don’t know. I’m still getting used to the idea of being engaged.”
Erin grabbed Alice’s left hand. “I didn’t see a ring. No ring?”
“No. He wants us to pick it out together. He said he’d never presume and choose one that he liked when he knows I’d want to shop.”
“Aww. What a man. He’s so right about that. Tell me everything.”
“My parents were in town, so we all had dinner at his folks’ place. I thought it was just going to be a nice dinner, with our parents getting to know each other. And then after dinner and before dessert, we were all sitting in the living room, and he gets up and starts talking about how he knew almost instantly that I was the one woman he wanted in his life forever, and how he loved me, and how he’d move heaven and earth to be with me.”
“Which he did.”
“He so did. And then he got down on one knee and asked me if I’d do him the honor of marrying him. It was very traditional and romantic and I cried and threw myself into his arms and said yes.”
Erin’s eyes filled with tears. “That is the sweetest, most romantic proposal I’ve ever heard, Alice.”
“It was really lovely. My mom told me later that Clay had pulled her and my dad aside before dinner to ask for their blessing.”
Erin laid her hand over her heart. “He really is your cowboy.”
“I never in a million years thought this LA city girl would fall head over heels in love with an Oklahoma rancher. And yet here we are. I live here, and now we’re getting married.”
“You know I’ll help you plan the wedding, no matter where it is.”
“Oh, we want to get married at the vineyard, Erin. Clay and I have already talked about it. My parents are in love with the idea.”
Erin’s heart picked up its pace. “Seriously? We’d love that. You know Honor and Brenna will go crazy.”
“I wanted to tell you first before I do it all official-like and book an appointment. And I was kind of hesitant to tell you.”
Erin frowned. “Why?”
“I didn’t want to throw an engagement in your face after what you’ve gone through.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m fine. A little pissed off at the moment, which has nothing to do with you. In no way would I ever want you to downplay your own happiness on my behalf.” She slid out of her chair and pulled Alice out of hers so she could give her friend a hug.
Alice squeezed her back, then the two of them sat back down and consumed more margaritas in celebration.
“Now, tell me your wedding plans,” Erin said. “Have you made any yet? I know you have because you’re a planner like me.”
Alice slanted a wry smile at her. “Actually, if it were up to Clay we’d elope. Like tomorrow. He mentioned Paris.”
Erin knew Clay. He was practical as hell. But with Alice? Completely smitten and madly in love. “That boy wants to marry you.”
“In the worst way. I just love him so much.”
“So what date are you looking at?”
“Next spring. Which I know is crazy because it’s less than a year away and you’re probably all booked up.”
“It’s tight, but let me pull up the schedule.” She grabbed her phone.
“Of course you have it in your phone.”
Erin looked up from her phone and grinned. “Of course I do. You never know when I might run into a prospective bride.”
“See? This is why we plan.”
Erin pulled up next year’s calendar. “What month?”
“May? I’d do April, too.”
She looked at the month of May first, checking each weekend, surprised to see they had a Saturday open, then remembering one of their couples had pushed their date recently and they hadn’t filled that spot yet. She looked up at Alice and smiled. “We have the third Saturday in May.”
Alice’s eyes widened. “Seriously? Put us down for that date.”
“Don’t you want to check your calendar and ask Clay?”
“No. He’ll be fine with it. Put us down for the date before someone else grabs it.”
Erin entered Alice’s and Clay’s names in the schedule, then saved it. “Done.”
Alice gave her an enthusiastic grin. “I’m so excited. I’m texting Clay the date right now.”
“And while you do that, I’ll text Brenna and Honor. If it’s okay that I tell them the news.”
Alice was busy texting, but nodded. “Of course.”
She sent a group text to her sisters, letting them know Alice and Clay’s engagement news, along with the wedding date