You would have made it without me but I’m glad you didn’t have to. You’ll never have to.”
Grace would not cry. Not yet. She leaned in and hugged her friend fiercely. “Same.”
Rosie pulled back, her smile turning into a wide, goofy, and toothy grin. “Let’s get you hitched.”