Finding You

Chapter 19

Carter rushed around the house Saturday afternoon, straightening the sofa cushions and the coasters on the coffee table. Then

he hurried into the kitchen and lined up the canisters on the far counter.

“The house looks great,” Shauna said. “We cleaned until midnight last night, Carter. You need to chill out.”

He rested his hand on the back of his neck and faced his sister. He was relieved they had called a truce over the issue of

their father. She hadn’t agreed to stop looking for him, but she said she’d leave him out of the conversation if she found

Dad. “You didn’t see how immaculate her townhouse is or how perfect the beach house is.”

“You must really like her.” Shauna grinned. “I’ve never seen you like this about any woman before.”

The doorbell rang, and he took off toward the foyer. Yanking open the door, he found Darcy standing on the porch holding two

grocery bags and an aluminum pan. She looked stunning in a yellow sundress that made the most of her trim figure. Her long

blonde hair was pulled up in a thick ponytail that spilled past her shoulders.

“Happy birthday!” Her eyes beamed with warmth and affection that soaked through his skin.

He took the pan from her and kissed her. “Thank you.”

“I have something for you.” She pulled a card from her purse and handed it to him.

He set the brownies on the bench beside him, then opened the envelope and found a beautiful poem inside wishing him a happy birthday. When he flipped the card open, he noticed she’d written “Love, Darcy” inside. On a separate piece of paper he found a printout of two tickets to see Tracy Byrd, one of his favorite country singers, at the amphitheater in Charlotte. His mouth dropped open.

“It’s in two weeks. I hope you don’t have plans that night.” She arched an eyebrow and bit her lower lip.

Carter swallowed, overwhelmed by her generosity.

Memories of the expensive gifts Gabby had given him flashed in his mind—airfare and tickets to NASCAR races, an overpriced

and engraved watch he never felt comfortable wearing, and rims and tires for his truck—all of them symbols of the social divide

between them. He’d come to see them as bribes to get him to do things for her, such as quit his “lowly job” and work on her

father’s race team.

He shook off the memories and looked into his girlfriend’s beautiful green eyes. This gift was perfectly tailored to him,

and he was certain it had come straight from her heart. “Darcy, this—this is too much.”

“No, it’s not too much,” she said. “In fact, it’s not nearly enough considering how happy you’ve made me.”

He pulled her to him. “Come here.” He leaned down and kissed her until he heard someone behind him clear her throat. Turning,

Carter found Shauna standing behind them. “Darcy, this is my sister, Shauna.”

“Glad to finally meet you.”

“Great to meet you too.” Darcy’s cheeks flushed bright red, and she held up her grocery bags. “I brought chips, dip, and macaroni

salad.” Then she gestured toward the aluminum pan. “I also baked some brownies.”

“Brownies are always welcome in this house. Come on in.” Shauna beckoned her farther into the house.

Carter picked up the pan and followed Darcy and his sister through the family room to the kitchen. Gage stood at the counter

marinating chicken breasts to ready them for the grill.

“Darcy, this is my husband, Gage,” Shauna said.

Gage nodded. “Welcome.”

“Hi.” Darcy waved.

Carter set the pan of brownies on the counter. “Wow. You made enough for two crowds.”

“I didn’t want to show up empty-handed.” She glanced around the kitchen. “I love your house.”

“Thank you,” Shauna said.

The front door opened and closed, then Gage’s parents joined them in the kitchen.

“Happy birthday,” Glenda sang before hugging Carter. Then she handed him an envelope. “Here’s a little something from Ernie

and me.”

“Thank you both.” Carter slipped the envelope into his pocket, then made a sweeping gesture toward Darcy. “Darcy, these are

my bosses and also Gage’s parents, Glenda and Ernie.”

Ernie nodded a hello.

Glenda’s eyes widened with excitement. “Is this the young woman who’s been taking up so much of my Carter’s time?”

He turned toward Darcy, who gave him a sweet smile. Then he looked at Glenda again.

“Yes, she is.”

“I’m so glad you’re finally dating again.” Glenda pulled Darcy in for an awkward bear hug.

Darcy patted her back. “Nice to meet you, Glenda.”

Carter and Gage exchanged a grin, shaking their heads at Glenda.

Shauna touched Carter’s arm. “Why don’t you give Darcy a tour?”

“Good idea.” Carter took her hand and guided her toward the doorway. “That was the kitchen.”

She laughed.

“Over here is the laundry room and a half bath.” He steered her through the family room. “Shauna and Gage’s room is over there,

along with two other bedrooms and another bathroom.” Then he stopped in the hallway and dropped his voice to a whisper. “Glenda

gets a little overly excited. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. She just cares about you.” She peeked down the hallway. “This is really spacious,” she said, and he shook his head.

“You don’t agree?”

“Your parents’ beach house is at least twice the size of this place.”

“But I like this house too.”

He smiled and wondered what it would be like to have her in his life permanently—as his wife, his family—but first he needed

to get his own life together.

“Where’s your room?” she asked.

