It takes a moment for me to regroup—I kinda feel like Mom just gave me mental whiplash—but I somehow manage to reply coherently—sort of—about everything I’ve been doing to help Sarah pull off the wedding of the century in such a short amount of time. But, honestly, though I’m speaking coherently—sort of—my mind is engaged elsewhere—namely, with Josh and his beautiful, damaged heart. Not to mention the palpable electricity I feel buzzing underneath my fingertips as my hand rests on his muscular thigh.
“Well, it sounds like you’ve been an exceptional maid of honor,” Mom says. “Sarah’s lucky to have you.”
“You’ve been doing all that stuff for Sarah and still coming to help me every day, too?” Colby asks. “I had no idea, Kat. I’m sorry.”
“Colby,” I say. “I’vewantedto help you. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
“Thank you—I just didn’t realize you were so busy.”
“It’s no big deal. I’m unemployed, remember? I’ve had all the time in the world to help my two favorite people.”
“Hey,” Dax says. “I thoughtIwas your favorite person.”
“Ssh,” I say. “Let Colby feel special just this once—the dude’s got broken bones, after all.”
“No need to make me feel special,” Colby says. “I’ve been feeling a lot better.”
“Yeah, but you’re still on the mend, Colby,” I say. “It’s a slow climb—you can’t overdo.”
“How much longer ’til the wedding?” Colby asks.
“Six days,” I say.
“Okay, then, in six days, you’re officially gonna be done withbothyour maid-of-honorandFlorence-Nightingale duties. Starting a new company’s hard work, Kumquat. If you’re gonna get your PR company off the ground, you’re gonna need to focus all your time and energy on that. I’ll be fine.”
My stomach somersaults. Ooph. I feel sick all of a sudden. I hate letting Colby (and my entire family) think I’m still chomping at the bit to start my own PR company when, in actuality, I put that sucker on the backburner the minute I saw those two little pink lines.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no stranger to lying to my family—I’ve told them plenty of whoppers throughout the years. But telling lies to my family about how many martinis I’ve had or whether I’ve studied for an Algebra test or saying I spent a hundred bucks on a pair fringed boots when I actually paid two isn’t quite the same thing as sitting here impliedly telling every member of my family (except Keane, of course, but he doesn’t count) that I’m planning to launch a new PR company when in fact I’ve gotWhat To Expect When You’re Expectingsitting on my nightstand at home—oh, and, by the way—fun fact!—my “home” these days is actually Josh’s gorgeous new house.
“Just go on your trip with Josh and have fun,” Colby continues, “and when you get back home, start focusing on your own life for a while.”
“You and Josh are taking a trip?” Mom asks. “Where to? You haven’t told me about any trip.”
“Oh, I didn’t tell you about that?” I ask.
“No,” Mom says. “Where are you going?”
Josh’s palm lands firmly on my thigh under the table and I place my hand on top of his.
“Oh. I thought I told you. Yeah, Sarah’s gonna surprise Jonas during their honeymoon by taking a short detour to Venezuela to see Jonas and Josh’s childhood nanny, Mariela. Josh and I are gonna meet them there.”
“InVenezuela?” Mom says. “Wow. I’ve never even thought of going there. How exciting. Is it safe?”
“Yes, Mom.” I look at Josh. “Josh and Jonas haven’t seen their nanny since they were seven, since right after their mother died.This is gonna be a really special reunion for them both.”
Color rises in Josh’s cheeks. He nods.
“Wow,” Dad says. “Where in Venezuela?”
Josh clears his throat. “Just outside Caracas. Mariela just bought a new house there, and I figured as long as Kat and I are gonna be in South America, I might as well take Kat to Brazil and Argentina, too.”
Mom and Dad look at each other, their faces bursting with excitement.
“That sounds fantastic,” Dad says. “Wow, guys. How fun.”
“How come Colby knew about this trip and Daddy and I didn’t?” Mom asks, pouting.
“Because, Mom,” Colby says, “you two were at work when Kat was here, yacking my ear off about it.” Colby shoots me a smile that melts me. “I’d gladly switch places with either of you, trust me—these days, the girl never stops talking to me and I can’t get up and walk away.”
