Valerie slipped her arm over Daisy’s shoulders. Ken felt the stress start to subside at Daisy’s smile. “We do. Trust us.”
“My cousin is a florist. Have you already contacted one?”
“No! Oh, please call her!” Alex leaned closer. “Do you think she also knows a caterer?”
“Oh, no, Honey. That’s covered. I’ve already called Calla,” Valerie said with a confident wave. “She’s my friend with the restaurant. She already knows what to do, how many to do, and gave me a list of bakers who could have a cake for you by next Saturday.”
The women started talking over each other, and Brad and Jon stood and maneuvered their way toward the sliding door that led out to the back yard. Ken inched around the girls and joined his brothers.
Brad gestured with his thumb. “Uh, we are just going to be outside if you need us.”
Valerie and Alex both waved them away as Daisy pulled a notebook out of her purse. They moved to the table, and Valerie handed Daisy a coffee cup. “I’m sorry to say it’s decaf,” she said. “I finally gave in just for the taste of coffee.”
Daisy smiled and took it from her, then looked at Alex. “What flowers do you want?” she asked as she poured coffee into her cup.
Outside, Ken sank into a lawn chair. “Well, I reckon I was worried about nothing.”
Brad raised both eyebrows. “Worried about what?”
He shrugged and pulled the ring box out of his pocket. “Asking Daisy to marry me. I was worried she might not get along with Val or Alex.”
Jon looked over his shoulder through the glass door. “They seem like fast friends.”
“An answer to prayer,” Ken said.
Jon gestured with his chin. “So you’re getting married, too. So soon?”
“Haven’t asked yet.” He couldn’t betray Daisy’s confidence. He’d tell his brothers about the baby when the time was right. “I’m keeping this with me so the perfect moment doesn’t catch me unprepared.”
Brad chuckled. “If it was anyone but you, I’d advise caution. But you’ve been cautious with your heart your entire life. Clearly, Daisy is right for you.”
“I have no doubt.”
“What does she say?” Jon asked.
“She says she was in love with me from afar back in high school.”
Brad snorted. “I know what that’s like.”
With a smile, Ken said, “That’s right. You do.”
Jon asked, “And now?”
Ken shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out soon.” He sounded more confident than he felt. He squeezed the ring box and slipped it back into his pocket. “Hey. Y’all want to come hang the last of my drywall so we don’t get roped into going back in there?”
Jon looked at the door and back at him. “I don’t know. I think we should—”
“Stay out of their way,” Brad said. He stood and pulled his truck keys out of his pocket. “Come on. It’s less than a mile away. If they need us, we can get back in five minutes.”
“Don’t tell them we’re leaving until we’re there,” Ken said, standing with his brother. “In case they say no.”
Jon chuckled. “Fine. But I want it on record that I dissented.”
“Course you do.”
Oncethey hashed out the wedding’s details, the women moved into the living room and sat around in couches and chairs. Alex took a sip of the decaffeinated coffee and closed her eyes. “I know I shouldn’t enjoy this so much, but I do.”
Valerie toasted her with her cup. “Auntie Rose figured out I was pregnant because I wasn’t drinking coffee.” She laughed. “That’s one astute woman there.”