“Upstairs.” He towed her to the staircase and up to his room. “I have a small bathroom of my own, which is nice.”

Darcy walked around his room and stopped in front of his dresser. “Is this your mom?” She pointed to a photo featuring Carter

with his sister and mother standing on a porch.

“Yeah. I was about eight.”

She picked up the photo and examined it. “I recognize your smile.” Then she tilted her head. “You resemble her.”

“Thanks.” He took in his mother’s beautiful face and tried to conjure up the sounds of her voice and her laugh. “I was always told I looked exactly like my dad. It’s a relief to hear I look like her.” The frustrated words he’d exchanged with Shauna about finding their father echoed in his mind. He sat on the chair beside his desk. “Derek texted last night and said he and Haven would come today.”

“I haven’t heard from Haven today, which isn’t like her.” Darcy set the photo back on the dresser and picked up another one.

“Your grandparents?”

He nodded. “That was also taken at their house.”

“They look nice.”

He grinned. “They usually were—unless Shauna and I were getting into mischief.”

Darcy laughed as she examined photos from Shauna’s wedding and a few more of his mother.

When she set the last photo down, Carter stood, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“Well, I’ve been trying to invite myself to your birthday party for over a week,” she joked.

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway drew their attention to the window. Carter peeked out to see Haven and Derek

climbing out of his late-model blue Jeep Wrangler.

Taking her hand, Carter led Darcy down the stairs to the front door just as Haven and Derek stepped onto the porch.

“Happy birthday, Carter,” Haven sang out. Then she held up her left hand. “We have news.” A huge diamond sparkled on her ring

finger.

Darcy gasped and grasped her hand. “Haven! It’s gorgeous!”

Derek shook Carter’s hand. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks and congratulations to you.”

Darcy hugged Haven. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you,” Haven said. “I thought it was strange when Derek said we should go to breakfast this morning. After we ate, we drove to the UNCC campus and he asked me to go for a walk, which was even stranger. He took me to the very spot where he’d asked me out on our first date to propose.” She took Darcy’s hands in hers. “Will you be my maid of honor, Darce?”

Looping her arm around Haven’s neck, Darcy led her into the house. “Of course I will. I can’t wait to get started on your

wedding plans.”

Derek patted Carter’s shoulder and handed him a card. “This is for you.”

“Thanks,” Carter said. “I was wondering when you would give her that ring.”

“I finally came up with the perfect plan, but I had to find the courage first.” He grinned. “I’m just glad she said yes.”

Carter chortled and shook his head. “You knew she would.” As they walked into the house together, he wondered if he’d have

his own chance to plan a proposal, a wedding, and a future.

***

Later that afternoon Darcy sat on the deck with Haven, Shauna, and Glenda. She smiled across the small yard toward where Carter

stood inside the detached garage with Derek, Gage, Ernie, and a few neighbors. They had eaten delicious grilled chicken along

with the food Darcy had brought. Now she felt herself unwinding as she spent time with friends new and old.

“That ring is something.” Glenda examined the huge diamond on Haven’s finger.

Shauna took a sip of iced tea. “I agree. Were you surprised?”

“Yes.” Haven’s smile was as bright as the June afternoon sun. “He was acting nervous all day, and I kept asking him what was wrong. Then he got down on one knee.” She sniffed. “I thought it would be another year or so before he’d be ready.”

Darcy touched Haven’s shoulder. “I think it’s wonderful.”

Haven had a strange look on her face as she stood. “Darce, how about we go inside and get your brownies?” She tilted her head

oddly, as if trying to signal something to her friend.

“Sure.” Darcy followed Haven into the house and to the kitchen. “What’s up?”

Haven’s expression became serious. “Darcy, I want to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me.”

Darcy was taken aback. “Of course.”

When Haven looked down at the counter, Darcy’s stomach tightened.

After a moment, Haven looked up once again. “How would you feel if I got married the last Saturday in October?” She placed

her hand over Darcy’s. “I don’t want to hurt you, and I hope you’ll tell me if it’s too painful for you.”

Darcy felt an ache in her chest. “It’s your wedding, Haven. You need to do what you want.” As she said the words, they stung—but

she determined to push that feeling away. She would be happy for her best friend no matter how difficult it was to smile through

her grief.

“No, I don’t. I need to think of my best friend and her feelings first.” She studied Darcy’s face. “Is it okay if I have a

fall wedding? I don’t want to upset you or make you sad.”

Darcy hugged her. “You are so sweet to think of me, but don’t worry. I promise I’ll be okay no matter what. This will be your

day. Make it the wedding of your dreams.”

“You’re truly my best friend on the planet.” Haven gave her one last squeeze and released her. “Let’s get back outside then.” Darcy cut up the brownies while Haven grabbed disposable plates and napkins. Back out on the deck, Haven and Darcy served up the dessert.

“So have you thought about a wedding date yet, Haven?” Glenda asked.

Haven nodded. “The last Saturday in October.”

“That’s only four months away,” Shauna said. “You’ll need to start planning now.”

