“He is, but he’s out of the picture. Now, he can go be a jerk to someone else.” She pulls out her phone. “Okay, wedding planning. Have y’all decided where to have the ceremony?”
“Before that.” I hold out my hand. “Look at this ring. It’s amazing. You helped him, didn’t you?” Because she hasn’t asked to see the ring, I figure she’s already seen it. And I didn’t show it to her.
“We were on the phone, but he picked it out. He did a good job, huh?”
“Yeah. I wasn’t expecting a ring at all. So this is just...” I shrug, unsure how to describe how I’m feeling about all of it. “And when he gave me the ring, it was just the two of us—and Mason, who was taking a video—and it was nice not having everyone staring.”
“I want to see the video.” She leans forward. “Can I?”
Slipping my phone out, I nod. “Sure. Parker sent it to me.”
I hit play and hand her the phone.
She watches, and her eyes widen when we kiss at the end.
“He set up the video thing with Mason, so that’s why he kissed me.”
Biting her bottom lip, she watches the video a second time. “He told you it was being recorded?”
“Not until after.”
“Oh. Because it looks like you werereallykissing him.”
The emphasis isn’t helpful, but she’s not wrong. Probably because when he kisses me, I forget about pretending, about appearances. About John. It’s weird.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but when Dumplin’ kisses me, I get caught up in the moment and I kiss him back. Every time. That’s probably more than you want to hear.”
She grins. “Don’t forget your promise. Now let’s get back to the ceremony.”
“We want to have it under a big tree near the south pasture. It’s massive and the branches bend and touch the ground, creating a space that feels like something out of a fairy tale. I think it’s big enough for us to get some chairs in there and still have space for me and Parker to stand.”
“Sounds beautiful. Have you found an officiant?”
“Parker talked to Mad Dog. He still does weddings even though he isn’t preaching anymore.”
“Great.” Paisley looks at her screen.
Knowing my friend, she has a long list of questions, so I settle in. She is great with details. I’m better with animals.
“Tomorrow morning, we’ll go shopping. Unless you have other plans.” She shakes her glass, and the ice clinks against the sides.
“I need to find a dress, so shopping is a good idea. I haven’t asked Parker about bridesmaids and groomsmen.”
“I want to be there. I don’t have to be up front. Have you called your dad?”
I shake my head. “He’s off relishing his freedom and acting like a teenager again.”
“Bluebonnet, call him. At least give him the chance to hop a plane. I completely understand if you don’t want to tell your mom, but your dad loves you. Even if he’s behaving like a toad.”
I laugh, picturing my dad making a croaking noise. “I have no idea what time it is in Hawaii, but we’ll see if he picks up.” I dial and wait as the phone rings multiple times.
“Bluebonnet?”
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, sweetheart. How are you?” Dad’s voice has an edge of concern. Probably because I rarely call.
“I’m good. I’m getting married. Parker proposed, and I said yes.”
