Page 151 of When There Was You
“Oh my god. You don’t know about the presents?”
My eyes flit from her to my coffee. “No,” I answer, a tad defensively.
“It’s customary for you to get each other engagement gifts. And later, wedding gifts.”
I’m utterly baffled—and it’s obvious.
“Didn’t you spend most of your tender youth planning your wedding?”
My face scrunches up. “I never gave it a thought, actually.”
Liz’s mouth drops. “You’re a mutant.”
I pin her with a stare. “Look, I’m not the fussy type. More of a no-frills, low-maintenance kind of girl. I didn’t have grandiose ideas about flowing gowns or tiered cakes or fancy receptions. I never thought about marriage, aside from assuming I’d do it one day.”
After watching my parents, did I even believe getting married was all that enticing?
“Consider me your guide to help you plan the wedding ofmydreams since you don’t have any.” She lists items on her fingers. “Engagement party. Wedding location. Dress. Hair. Bridal party. Readings.” She sighs breathily. “We have so much to discuss.”
And she thinksI’mthe mutant? I freeze like a mouse under the hungry gaze of a hawk—just like yesterday.
“Trust me.”
“Famous last words.” Another sip of coffee fortifies me. I’m going to need gallons. And note to self:brandy.
Liz cocks her head, assessing me. “Don’t youwantsome help? You seem overwhelmed. Stop staring at me as if I’mthe firing squad.”
She’s right. Wedding prep should be joyous, not akin to death. “Fine,” I squeak. “I could use your help. I’m clearly out of my depth.”
She beams, her blue eyes practically glittering. “It’s settled then. I’m so excited about this. And honestly, I’m just thrilled my brother met you and wasn’t too stupid to recognize a good thing when he saw it.” She winks. “Plus, we need to beef up the sorority around here.”
I chuckle. As if. Turning serious, I place my hand on hers. “Thanks, Liz. I couldn’t ask for a better sister-in-law.”
“Let’s hope you still think so after the wedding.”
“You’re going to push me way out of my comfort zone, aren’t you?”
Liz just smiles knowingly.
Later at home,I find Butch in the upstairs bathroom fixing a leaky pipe. He’s on his back, head in the vanity cabinet under the sink, long legs begging me to climb on top. Unable to stop myself, I straddle him.
He grunts, a lazy smile crossing his lips when his gaze tilts to study me. “Have a good time?”
I nod, smiling. “You?”
“Buckets of fun. I’ve gotten greasy, wet, and had to run out for parts even though I have an entire shed full of hardware except, of course, the one part I needed.”
“Maybe I can improve your day.”
His eyes shift, considering my offer. “Where’s Em?”
“Downstairs.”
He sighs. “I’ll take you up on that later.” He motions me off and slides out from under the cabinet.
“Did you know it’s customary for us to exchange an engagement gift?” I ask, following him out.
Butch rightfully seems perplexed. He did, after all,purchase the extremely expensive-looking ring on my finger. I’ve fallen deeply attached to it already. “Nope.”
