Page 3 of Sunny Skies Ahead
“Can’t deny that,” Abbie said, shooting me a grin. “I’m grateful to have the truest of friends in you.”
“You deserve to be happy, Abbie,” I said earnestly. “I know I had my reservations at the beginning of this, when Connor came back into town, but I really am happy for you. You’ve more than earned this.”
Saying I had reservations about the two of them would be putting it lightly. I was the one who had helped Abbie through the darkest time of her life, the weeks after her mother died and Connor had left town without so much as a note. I’d held her while she sobbed until she was sick, convinced she’d never make it out of Watford and achieve her dreams, because her father’s alcoholism wrought havoc in every area of her life.
Abbie had always been convinced there was more to the story of Connor leaving, and it turned out she was right.
Now, the man looked at her like she hand-painted every star in the night sky. Based on my conversations with Kameron, Connor’s best friend and boss, it sounded like he’d always done that. That kind of all-encompassing, reckless love is all I had ever wanted for her.
Abbie reached across the table and squeezed my hand, her blue eyes meeting mine.
“You deserve to be happy too, Imogen.”
I waved her hand away, taking a sip of my water. I didn’t want to talk about myself.
“I am happy, Abs.”
“I know,” she said, her eyes still shining softly.
“Abbie,” I warned, raising my eyebrows. “Don’t say it.”
“You can find happiness without being married, you know,” Abbie said, and I let out a loud exhale.
“I love you, thank you, but I don’t need a relationship lecture,” I cut in, voice strained. “Youneed to focus less on my non-existent love life and focus more on preparing for your wedding.”
Abbie narrowed her eyes, and I knew this conversation was far from over. Abbie was like a bulldog with a bone. I wouldn’t categorize her as a traditional person by any means, but she was still stuck in the love-struck, honeymoon phase of being with Connor and all the bright, sunshine-y promises of the future. That was her path to happiness, and she wanted everyone to experience that love. I didn’t fault her for that.
Even if it was like a knife being twisted in my gut every time she brought it up. She knew I didn’t want to talk about my future potential for love. Truth be told, it wasn’t at the top of my mind.Ever. I had my hands full with the homestead, and now with my brother, Kevin, taking over as the manager for the general store Abbie and her father owned, there was a lot going on.
Our pizza arrived, and I sighed as the aroma of melted cheese, fresh tomato sauce, and buttery garlic crust enveloped me.Heaven.
Abbie slapped a slice onto a paper plate and pushed it towards me. I took a bite of the cheesy goodness and closed my eyes.
“This isgood.”
Abbie laughed, the sound bright and airy.
“You look like you need some privacy.”
“Hush,” I said, and wiped my mouth with a napkin. “I’ll update the wedding prep spreadsheet now that everything is set with the dress. Now we need to discuss the flower arrangements.”
Abbie’s smile widened, and she leaned in, launching into her very detailed vision on what the floral arrangements wouldlook like. I didn’t have the heart to tell her we’d already discussed the vision at length, and I just needed to update her on what the vendors had to say, but I let her talk, her hands waving animatedly as she outlined the image in her mind.
Abbie had grown up wanting to start her own flower farm one day, and while she wasn’t sure if that dream would ever come true, she could certainly pour every ounce of that passion into planning her wedding.
I smiled and pulled out my phone to take notes. I was surprised when I had a text from Kameron, Connor’s best friend and boss.
Kameron Miller
Please tell Abbie to text Connor back
He’s moping like a sad puppy because he wants to be married already and it’s gross
I smiled to myself before tapping out a brief reply.
Me
Aw, poor baby, having to put up with that. Need a hug?
