against the door and watched him walk to his truck. It wasn’t until after he’d pulled down the street and disappeared that she closed and locked the front door.
Things were getting so complicated between them. And at the same time, becoming all too clear.
She had feelings. Deep, genuine feelings for Kal.
That’s what scared her.
CHAPTER 23
THERE WAS NOTHING MORE FUN THAN A DAY OUT WITH A group of women Hannah really liked. The fact that one of those women was Kal’s mother made it even more interesting to her.
They met for brunch at the Alchemist. Laurel had made reservations, so they didn’t have to wait long, and they were seated at a table with an amazing view of the quirky gardens. It was fun, and they all ordered coffee and the Alchemosa with champagne and passion fruit.
“So, are you ready for the day?” Hannah asked Becks.
Becks nearly vibrated in her chair. “I am beyond ready to get a dress and check another thing off the list.”
Carmen laughed. “You have a book with lists, don’t you?”
“Yes. A ridiculous number of things on said list. Who knew that so much went into getting married? We should have eloped.”
“Bite your tongue,” Laurel said. “I want weddings for each of my boys.”
“Just kidding. Mostly.”
“What was your first wedding like, Hannah?” Carmen asked.
“Very small. We got married in my parents’ backyard. I wore a short white dress I got on sale at the department store, and I think we had maybe twenty people there. We bought the cake at the local grocery store, and my mom fixed lasagna and salad for dinner. It was very bargain-basement. But I was happy it was over, and then my husband and I moved to Georgia the following week.”
Becks blinked. “How romantic.”
“Yeah. Not at all. I was young and eager to get away, but my mom insisted on me having a wedding, so . . .”
“But just think,” Becks said. “Next time you get married, you can have a big fancy blowout.”
Hannah laughed and lifted her glass to take a long swallow. “That is never going to happen.”
“Never say never,” Carmen said. “I swore I’d never get married again. Now look at me. And I had a big ole wedding, too.”
“Okay, fine. I won’t say never again. But I just can’t see the big fancy dress and a reception and all of that. I mean, I have a kid now.”
Three sets of eyes stared at her.
“What?” she asked.
“So because you have a child that precludes you from a celebration of love? A celebration of two people who love each other, that includes your son becoming part of that family?” Laurel pinned her with a look.
Hannah opened her mouth to answer, then closed it. “Okay, fine. I can’t speak to the future, because I have no idea what’s in store for me. But no foofy white dresses for me.”
“I definitely cannot see you in a foofy white dress,” Becks said. “For that matter, I can’t see me in a foofy white dress, either.”
Carmen took a notepad out of her bag. “No foofy white dress. See? We’re making progress.”
They all laughed.
The food was amazing. They all got something different and shared bites, which was delicious, tasty fun.
After they sat and had a couple more of those amazing mimosas, they paid their bill and headed to the first bridal salon. When they walked in, Hannah could tell from Becks’s wide-eyed look that she was nervous. Hannah hooked her arm into Becks’s.
“We’re going to conquer the wedding dress demon today. Remember, this time you’re not going into this alone. We’ve got you.”
Becks smiled. “Right.”
The first dress Becks tried on was a strapless silk mermaid style and looked amazing on her, showing off her creamy skin and unique tattoos. When she turned around to face them, they were all grinning at her.
“What?” she asked.
“You look like a bride,” Laurel said.
“You don’t think the tattoos are too much?”
“I think my son loves you and your tattoos. Do you think he’d want you to hide who you are?”
“Good point, Laurel. And thank you.”
“How do you feel in the dress?” Carmen asked.
“Like a summer sausage. How do women dance in these things?”
Hannah snorted. “Okay, so not that one.”
Becks tried on two more at that store, but Hannah could tell they weren’t the right style, color or fit for her. Her eyes didn’t sparkle when she came out, so they gathered up and left. At the next store, Becks couldn’t even find a dress she was willing to try