Chapter Fourteen
By the time the bridal shower was underway, Holly felt much more relaxed. It helped to be surrounded by friends and family in the comfort of her cabin. Along with her mother, Mrs. Miranelli, Emily, Lucy, Kim, and Rachel, some of her other close acquaintances and colleagues in Silverwood were in attendance. As Holly opened gifts, her spirits were lifted even more.
“This one is from Kim.” Vivian placed the pink-and-white wrapped box in Holly’s lap.
Holly sat in an armchair encircled by shiny, torn-up wrapping paper. She grinned as she ripped at the edges of Kim’s gift. Under the fancy paper was an even fancier box. Once she got past all the perfumed tissue, Holly withdrew a black silk robe.
Kim smiled with her tongue between her teeth. “Thought you could use some New York vibes on your honeymoon.”
“It’s lovely, Kim. Thanks.”
Vivian handed her the next gift.
“Who is this from?” Holly asked.
“It’s from Nick.”
“Nick? He wasn’t supposed to get me anything.” Holly ran her hand over the little box before she opened it. The box contained a velvet jewelry case, which she flipped open to reveal a silver chain-link bracelet with a snowflake pendant. It matched the necklace he had given her for Christmas the year before.
“He’s so sweet,” she remarked.
“There’s a note.” Emily gestured at the card.
Holly opened the card and read it aloud. “Holly, my love, to quote Virginia Woolf, ‘In case you ever foolishly forget, I’m never not thinking of you.’”
Vivian squeezed a fist on her heart. Lucy and Kim gushed.
“I’ve got to hand it to my cornball brother,” Rachel said. “He does have a way of saying the perfect thing at the perfect time.”
Holly cradled the card on her chest. Her heart tingled, and she could swear she was floating.
“This is the last one.” Vivian passed Holly the final gift from the coffee table.
“That’s from me,” Lucy announced.
“What could it be?” Holly took in the size and weight of the package. She couldn’t assess what her unpredictable friend might have gotten her. After the wrapping paper had been torn away, she let out a laugh. “A food processor.”
“That’s right.” Lucy pointed at it. “I expect you to put it to good use. I’ll be over once a week to make sure of it.”
Kim laughed and high-fived Lucy. “Nicely done.”
“Well, I love it. Thank you.” Holly looked around at all her guests. “I love all my gifts. You guys are the best.”
“And this is just the bridal shower,” Rachel put in. “I can’t wait to see what you get for the actual wedding.”
“I can’t even imagine.” Holly pressed her fingers to her temples. “I didn’t even think about that. I’ve been concentrating on all the preparations for the ceremony and the reception. I totally spaced on the gifts and everything that comes after. Oh, my goodness, I’ll have to pack for my honeymoon.”
Mrs. Miranelli chuckled. “Well, that’s the best part. Where are you kids going?”
“Jamaica.”
“Oh, nice,” Emily remarked.
Lucy whistled. “That’s quite a drastic change of weather.”
Vivian set a hand on Holly’s shoulder. “Reminds me of my shocking honeymoon weather change.”
“Where was that?” Rachel asked.
Vivian raised her hands, gesturing at the cabin. “Right here, in Silverwood. Jake and I were married in the Philippines. So, we did the opposite. Hot to cold.”
“Sounds brutal,” Kim whined, faking a shiver.
“Don’t worry.” Vivian winked. “We kept warm.”
“ Mom! ” Holly covered her cheeks as the others giggled.
The chirp of Rachel’s ringtone interrupted the laughter floating in the room. She held the phone to her ear. “Hey, Nick. What’s wrong?” With wide eyes, she locked gazes with Holly.
Struck by Rachel’s expression, Holly stood and crossed her arms. Everyone in the room went quiet, waiting.
“Oh, no.” Rachel paced the small, crowded living room. “Where? I’m on my way.”
Holly’s heart thrummed in her chest.
“I have to go,” Rachel said. She dropped the phone into her purse.
Holly shook her head. “What is it? What happened?”
“It’s my dad.” Rachel swallowed hard. “He’s been rushed to the hospital. Nick’s on his way there. I’m sorry. I have to go.”
“I’ll go with you,” Holly insisted. “Mom, can you take care of things here?”
Vivian placed a hand on her arm. “Yes, of course. Go on.” She nodded to Rachel. “I hope he’ll be okay.”
“Thank you,” Rachel said.
Holly grabbed her keys and her coat. “Okay, let’s go. I’ll drive.”