Page 84 of Be Your Forever
A soft expression crosses her face before she wraps her arms around me. Her smile is so bright it's practically blinding.
“I would love to go on a date with you. When and where?”
“Tonight at seven, and let me worry about where we’re going. I’m going to do it right and pick you up, so I’m gonna leave so I can get ready for tonight.”
She tries to kiss my lips, but I pull back.
“Uh-uh. What kind of man do you take me for? I am more than my hot body, Brianna.” She rolls her eyes at me before playfully pushing me away. “Be ready at seven. I’ll see you soon.”
I grab my phone from my back pocket and text Cas asking for his help.
Me: Hey, man, you free?
Cas: I’m happily married, Asher, but I appreciate the flattery.
Me: Hah. No, I’m going on my first date with Bri and I need some help planning it out. Think you can help?
Cas: You two have been going at it like bunnies and you’re justnowgoing on a date?
Me: Yeah. I know. Can you help?
Cas: Sure.
Me: I’ll meet you at your place.
Cas: ??
I arrive at Cas and Avery’s house in thirty minutes, and I have my hand raised into a knock before the door is opened. I’m greeted by a glowing and very pregnant Avery.
“If I wasn’t so in love with your best friend, I’d steal you away for myself. Cas be damned.” Avery throws her head back and laughs; she knows my teasing is just that. Teasing. “But seriously, Aves, carrying Cas’ kid looks good on you.”
“I heard that. And Avery is stuck with me for life. Come on in.” Cas walks toward the living room, so I follow. Cas leans in, pressing a loving, lingering kiss against Avery’s lips before leaning down to whisper adorations against her belly. I look away, feeling as if I’m intruding on an intimate moment that’s meant to be private.
“So, what’s your plan for said best friend?” Avery asks while waddling in.
“Honestly, I have no idea. We already did a bookstore adventure, so I can’t do that. I was thinking of taking her to a fancy restaurant, but that feels too basic.”
“Ooh, what about a cooking class? She has always wanted to take one of those.”
I remember Bri mentioning that once or twice one summer during our childhood. I had completely forgotten that was one of her bucket list items up until Avery mentioned it.
“I could do that, but do you think it’s too late to have a cooking class? Our date is tonight at seven, and it’s currently ten-thirty in the morning.”
“Nah. I know a guy who owes me a favor for mentoring his grandson. I’ll call him to set it up.”
Cas excuses himself to make the call while I turn toward Avery to get more ideas.
“Do you know any other items she’s always wanted to cross off her list?”
“Hmmm, well, she already has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves alongside one of the walls in her office library, but I know she’s always wanted a reading chair.”
Avery pulls out her phone and scrolls through Amazon to find the chair Bri wants. She shifts in her seat, showing me a light purple, velvet LITA lazy chair with a matching ottoman. It screams Brianna. I add it to my cart and request same-day delivery.
“Done. I had it delivered to this address. Do you think Cas can put it together while we’re out?”
“Yeah, I’m sure he can. Oh, you know what else she’s been wanting?”
“What’s that?”
