Page 132 of It Couldn't Be You
“You’re welcome,” I said, interlacing my hands with his.
“Do you want to walk outside for a minute?”
“It’s pouring rain,” I said, though everything in me was thinkingyes.
“There’s a covered patio, remember?”
I nodded. He took my hand and started to lead me through the dwindling party. My whole body was humming with reckless excitement. He looked back at me right before we were going to turn down out of the back room and into the hallway. He grinned that sideways grin of his.
“No shenanigans!” Katie shouted across the room, breaking the moment like glass. “It is my bachelorette night. No sneaking off! The smooching can wait until tomorrow night!”
“No, it really cannot,” Gabe said roughly.
I just blushed, ignoring any people looking over. I turned my back to the room in mortification but gave a measly thumbs up to Katie, who was laughing at us. Terrence, playing Gabe’s brotherly wingman, was pleading our case with her.
Gabriel nodded toward the hallway as if suggesting we duck out anyway, but I shook my head.
Katie marched over to us and declared, “Bachelorette time!” and away we went.
The Bachelorette party splashed through the rain to get spicy margaritas and sing karaoke. Then, sleepy and tipsy, we were chauffeured back home to don face and hair masks until we all decided to turn in early-ish with the big day in the morning.
Tanya and Katie were sharing Katie’s bed, and I had a sleeping bag on her bedroom floor. I was nestled in with my eyes closed while Tanya and Katie whispered.
They were wondering if the rain didn’t stop, could the barn be cleaned up quickly enough? Maybe if they started cleaning it out at six a.m.? Or could they just arrange furniture in the living and dining area of their house? Or maybe they just slosh out in the rain and offer everyone umbrellas? Then it was quiet. I assumed they had drifted to sleep.
I snuggled deeper into my sleeping bag to open my phone so I could check the weather forecast. I repeated my prayer from earlier.
Then, I got a message from Katie.
Katie
I can see the light from your phone, so I know I can bug you.
Katie
I just want Terrence’s family here and to get married standing under my big Texas sunshine.
Me
this message found me already praying. I’ve been praying all night.
Katie
that’s my bestie
Then, another message popped up.
Gabriel
Shenanigan meeting outside?
Me
it’s pouring rain outside
Gabriel
we have a covered patio
