Like now.
“Be right back.” I hurry down the hall.
Thankfully, I make it in time and don’t have to go do a quick change before we talk about the wedding ceremony. Because that wouldn’t be embarrassing at all.
But the delay gives me time to regroup. I take deep breaths, which helps a bit to calm my jitters.
I drop back into my chair and pick up my burger. “So waiting means that people will assume that we—well, you know. If we marry quickly, then it might not be so obvious to people that the dates don’t line up. And I shouldn’t care, but I do. I think.”
“Then we’ll get married quickly. Can you get time off during the day for us to get a license?”
I nod as I take a bite.
“Good. Just let me know what time, and I’ll find someone to cover for me while we’re out. It’s kind of short notice for a big wedding, but I’m open to whatever.”
Making Parker wait, I devour the rest of the burger and think about what I want. I wipe my mouth, then motion to the couch.
Growing up, my friends had detailed ideas about their weddings. It wasn’t something I thought about. I wanted to be a vet. My dreams had more to do with running my own vet practice. John told me it was weird. What will Parker say?
“So, I know most women have their weddings planned out from the time they are like five.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Seriously?”
“You have sisters, Dumplin’. Didn’t you hear them going on about that stuff?”
“No. And I tried to pay attention because I figured being around my sisters and all their friends would give me a leg up when it came to dating.”
“Did it?” My guilt is back in full force.
This guy deserves a happily-ever-after with someone who has dreams of wearing the perfect wedding dress and having the entire bridal party in coordinating outfits.
“Not sure yet, but let’s get back to the wedding plan that you’ve had since you were five.”
“I don’t have one. It wasn’t something I really thought about. I mean, I hoped to get married. But that’s where my planning ended.”
“Well thank goodness for that.” He takes my hands in his. “We get to dream it up together.”
I have the bobble-head nod happening. Then I close my eyes. Visions of standing under a tall oak with Parker beside me flash in my brain. “The ranch has so many pretty places. And I don’t think we need much space. My dad is somewhere. I’ll have to text him. He’s touring Europe with his new girlfriend. Added stress on the girl part because I think she’s younger than I am. But I try not to think about that.”
My hair is falling out of my ponytail, and Parker tucks a strand behind my ear. “I’m sorry about what happened with your parents. I imagine it’s hard.”
“They’ve been fighting for years. As long as I can remember, so the only surprise was that it took them so long to split up. And Dad is going a bit crazy with his newfound freedom. And I get it. Mom wasn’t easy to live with. But he’s been doing it for a decade.”
“Well, do you want to call your parents and see when they’d be able to return?”
“Honestly? No. I’ll send them a picture.” I fold my arms, hoping it controls the quivering sensation I’m feeling because I don’t want him to notice that I’m upset.
He drapes an arm around me and tugs me close. For more than a minute, he holds me without saying a word.
I’ll need this when my mom rips into me about not having the grand wedding John wanted. She won’t be pleased to know I broke it off and less pleased that I’m marrying someone from this town. Not sure why she hates this place, but she has for a very long time.
I came back because I love it.
Complicated parents make weddings hard.
It probably sounds like I don’t want any family at the wedding. “I want your parents there. And we’ll need someone to officiate. Maybe a few of the ranch hands will want to come. And Paisley if she can make it.” If I go on about how I feel closer to Parker’s parents, he might assume that’s just another way I’m using him. And I hope that’s not true. I like Parker, and he offered. His family is just a huge perk.
I keep telling myself that.
