Rising (Anderson Special Ops #2) - Melody Anne Page 0,30
are both here,” Carl said.
“Maybe we could’ve been late without them even noticing,” Avery said with a chuckle.
“They do seem to have a real connection,” Carl said. “Do you think it will turn into something more?”
“I sure hope so,” Avery said.
The two of them stepped from their vehicle and moved inside where several people were milling about. Many conversations were going on as multiple people worked on airplanes and talked about flying. One thing she’d noticed about these pilots — amateur and professional — was that they could talk planes all day long and then some. It was sort of infectious actually. It was pretty dang cool they were able to do something most people couldn’t.
“Well hello there,” a voice called out. Avery and Carl turned to see Sherman Armstrong moving toward them, her mother at his side, a slight flush on her cheeks. The proverbial “hand caught in the cookie jar” look on her face.
“Hello, darling, I’m surprised you’re on time,” Bobbi said in a sweet girlish voice that had Avery beaming. She kissed Avery on the cheek before giving Carl a hug and kissing his cheek as well.
“I value my body so I wasn’t going to be late again,” Carl said with a chuckle.
“I love a man who listens,” Bobbi said. “And this place is absolutely perfect for the wedding. I can see it all now.”
“I really appreciate you letting us use this space, Sherman. With the size this wedding is getting to be, we might need all of it.”
“We all love a big wedding. It proves that love is still in the air and can conquer all,” Sherman said. Avery didn’t miss the look Sherman sent her mother, thinking he was being sly. Avery wanted to say something but bit her lip to keep quiet. She didn’t want to take any chances on scaring either of them.
“You said Joseph wanted to attend. That sort of scares me. He’s a celebrity and this isn’t a five-star affair,” Avery said as she shifted on her feet. She hadn’t met Joseph Anderson but her mother had, and her mother said he was a wonderful man. She didn’t know all of the connections, but she knew he owned a lot of businesses in the area. He was somehow involved in Carl’s work, but she didn’t know exactly how. She didn’t know a heck of a lot about what Carl did. But she trusted him, and that was what mattered.
“Joseph would laugh and laugh at that. He might have a ton of money, but underneath it all, he’s a country boy at heart. You give him some good food and a lot of laughter, and it’s a perfect night for him,” Sherman said. “Money might define some people, but not all of us.”
“I’m glad I met you, Sherman. I hope you’re in our lives for a long time to come,” Avery said, truly meaning it.
“I seek out good people, and you and your mother are exactly that,” Sherman said with a big smile.
“We can certainly say the same about you,” Bobbi told him, blushing once again. Avery wondered if they were going on a date soon. She truly hoped so.
“My mother is one of the best people around. She’s worked hard her entire life and has been the greatest mother a girl could have,” Avery said.
“Oh, you stop that,” Bobbi said. “This day is about you, and you alone.”
“Mom, you’ve always hated compliments, but I wouldn’t be here right now without your guidance, so I can say whatever I want,” Avery told her.
“Let’s do some planning,” Bobbi said. Avery knew she was changing the subject to get herself out of the spotlight and that was okay with Avery.
“I bet you have it all planned out, and there isn’t going to be much I’ll need to do,” Avery said, suddenly inspired.
“Well no, not really. I figured you’d want to be involved. We can meet with the wedding planner later and get it all ironed out,” Bobbi told her.
Avery looked at Carl and sent him a pleading stare. He smiled at her, letting her know he was behind her every step of the way. Her heart filled even more. They didn’t have to say words to communicate. She was so glad she’d met this man — so glad they’d come back together when it looked as if she’d never see him again.
“I love you,” she said.
He leaned down and gently kissed her. “I adore you,” he replied.