Page 153 of Counting On You

I nod because I want to believe her. She means every word of it, there’s no doubt about that, but can she possibly keep such a promise when she’s moving to Sacramento and soon will be too busy with married life?

“I know that,” I whisper. “Now hurry up before you miss your own wedding.”

“Okay.” She takes a deep breath and her expression turns anxious. “Let me pee before the photographer comes in.”

After she leaves for the bathroom I take out my cell phone to check an incoming text message.

It’s from the wedding planner.

Kristy: The photographer and his assistant just arrived. Want me to send them up?

“Gracie, hurry up!” I shout. “The photographer’s here already.”

No reply, so I type up a text.

Me: Send them up in ten. Did you make sure to put the homemade wedding sentiments next to the glass vase?

Kristy: Don’t worry. I got it. Everything’s running smoothly.

It’sher standard reply whenever she gives an update, which happens about every half hour.

I toss the phone on the table when the door’s thrown open, and Gracie returns.

“What if I’m making a mistake?”

I groan.

“Oh, Gracie! You can’t be serious.” I grab her in a tight hug. “Don’t get cold feet on me. We’ve both been waiting for this moment for such a long time. You’ve been together for five amazing years, and I can’t even imagine you guys apart.”

Textbook material.

“You’re just telling me what you think I want to hear.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’ve always wanted what you have. I’m happy you found it, because you’re amazing and you deserve it. I’m just telling you what I feel. You’ve chased your happiness. Now that you’ve found it, hold on to it.”

Her eyes search mine, her gaze full of hope, soaking up every word. “Even knowing that I’m moving away?”

“Even if you were thousands of miles away, I would still insist you marry him.”

Her eyes fill with tears. “I promise I’ll visit you as much as I can. And I promise I will call you every single day.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.” A small smile lights up her face. “I’ll be here for my nephew’s birth.”

My sister was the first person I told that I was having a baby boy. She was also the one who attended parenting classes with me. “I really hope so.”

“Oh, no.” Her forehead creases into a frown.

“What now?”

“I’m panicking. What if I forget my vows? What if I look stupid and everyone laughs?” She catches my eye roll. “What? Itcouldhappen.”

“Gracie…” I shake her shoulders gently. “Everything will go just as planned.”

“I hope you’re right,” she whispers. “Do you think Dad will be coming?”

I hesitate. Obviously, I don’t want to lie to her but I don’t want to ruin her day, either, by telling her the truth. “I don’t know, Gracie. Maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it.”

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