Feels Like Falling - Kristy Woodson Harvey Page 0,101

in town trying to find you a man and then you started hooking up with the hot lifeguard.”

“I know,” she pouted. “But you just looked like you were having so much fun with Andrew.”

Fun, I thought. And now I am alone.

I smiled at Diana, still a bit shocked to see her with that tiny protruding belly of hers. “Speaking of marriage,” I said, “you waiting for the delivery room to tie the knot?”

In all honesty, selfishly, I wanted her to go ahead and get married before she got big enough that Wagner noticed. I wasn’t thrilled about having to explain to my kid that the whole “you fall in love and get married and have a baby” thing didn’t necessarily happen in that order. I was trying to hold on to his rapidly retreating innocence as long as possible.

“I wanted to talk to you about that,” she said.

“If you’re wanting her to be a bridesmaid and wear a hideous dress,” Marcy said, “I’ll be in the front row.”

“No, no. No hideous dresses. It’s just…” She paused.

“Oh my gosh!” I said, not even realizing that I was interrupting. “You should get married here! In the yard or on the porch or whatever.”

She smiled. “Great minds,” she said. “That’s what I was going to ask. We won’t be a whole lot of trouble. We’re not inviting anyone. Just us and the preacher.”

“Well, and me,” Marcy said. “I’m obviously coming. It will save the awkwardness of my hanging out the window with my binoculars.”

“I’m coming too,” I said. “I’m a little hurt you aren’t inviting me, but it doesn’t matter because I’m coming anyway.”

Diana shook her head. “I don’t want all that.”

But I wanted it for her, I realized. “Just picture it,” I said. “A tent set up overlooking the water, a beautiful cross of flowers in between you and Frank, the sun dancing on the water, a quartet playing as you walk down the aisle.…”

Now Marcy chimed in: “Rows of gold chairs with flowers on them and flowers on the tables and flowers everywhere—”

“Hey,” I said, “flowers are my thing. You know that.”

Marcy shrugged. “Well, fine. Get there faster.”

“Peonies and hydrangeas and bells of Ireland.”

“Sushi and prime rib and those little lamb chop lollipops.”

This was when I would bring it home. “And a vintage black-and-white-checked dance floor, with you in the arms of the man you have loved for your entire life.” It actually brought tears to my eyes. Marcy and I were good.

“Damn it!” Diana said. “Guess that means I’ll have to invite Frank’s mom.…”

“Oh, we’ll make short work of her,” Marcy said.

Diana smiled. “She’s actually kind of come around. I think it’s going to be okay.” Diana sat down and sighed. “Now I’m exhausted. I didn’t want any of that.”

I smiled at her. Diana had gotten her happy ending. It made me hopeful for tonight with Price. It had been long and convoluted, but maybe I’d get my happy ending too. Well, maybe more like my happy ending mulligan.

My phone rang, breaking me out of my thoughts. Andrew. Damn. It was as if he sensed I was thinking about another man. I wasn’t going to answer. But it was Andrew, precious Andrew. I couldn’t help myself. “Hello,” I said, walking out of the kitchen.

“Hi, beautiful.”

I smiled. He was so very adorable. “How are you?”

“I’m okay,” he said. “But I’m missing you.”

I didn’t say anything. But I was missing him too.

“Look how good I’ve been,” he said. “I’ve left you alone. I’ve dated. But all I can think about is that whoever I’m with isn’t you.”

I sighed. I wanted to agree with him. I wanted to give in and say, Forget about what I said. Let’s be together.

But nothing had changed. He was still too young for me. It still wasn’t going to work out long-term. There was no reason to drag it out.

“Andrew, look.” I bit my lip. I couldn’t bear to hurt him, but this would make it easier, right? It was for his own good. “It was a fun summer, but it’s over. Move on.”

“But, Gray—”

“Andrew, I’m serious. It’s probably best if we don’t talk anymore.”

It was like ripping out fresh stitches.

“Fine,” he said, his voice cold. “But I want you to hear me when I say this. I’m out, Gray. For good. And let me tell you right now that you are going to look back, and you’re going to wish that you hadn’t brushed me off so easily. Yeah, I’m young, but I want to be