“Yep. Her mom and stepfather flew in from Paris to be here, and her father lives in the city,” I said, leaning close to her ear and breathing her in.
Lavender and honey had become my kryptonite.
“That’s amazing that they are here for this special moment,” she said. “She’s going to be so surprised.”
Rafe walked over and held up his hand to show us where he’d gotten several splinters because his girlfriend had him on a ladder all day hanging lights. Lulu laughed hysterically at his theatrics.
“I’m the one she made drag these bales of hay in here, and my back is killing me,” Bridger grumped. He turned his attention to Emilia. “I would appreciate that tidbit being left out of your gossip rag, as I’m sure the engagement will be announced in the next issue.”
Emilia glanced at Eloise and shrugged. “I don’t know how many times I can tell him that it’s not me.”
Bridger walked closer, crossing his arms over his chest. “An awful lot has been written about us these last few months, and with this cozy friendship you two have going on, I’m guessingyou have a lot more information than usual. Eloise has no idea who she’s confiding in.”
I was about to step in because he was being an asshole, but my mother came sauntering over and shot him a warning look.
“Bridger Chadwick,” Mom said, her voice calm and cool. “Emilia was invited here as a guest, and you’re being rude.”
Mom didn’t get angry often, but when she did, you knew it.
He held his hands up in defense. “Fine. I’ve said all I need to say.”
“I told you that he wouldn’t want me to be here,” Emilia whispered to Eloise, but my mother and I heard her.
“Lulu and I both insisted you come because Henley would want you here.” Eloise took her hand and squeezed it.
“Pay him no attention. He gets this way about things, and I’m really sorry. He’s always been protective of our family, but he is being incredibly rude, and it’s unacceptable. I’ll speak to him.” Mom smiled at her. “I’m really happy you’re here, Emilia. We all are.”
I’ve gotten to know Emilia a lot better over the last few months, which was ironic, considering we’ve lived in the same town together our entire lives. But she’s always been a little on the shy side, and stand-offish with us, and now I was certain Bridger had a lot to do with that. He could be an intimidating guy. But he was a really good man beneath that layer of broody asshole.
The dude would walk through fire for any of us.
But for whatever reason, this ridiculous column had gotten under his skin, and he was determined to expose the author.
“Hey.” Lulu snapped her fingers to get our attention and then looked directly at Bridger. “The people in this barn are the people that Henley and Easton would want to share this special moment with. So, lose the attitude.”
Bridger smirked as if the whole thing was hilarious before walking away.
Emilia’s shoulders noticeably relaxed after he was gone.
“They’re about to pull in the driveway,” Lulu said as she stared down at her phone where she was tracking their location. “No more talking. I’ll look through the crack and hold up my fingers when they’re coming in, and we can all shout surprise.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, and we stood there in silence. Rafe was bouncing up and down as if he couldn’t wait one more minute for them to get there. Bridger was pacing around the barn because that’s what he did when he was nervous. Emerson was leaning against Nash, my dad stood beside her, and Cutler was holding Melody’s hand and staring at the door like they were waiting for Santa to arrive.
Lulu raised her hand. Holding up three fingers.
And then two fingers.
And then the door pulled open as she held one finger in the air.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted at once.
Henley startled, her eyes wide as she took in the group. “What is going on?”
Easton was already down on one knee when she turned around. She had her hands over her face, and on instinct, my fingers intertwined with Eloise’s.
“Hey, Princess,” he said, and you could hear a pin drop in the room. “I brought all of our friends and family here so they could be part of this moment with us.”
Henley nodded as tears streamed down her face.
