Page 67 of The One Before

He does know, as do I. He thinks I’m collecting some type of emergency fund for when I leave him. Coop has been spiraling since he told me the truth about Laura. He’s used to being in control, confident. He’d thought confessing might bring us closer together, perhaps alleviate the guilt he’s been carrying alone all these years. But that part of him that craves order is crumbling. He’s not convinced about what I might do.

“You have to trust me, Coop.” I rest my head on his chest. “The way I trust you.”

He looks at me for a second, and I can see the regret he feels. I’m thankful for this conversation, though. It provides insight into what I can and can’t do.

The Douglases arrive ten minutes later. Regina marches straight to the refrigerator and places a pie inside. Roman stands behind her, waiting for her to move so he can deposit his beer. Josephine peers into the oven and spies our entrée, then turns to me.

“I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve seen you, Madison.” She smiles, then looks at Coop. “And you.”

“It’s been one of those weeks,” he says, taking a seat at the table. “I’m happy everyone was free tonight.”

“Nectar has been slammed lately. There was a slow period after someone started that rumor about food poisoning,” Regina says, rolling her eyes. “I’m happy things are back on track. Guess it makes sense you went dress shopping without me.”

“I’d planned on only window shopping,” I say. “When I saw your dress, I knew it was the one. I hope you agree.”

“Speaking of the wedding,” Josephine says, taking a seat at the table, “I’ve got an idea I wanted to run by the both of you.”

Coop and I share a look before sitting beside each other. “What is it?” I ask.

“How would you feel about moving up the date?”

“Movingupthe date?” I ask, my voice strained.

“I’ve worked my magic and asked around. Apparently, there’s a wedding that’s been canceled, and if we act fast, we can book all their vendors,” she says. “The cake, the entertainer, the florist.”

“How soon?” Coop asks.

“One month.” She holds out her palms and smiles. “I know it sounds crazy, but since the original invitations never went out, we could change the date and still have time to let people know. Lord knows the people around here would drop anything to be there. We’d have everything exactly as you wanted.”

I feel all their eyes on me, and I’m trying hard to hide my angst. I can’t help wondering if they’re speeding up the wedding to protect Coop. What if he whispered this suggestion into Josephine’s ear?

“I think we can pull it off,” Coop says, looking at me for an answer.

I take a sip of my wine and smile. “Sure. Everything else is already sorted.”

“Regina and I can help you get the invitations in the mail. I’ve already spoken with the entertainment. If you could get me a list of songs for the reception, that would be great.” Josephine places both palms together. “It’s just perfect.”

“We’ve started on a playlist,” Coop says. “We still can’t decide what our first dance song should be. Unless, you’ve found one, Madison?”

“Not yet,” I say, grinding my teeth.

Roman catches me staring at him across the table. I quickly smile and lift my glass. “Yours looks empty? Would you like more?”

“Sure.” He slides his glass forward, never breaking eye contact.

I return from the kitchen with the last of the wine. “Help yourself.”

“I’m stepping out for a cigar,” he says, taking the bottle. “Join me, Cooper?”

Coop leaves the table and follows Roman to the back porch. Inside, Josephine and Regina ricochet ideas about the new wedding date. I watch the two brothers outside. I’m left wondering what they’re talking about. Wondering how much Roman knows.

After everyone leaves, I begin rinsing dishes off in the sink. Coop walks behind me and kisses my cheek. “Thank you for tonight. It was wonderful.”

“Just a simple meal,” I say, taking a small step to the left.

“I think they were worried about us,” he admits. “They should feel better now.”

“Hope so.” I pat my hands with a towel. “What were you and Roman talking about outside?”

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