Page 115 of Secrets That Bind Us
Voices.
So many voices…
Nervous laughter.
The house inhales at their return.
A bride getting ready.
A quiet girl looking for a pendant she’s too nervous to tell her father she lost…
I watch from the window of what used to be the attic as they all head to the barn for festivities.
Waiting…
Waiting…
W a i t i n g…
And there, in the distance– just like I foretold– comes a girl, too nervous to tell her father she’s looking for a necklace that means the world to her…
Time to play…
Chapter Forty-Three
Verity
Present Day
"Have you seen Savannah?" I ask Dean, as we watch the newlyweds dance to the soundtrack of our youth.
Dean furrows his brows. "Come to think of it, no. She said she was gonna change into a different dress since she didn't want to ruin the one she was wearing and was going to be right back."
I think back to the small bag Savannah brought from Dean's. She didn't tell me she brought something to change into, and she did get her first period last month. I contemplate it. "When was that?"
He flicks his wrist so his sleeve rises to look at his watch. "After pictures. So about… twenty minutes or so ago."
We both frown.
"I'll go get her," he stands.
I put a hand on his shoulder. "I'll go; in case it's a girly issue."
"Alright. But if you're not back in ten, I'm going in after you. Girly shit or not." He replies. He was the one who picked her up from school that day because I missed the phone call from the school nurse while I was in a meeting to move forward with the limited series. I have to say– he handled it all pretty well. He washighly rewardedfor being a good father.
I grin, stand, and press a kiss to his temple. "Okay, baby. Keep an eye on Noah. He's had about three Diet Dr. Peppers."
Dean laughs, putting a hand on the small of my back. "I know. I'm watching. You look great in that dress, by the way."
"It'll look better on our bedroom floor later," I flirt unashamedly with my fiancé, smoothing down the black satin halter gown. It feels good under my fingertips. But my belly swoops at Savannah's absence. Dean squeezes my hip, and I know it's a warning for me to behave. We have close to a hundred people in the remodeled barn, which is gorgeous and beautifully decorated. Heavy black and maroon curtain-like tulle drapes hang from the center to the outskirts to create a type of canopy. Tealight candles are in the center of every table, along with their centerpieces. The caterers and staff are handling the copious amounts of BBQ and southern-style sides on the tables closest to the walls– still being heated by the small burners underneath.
People are dancing, laughing, and eating. It’s a good night.
But the best part is seeing my best friend finally dance with her groom. Her person.
"Alright, let me go get our daughter. Hey Dean, if you see her here, but not me... come find me anyway."
"You're playing a dangerous game, baby."
