Page 65 of The Wedding Run
“Maybe.” She lifts the teabag and squeezes it to release all the juicy flavor. “Most days, I miss Sophie more than I can say. She was not only my daughter but my best friend.” Tears well up in her eyes before a watery smile emerges. “The last time I spoke with her, she told me an old friend had dropped her a sweet note in the mail. Those memories I treasure like gold.”
Carefully, she removes the teabag and sets it aside. “Sugar? Cream?”
I shake my head and pluck my teabag up and down in the hot water. “I’ve been thinking of my mother lately. I lost her when I was only seven. I remember her telling Charlie and me that we would be big sisters to a baby growing in her belly. We stared at her stomach as if we could see inside.”
Stacy touches my hand, and I clasp hers. “Memories,” she says, “help. When the pain feels overwhelming, I comfort myself that the deeper we love, the greater the grief. I loved Sophie the best I knew how. And that’s all we can ever hope for. To love deep and well.”
I feel pressure building in my chest as a tear slips down my cheek.
CHAPTER 33
Libby
My thoughts linger on the conversation with Stacy as I arrange tables and chairs around The Brew on Friday afternoon. I’ve been looking for a chance to say something to Luke about his sister, but I haven’t found the right moment or even the right words. Maybe there aren’t any. Perhaps nothing should be said.
But I understand him better now. I can’t imagine how it feels to lose a sibling. I would be heartbroken to lose one of my sisters.
Luke and I carry a table to the front window, where the wedding cake will be displayed. Then, he goes to unload the supplies, filling the refrigerator with cream, milk, and everything else he needs for wedding lattes.
Andrea bursts through the front door while I steam wrinkles out of a lacy tablecloth. The bell over the door jangles a warning instead of its usual pleasant welcome.
“Here comes the bride,” I chirp.
She stops, looking forlorn and defeated. "It’s over. It’s all over.”
I pull out a chair for her. “What’s happened?”
She sinks down, her limbs askew. “The bakery canceled.”
I grab my phone and start dialing. “There must be a mistake. I spoke to them yesterday.”
“They called and said they overbooked. Plus, I haven't been able to reach the photographer. The wedding is ruined. And it hasn’t even started yet. We should have gone to Vegas like Taylor wanted.” Panic escalates in her voice.
Roxie rushes over. “Don’t you worry. I can make scones for the wedding.”
“But it won’t be the cake I imagined!” Andrea crumples into tears, and I wrap my arms around her.
“It’s going to be all right,” I promise, even though I have no idea if I can deliver. I need to talk to Elle.
The bell above the door clangs as my father walks in.
“Dad!” I hug Andrea and whisper, “Give me a minute, and we’ll figure everything out. I promise.”
Roxie slides into my place to comfort Andrea.
I rush toward my dad. “I didn’t know you were still in town.”
“Been meaning to call you, Sugarbug.” He hugs me but then moves toward the counter. Roxie is calming Andrea, so he has to wait.
I trail after him. “I saw you at the train depot.”
“Oh, uh… Uh-huh.” Dad shifts his gaze away from me to glance at the menu board.
“If you’re still dealing with the aftermath of the wedding, let me help.”
He leans over the counter as if someone might be hiding behind it. “Can I get some coffee?”
“Dad,” I admonish him for his impatience. “We’re in a crisis here.”
