Page 46 of Forgetting Rafe Thomas
“Absolutely, before we end up underwater with this triple wedding idea. Unless, of course, you’re up for it?”
I grimace.
“Enough said. But one question, can we just go back to our farmhouse and pick out new curtains?”
“No, sir. You have to go talk to my father.”
“I was afraid of that. Scale of one to ten, how much does he hate me?”
The truth is, I’m pretty sure my parents were more upset with me than him over the breakup. Of course, they supported my move to the city to take a great job, but they were less than happy about my methods and actions. Turns out, they were right. It wasn’t very good of me to give Rafe an ultimatum—with a healthy dose of bad attitude, mind you—then get mad at him when he didn’t fight for me. I’d presented it as a decision made, one he had no say in, and I paid the price for that.
“He doesn’t hate you. He and Mom will be happy we’re back together, especially since I’ll be moving back home.”
“So is it settled then? Triple engagement party?” Mrs. Thomas’ voice brings Rafe and me back into the conversation.
“Wait, what?” Rafe asks.
Silas and Lev look like they were just beaten into submission, but neither twin is willing to let their mother down. I glance between them and Audrey, and realize this is my strong suit. This is where I have more clout than the other ladies, except maybe Vivien and Lorelai. I’ve been around for a long time, and I know how this family loves one another way too much to say no.
But I’m good at compromise.
“How about this, let’s take things slow and feel it out. Once Emma and Ella have time to talk to their parents, we can decide what to do. If they agree, we can plan from there. If the ladies want a triple party, we can do it for sure. As for weddings, I’d kind of like to keep those separate.” I top it off with a wide smile and bright, wide eyes so that Rafe’s mom feels like she’s a part of making us all happy.
And she is. Truly. She’s going to be an amazing mother-in-law, but sometimes she loves us just a littletoomuch.
“I can live with that,” she agrees. “Shall we have some lunch?”
And just like that, this family has changed topics at breakneck speed. We’re congratulated a few more times before Rafe finally grabs my hand. “Okay, I really want to talk to your parents, then go back to our house to make plans. Ready?”
“I am. Let’s go, husband,” I tease.
“Oh, not yet, but I like the sound of that, wifey.”
With a playful nudge, I push him out the door and into the open of Main Street, Coldstone Creek. I’m in love with my high school sweetheart all over again, and this little town has brightened my day once more. I don’t regret going to Chatswain City in some ways. I made an amazing best friend, I got to curate an entire exhibit, and I learned what Iactuallywant and need in my life.
More importantly, I learned that trusting God’s plan for me will always be better than what I can dream for myself.
Chapter Twenty
Rafe
“If you keep fidgetingwith it, it’s only going to get tighter,” Luna says and gently swats my hand away from my tie. I’m uncomfortable in this penguin suit, but it’s her big night, so I have to suck it up and pretend I’m used to rubbing elbows with the donors and board members of swanky museums.
Luna looks, in a word, exquisite. I look like a gamer shoved into a tux, but I passed inspection, so there’s that.
“Sorry. I’ll try to stop,” I say and slide my fingers through hers. Her pastel pink gown is set off by her dark hair, giving me a small glimpse at what this woman will look like when she walks down the aisle to meet me at our wedding.
“There’s Natasha,” she says and guides us—Griffin and me—across the open museum ballroom. It’s much larger than I had anticipated, though I’m not entirely sure what I had expected. I’ve been to the museum a few times, but never in these areas. That’s for the big-ticket holders, not us general entrance people.
“Nat!” Luna calls. A ginger-haired woman turns around and my brother stutter-steps beside me. Griffin clears his throat and catches his step, easily brushing it off so no one else notices. He’s good at that, probably thanks to all the soccer.
“Luna, hi! Can you believe this turnout? It’s spectacular. I’m so happy for you!” Natasha’s genuine smile matches Luna’s, and I realize how much I missed in a few short months. My girl has a best friend that isn’t me. And it’s okay, she needs one, and I get the feeling this one is a keeper.
“Thank you, but I couldn’t have done it without you.” Luna releases her friend and looks up at me. “Rafe, this is my sweet friend, Natasha. Natasha, my fiancé, Rafe.”
“It’s nice to meet you finally,” I say and offer my hand. With all the pomp and circumstance, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to shake it or kiss it, but before I have the chance to do either, Griffin swoops in and takes Natasha’s hand.
“I’m Griffin Thomas, Rafe’s brother.”
