Chapter Ten
Tom
“Man, I can’t believe it’s happening tomorrow,” Jake mutters, squinting at the sun beginning to crest over the horizon.
We just moved some boxes from Jake’s house to the joint yard that meets the lake. There’s no fence showing the property lines between Maggie and Jake’s house. Just an open grassy field until there’s some sand meeting up to the lake water. It truly is a beautiful spot for a wedding.
“You ready?” I ask, clapping a hand on his shoulder. There’s a note of vulnerability in his voice that’s rarely heard, and I’ve known him since we were kids.
He nods, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Never been more sure of anything in my life.”
“That’s how it should be.”
The sun’s just beginning to crest over the horizon.
Caroline insisted I get here early because she has a “long list” for us to accomplish.
My heart stutters at the thought of her.
I let her be the first one to make a move, and now that she has, I jumped at the chance to do it again yesterday.
I said goodbye shortly after, and I haven’t seen her this morning yet.
But I can’t wait to look into her green eyes, to hear her laugh, and keep counting those eye rolls she throws my way.
But with the wedding tomorrow, we’re slowly circling the same question.
And I’m scared to find out where she’ll land.
“So…I take it that dinner went well between the two of you?”
I give him a sideways glance, surprised he’s bringing it up. Jake’s not the kind of guy to pry. “Yeah, it was good.” I can’t help the grin that takes over my face.
“Good, huh? That’s not the word I’d use. You two looked more than ‘good’ yesterday.” He shoots me a knowing look.
“We still have to figure things out. Yes, we kissed…twice. But I don’t want to rush her. Caroline is special. Like, really special. Maybe this will be us one day, planning our own wedding.”
Jake gives me a sympathetic look. “I get it, man. But remember, life’s too short to be lived cautiously.”
“I just don’t want to jump all in and scare her off, you know? That’s happened to me too many times. She’s been through a lot of hurt in her past relationship and with the divorce. I don’t want to put any pressure on her either.”
“Trust me, buddy.” Jake slaps me on the back again. “From what I saw, she’s into you. Big time. And you’re a catch. Any woman would be lucky to have you.”
“Wow, thanks, man.”
“Why are you surprised?”
“Well, usually it’s grumpy Jake all hum-drumming through life. Maggie’s done quite the number on you, hasn’t she?” I tease, nudging him with my elbow.
“I’ll have you know, Rivera, that grumpiness is part of the charm.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Riiight.”
“Coffee is hot! Come and get it!” Maggie shouts from her porch. Caroline stands next to her and gives a slight wave.
We both walk up the steps of the porch, and Jake walks past me to head inside.
“Morning, Red,” I respond, taking in the sight of her. The early sunlight catches in her red hair, making it glow against her pale skin. A good sight to start the day, indeed.
“Morning, Firefighter.” The smile that curves her lips doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Did you eat? We brought breakfast, then we have a full day ahead of us.” She holds up a clipboard with a color-coded to-do list.
“You’re always so prepared.”
She gives me a fierce look, then presses the clipboard against my chest. “This is serious business, Tom. It’s our best friends’ wedding, and I won’t stop until it’s—” She taps the clipboard rhythmically against my sternum with each emphasized word. “Absolutely.” Thump. “Perfect.” Thump.
I notice the tiny crease between her brows deepening, the slight tremor in her usually steady hands.
“Caroline.” I reach for her hand, feeling it shake beneath mine. “It is going to be wonderful.”
She gives me a tight smile, but I can see the anxiety dancing in her eyes. Her facial features relax. “I’m so sorry, Tom. I just didn’t sleep well, and there are so many things that need to be done today.” Her brows furrow, and she absently nibbles at her lip.
“First things first. You need to eat. And then, you can boss the rest of us around as we conquer this to-do list, together. Okay?”
Suddenly, she wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head on my chest. I instantly wrap my arms around her, pressing her closer.
“You’re not alone in this, Caroline. We’ve got a whole army of people ready to make this day perfect.
Maggie’s kids, Lila, your daughter. We’ve got this.
” I press a kiss on the top of her head.
Her words are a little muffled. “I’m sorry, Tom. I’m not usually like this. I’m the calm, collected, has-it-all-together event planner. Not the kind to snap at people, especially ones I care about.”
Is she talking about me? We haven’t talked about anything yet, although I wish we would. But now’s not the time.
“I’m glad to see you’ve joined the human race and have a rare moment of panic.” My arms tighten around her. She chuckles and sniffles, then stands up and lets out a sigh, her shoulder visibly relaxing.
“Thank you, Tom.”
“No problem, Red. Now, how about we get some food in you?”
Her small smile is back, reaching her eyes this time.
We head into the house for breakfast before tackling our tasks.
But throughout it all, hanging twinkly lights and setting up the dance floor, I get to share longing glances with Caroline.
I don’t care who sees or what they’ll say.
She’s slowly letting me into her life and showing me who she is.
And I won’t deny the joyful feeling that gives me.
Or how much more I want into Caroline’s life—every second of it.
You know what they say…when you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to want some milk.
A few of the townspeople have come by at various times today to help wherever they can.
Lila and Emilie are on their way but stuck behind traffic.
Matthew, Alison, and Beth started helping as soon as they arrived.
Some of the firefighters have stopped by.
It’s a beautiful collaboration between everyone.
Caroline means business when she starts going. I’ve loved seeing this part of her, too. She checks off the boxes as we complete each item. She’s determined and focused. I’ve found a new way to admire her, and I don’t think that’ll stop anytime soon.
“Alright,” Caroline sighs, squaring her shoulders. “Next up, the archway and hanging the florals.”
I give a quick nod as I take a swig of water. Jake and I retrieve the archway from his garage. It’s sturdy with a dark walnut stain that contrasts beautifully with the lush surroundings. Built by their own hands, steadied by their shared dream. There’s something profoundly intimate about that.
Caroline directs us to its designated spot, and we prop it up.
“Perfect. Now, for the florals.”