Chapter 73
Seventy-Three
“ S o…are you guys having an engagement party or what?” Liz asks, tapping a Christmas-red manicured fingernail against her coffee mug as we chat in her kitchen.
My mouth drops. “Seriously? I feel ambushed.”
It’s the day after the annual cookie-a-thon, where I was bombarded with wedding questions I couldn’t answer before Liz rescued me, telling everyone to back off and let me breathe.
She cackles like the devil herself. When her daughter and Emmy shout from the den, Liz cocks an ear, waiting to see if it warrants investigation. Their resounding giggles confirm they’re fine, and she refocuses on me. “Clearly, you need guidance. Which brings us back to your engagement party.”
“We haven’t talked about it. But Butch isn’t, you know, formal like that?”
Her face lights up and her fingers snap crisply in the air. “We could make it lumberjack themed!”
I snort in the most unladylike way. “Sold!”
Her eyes gleam as if her brain is working a mile a minute.
“Wait, are you serious? ”
She pins me with a stare. “As a heart attack. I’m dying to plan a soiree, and this is the perfect opportunity. Did you already exchange gifts?”
“Gifts?”
“Oh my god. You don’t know about the presents?”
My eyes flit from her to my coffee. “No,” I answer, a tad defensively.
“It’s customary for you to get each other engagement gifts. And later, wedding gifts.”
I’m utterly baffled—and it’s obvious.
“Didn’t you spend most of your tender youth planning your wedding?”
My face scrunches up. “I never gave it a thought, actually.”
Liz’s mouth drops. “You’re a mutant.”
I pin her with a stare. “Look, I’m not the fussy type. More of a no-frills, low-maintenance kind of girl. I didn’t have grandiose ideas about flowing gowns or tiered cakes or fancy receptions. I never thought about marriage, aside from assuming I’d do it one day.”
After watching my parents, did I even believe getting married was all that enticing?
“Consider me your guide to help you plan the wedding of my dreams since you don’t have any.” She lists items on her fingers. “Engagement party. Wedding location. Dress. Hair. Bridal party. Readings.” She sighs breathily. “We have so much to discuss.”
And she thinks I’m the mutant? I freeze like a mouse under the hungry gaze of a hawk—just like yesterday.
“Trust me.”
“Famous last words.” Another sip of coffee fortifies me. I’m going to need gallons. And note to self: brandy .
Liz cocks her head, assessing me. “Don’t you want some help? You seem overwhelmed. Stop staring at me as if I’m the firing squad.”
She’s right. Wedding prep should be joyous, not akin to death. “Fine,” I squeak. “I could use your help. I’m clearly out of my depth.”
She beams, her blue eyes practically glittering. “It’s settled then. I’m so excited about this. And honestly, I’m just thrilled my brother met you and wasn’t too stupid to recognize a good thing when he saw it.” She winks. “Plus, we need to beef up the sorority around here.”
I chuckle. As if. Turning serious, I place my hand on hers. “Thanks, Liz. I couldn’t ask for a better sister-in-law.”
“Let’s hope you still think so after the wedding.”
“You’re going to push me way out of my comfort zone, aren’t you?”
Liz just smiles knowingly.
Later at home, I find Butch in the upstairs bathroom fixing a leaky pipe. He’s on his back, head in the vanity cabinet under the sink, long legs begging me to climb on top. Unable to stop myself, I straddle him.
He grunts, a lazy smile crossing his lips when his gaze tilts to study me. “Have a good time?”
I nod, smiling. “You?”
“Buckets of fun. I’ve gotten greasy, wet, and had to run out for parts even though I have an entire shed full of hardware except, of course, the one part I needed.”
“Maybe I can improve your day.”
His eyes shift, considering my offer. “Where’s Em?”
“Downstairs.”
He sighs. “I’ll take you up on that later.” He motions me off and slides out from under the cabinet.
“Did you know it’s customary for us to exchange an engagement gift?” I ask, following him out.
Butch rightfully seems perplexed. He did, after all, purchase the extremely expensive-looking ring on my finger. I’ve fallen deeply attached to it already. “Nope.”
I glance at said ring. “This is more than enough for me. I love it so much.”
“And you’re more than enough for me,” he says, carefully planting a kiss on my lips without touching me with his dirty mitts.
“You didn’t properly warn me about your sister,” I say, trailing him down the stairs and into the kitchen.
“Meaning?”
“She’s hell-bent on being our wedding planner.”
“Christ.” He squirts some Gojo on his hands and works in the degreaser. “Good luck calling off that dog.”
“Not even going to try.”
“Look at you, beautiful and brains.”
“As if you didn’t already know that.”
He grins. “Like I said, lucky SOB.”
Emmy runs into the kitchen. “I literally have the best idea. Wanna hear it?”
“Can’t wait,” Butch answers.
“Ice cream. We should all go out for ice cream.”
Butch crouches down to meet her face to face. “And what have you done to deserve such a treat?”
She scoffs. “Exist.”
It’s right then, staring at these two individuals who’ve claimed my heart, that I know what to give Butch.
The next day, I pop into the corner pharmacy and read through dozens of greeting cards pertaining to love.
Realizing the important part is my personal sentiment, I purchase a blank card with a deep scarlet front and silver embossed heart.
Once home, I carefully print my message— ten little words that speak volumes—sign my name, then tuck it inside the envelope and place it on Butch’s pillow.
When we climb into bed later, he picks up the envelope. “What’s this?”
“Something for you,” I say, my pulse instantly racing.
He reads it. Reads it again. And again. He glances up, eyes watering. Swallows hard, his Adam’s apple undulating with the effort.
“Now you can throw the other one away,” I whisper.
We fall into each other’s arms as he crushes me to him, gripping me so tightly I almost can’t breathe.
We share a meaningful kiss. He lies back, bringing me with him, and I snuggle into the crook of his arm.
He holds the card aloft, reading it again, as do I, even though I know exactly what it says.
I love you and I want this life.
Forever yours,
Jacqui