Haven swallowed a bite of brownie. “We’re going to talk to Derek’s pastor this week since we want to get married here in Flowering

Grove, and we want to have the reception at the Flowering Grove Country Club.”

“It’s really nice,” Shauna said. “I’ve been to a couple of bridal showers there.”

“Derek had his high school reunion there, and I went with him. It was lovely,” Haven added. “I talked to my mom this morning,

and she’s already in planning mode. She said she’s been waiting for this.” She gazed down at her ring, and her smile faded.

“We have so much to do. We’ll need a caterer and a menu, a good DJ, and a cake. Oh! Invitations. I guess the save-the-date

postcards would have to go out soon.”

Darcy turned toward the detached garage, where Carter sat on a stool and grinned at Ernie, who appeared to be sharing a story.

At the thought of a future with Carter, excitement hurtled through her.

Yet it seemed too soon to daydream about those things. They’d only known each other for two months, and they’d been dating

for barely two weeks. It seemed premature to imagine a lifetime with a person she’d known for such a short time. Yet she’d

never felt such a deep connection with anyone so quickly—including Jace.

The sound of Shauna pushing her chair back pulled Darcy back to the present.

“These brownies are delicious. I think I’ll grab the cake too,” she said as she stood.

Darcy popped up from her chair. “Would you like some help?”

“Sure.”

As Darcy followed Shauna into the house, she hoped this would be the first of many visits with Carter’s sister.

***

Later that evening, after everyone else had gone home, Darcy rested her head on Carter’s shoulder while they sat on his sister’s

porch swing. She drew in the fragrance of freshly cut grass while the cicadas began their usual chorus and lightning bugs

showed off their sparkling display.

Carter kissed her head, and she peered up at him and smiled.

“Did you have a nice birthday?” she asked.

He took her hand in his. “No, I had the best birthday in a long time because you were here.” He touched her nose.

She snuggled deeper into his shoulder. “I enjoyed meeting your family.”

“They liked you too.”

“I was surprised you didn’t invite Jovan and the rest of your friends from high school.”

He paused for a moment. “Shauna and I agreed to keep it small this time, but maybe I’ll have them over soon.”

“Okay.”

He was silent for a moment, and the sound of the swing creaking back and forth filled the porch. “Were you surprised by Derek

and Haven’s engagement?”

“Yes and no. I had a feeling it was coming, but I didn’t know how soon.”

“If I admit something to you, will you promise not to be angry?”

She sat up as curiosity gripped her. “What do you mean?”

Carter looked ashamed. “When we were at your parents’ beach house, Derek told me he had bought a ring. He just wasn’t sure

when he was going to propose.”

Darcy opened and closed her mouth while trying to gather a response. “Carter,” she began, her words measured, “why didn’t

you tell me?”

“I’m sorry.” He held his hands up in surrender. “I got the impression it was top-secret information.”

She studied him, then cradled her arms to her middle. “Do you not trust me?” Her voice sounded thready.

He shook his head. “It’s not that at all. I just thought he might want to keep the element of surprise. I never meant to hurt

you, Darcy. I would never deliberately hurt you.”

As Darcy took in the earnest expression on his face, she realized her feelings were displaced. Carter had given her no reason

to be on edge. She’d just been daydreaming about having a future with him when she didn’t know what he wanted for his future. Did he even want to get married and have a family one day?

Carter’s thumb swept across her cheek, leaving a trail of heat. “I can tell you’re thinking about something serious. You can

be honest with me, Darcy.”

“You can tell when I’m concentrating?”

He nodded. “I’m learning how to read you. What’s on your mind?”

“What do you want?”

He arched a brow. “Can you be more specific?”

“For your future, Carter. What are your goals for your life?”

He trailed his fingers over the stubble on his neck. “Well, I eventually would like a home and a family, but it will be a

while before I can have those things.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “How about you?”

“Well, for one, you already know I want to find my biological mother. But I haven’t heard anything from the Lost and Found people yet.”

He looked out toward the street as if avoiding her gaze. A dog barked somewhere in the distance, and an SUV drove by with

the radio so loud that the bass reverberated in Darcy’s chest.

She took in the frown darkening Carter’s handsome face, and she touched his cheek. “Did I say something to upset you?”

“No, it’s not you.” His expression softened. “Shauna thinks she found our father.”

“And you’re not happy about it.”

He snorted. “No, not at all. I told her to keep me out of it.”

“But what if he wants to apologize and actually be a father figure to you and Shauna?”

“His words wouldn’t mean anything to me. He wasn’t there when we needed him, so why would we want him in our lives now?”

“I’m sorry.” She leaned against him, and he pulled her close. She breathed in his familiar smell of soap and sandalwood and

felt safe and protected in his strong arms. “You can vent to me anytime, Carter.”

“Thanks. I didn’t mean to dampen the mood.”

“I can think of ways to lighten the mood.”

He looked down at her, and his smile was wicked. “Is that right?” When he kissed her, her stomach swirled wildly.

My thoughts exactly.

Darcy sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Happiness blossomed in the pit of her belly, and as she melted against

him, she lost herself in his kiss.