Page 13 of Dare To Marry You
SAWYER: Kat’s fine bro.
BECKETT: She is. She’s bummed you can’t get home, but she’s okay.
I make myself practice the exact same breathing technique I walked Kat through on the phone last night.In, hold. Out, hold.It slows my racing heart and helps me ground in reality.
A snowstorm is not the end of the world. Kat has family and friends around who will help if anything is needed. I will get home in time for my wedding.
Those are facts. Well, as close to facts as I can get while still trying to think optimistically.
I come to an abrupt stop in front of the doors to a large department store. The lights are on, and people are inside. But that’s not what has my attention.
In the window is a display of children’s clothing. And right there in the front is the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever seen. Footie pajamas, but so goddamn tiny I can’t quite believe they’re real.
I head inside and sweep my gaze around until I see the baby section.
Game. On.
Chapter seven
Kat
Two days. The freaking ferries were canceled fortwo days.
Doesn’t Mother Nature know I need my future husband and the father of my unborn child home, like, immediately?
Two days stuck inside my house is a lot of time on my own to think about all kinds of things. Like what we would do if the snow kept Hunter away for so long we had to cancel our wedding. Thankfully, my mom snapped me out of that chaos spiral by pointing out that never in as many years as she can remember has all transportation between the mainland and the island been cut off for more than a couple of days.
That didn’t stop me from eating my way through an entire package of cookies, a giant bag of chips, and a frozen pizza last night.
Eating for two? Nah. Just eating my emotions.
But finally, we got word today that the ferries were running. And Hunter managed to secure a spot on the one coming back this afternoon. Which means he’s finally on his way home.
“Do you need any help waxing?”
I snort on my sip of water at Lily’s question. “Are you serious right now?”
“Yes. I’m not gonna let my bestie be badly groomed when her baby daddy sees her for the first time in weeks.”
Even though she can’t see me over the phone, I roll my eyes. “Lily. I am perfectly capable of handling my own grooming.”
My ridiculous best friend makes a strange noise. “I’ll remind you that you said that in about seven months when you can’t see your own feet.”
“And at that point I’ll take you up on your offer if needed. But you can’t even tell I’m pregnant right now except for when I’m rushing to the toilet. There is no belly impeding anything.”
“True. Okay. Well then, which lingerie are you going to wear?”
I flop down on my bed with a grin. “I’m debating either the red lace corset and garter set, or the black teddy.”
“Go with the red. Definitely red.”
We both giggle before I sit back up. “I just want him home, Lily.”
Her tone sobers as well. “I know, babe. This month has been wild and it’s not over yet. But before you know it, you’ll be married and heading off on a fantastic honeymoon. No one’s told you anything, right?”
Another softer smile breaks free. “No, despite my best efforts at getting someone to crack, none of you have.”
Our honeymoon has been planned and paid for by my four brothers and their partners. Hunter and I are completely in the dark about where we’re going, and while a surprise of this magnitude could be stressful to some, I’m choosing to just be excited.
