“The downstairs is mostly done. The kitchen is finished and wearing a layer of dust. The master bedroom and bath will be done before New Year’s Day. We can move into our own home. We’ll have to live with some dust and noise until they finish the rest of the upstairs, but the downstairs and our bedroom will be done.”
“I cannot believe you’re that close. I got so wrapped up in the Bottoms project that I left all ours up to you.”
“You couldn’t help with what we were doing. You did exactly what we needed, which was to pick out the appliances and the colors and tiles and flooring. And the design of it.”
“I had no idea it was this close to being done. Oh, Duke. It’s really happening, isn’t it?”
“Count on it,” he said. “See you in the morning. I’ll pick you up at nine. I checked on the requirements days ago. We need two forms of ID for the license. We’ll go to the courthouse to get the license and then head to Savannah…if you’re free.”
“I’m free,” she said. “Let’s do this.”
“I love you, baby. It’s all going to be okay,” Duke said. Then as soon as they disconnected, he went to find Jack. “Where’s Hope?” he asked.
“She’s on her way home from grocery shopping now. Why?”
“Cathy and I are getting a marriage license tomorrow, then I’m taking her to Savannah to find a wedding dress. She’s afraid to go back by herself.”
“Why? Because of that shooting?” Jack said.
“Something like that,” Duke said.
“But the groom isn’t supposed to see the dress beforehand,” Jack said.
“That’s why I’m staying in the truck at every stop.”
Jack grinned. “You are the ultimate case of arrested development, brother, but I am seriously proud of you. You stayed single so long I didn’t think this day would ever happen, but boy, when you fell, you fell hard, didn’t you?”
Duke shrugged. “A shoe either fits or it doesn’t. The same way with women you meet. They either fit or they don’t. We fit. Just like you and Hope fit. Just like Lon and Mercy fit. You just know when you know.”
“Hope will be excited,” Jack said.
Duke grinned. “I hope so. I want to get married here on New Year’s Eve. Just our family and a few close friends. No big deal. No big dinner. Just me, my girl, and a cake.”
* * *
As it turned out, getting the marriage license at the courthouse was a breeze. The giggles, the smiles, and the congratulations were what slowed the process down.
The clerk who helped them was full of questions.
“This is so exciting. I’m so happy for the both of you. Are you having a big wedding?”
“No,” Cathy said. “We’re getting married at the family home. Just family and a few close friends.”
“That sounds special,” the clerk said. “Less turmoil, easier to make wonderful memories when you’re not under stress about the details. It’s the bride and groom and their day, after all.”
“As long as she says ‘I do,’ it’ll work for me,” Duke said as he gave Cathy a hug, and then they were gone.
By the time they left town, word was already spreading. Duke Talbot and Cathy Terry were getting married.
* * *
Driving back into Savannah made Cathy’s stomach hurt. She was tense and pale, and Duke knew it. So when he suddenly pulled off into a Starbucks drive-through, her focus shifted from panic to curiosity.
“Plain coffee or something fancy?” he asked.
“Dark chocolate mocha,” Cathy said.
“Cookie or muffin?” he asked.
She grinned. “Chocolate chip cookie.”
Duke nodded, then ordered the same thing and pulled forward to the window to pay. When their orders arrived, Duke could tell by the gleam in her eyes that this had been a good move. He’d given her something else to focus upon besides the bad memories.
“Umm,” Cathy said, as she took her first sip of the flavored coffee. “This is perfect.”
He took a sip of his own as they drove away.
“You’re right. This is good. Really good.”
“So is the cookie,” Cathy said, and broke off a piece and popped it in her mouth.
“Now this is how you shop for wedding dresses on a cold day,” Duke said.
“You have the best ideas,” she said, and by the time they reached the first bridal boutique, her cookie was gone, she was warm inside from the mocha coffee, crumb-free, and ready to shop. She leaned across the console and gave Duke a quick kiss on the lips.