“She did.”
“Good. Then you’re out of excuses. I’ve already let Sofia and Joelle know to grab you before they come tomorrow night.”
I chuckled. “Thanks, Natalie. I’m looking forward to it.”
“So am I. Only a few more weeks until I’m a married woman, and I’m going to enjoy all the festivities leading up to it. And then I’m going to enjoy being married to the man I love.”
“You deserve it,” Amelia said. “It’s so good to see you this happy.”
“Thanks. I never thought I’d find someone who loved me for who I am, but Omar is everything I ever hoped for and more.”
“He’s perfect for you.” Amelia hugged Natalie, and they pulled me into their little circle.
I laughed, feeling the tightness in my chest. I never knew love like Natalie had with Omar. I probably never would. And that was hard to accept.
But it was my choice. I was not looking for heartbreak again. Ever.
Mikayla was thrilled to have a chance to sleep over at Amber’s house on a school night. I was not so thrilled with it, but I lost the battle. Melody decided to ride back to my place with me so I had my car at home and she didn’t have a car, and at six-thirty, we knocked on Sofia’s door.
“Hi!” Sofia said, letting us in. “It’s so good to see you guys!”
I worried about the reception I would get after the article, but Melody assured me it would be fine. Sofia’s welcome made me think maybe Melody was right.
“How are you?” I asked her.
“Good. We’re almost ready. Daniel is going to drop the three of us off, then I think he’s going to Trent’s. Ramsey is taking the girls there for a little while, right?” Sofia asked Melody.
Melody nodded. “Yep. I think all the guys and kids are going there for dinner.”
“Daisy sounds really excited about tonight. Do you have any idea what she’s planned?” Sofia asked.
Melody smirked. “I might know a few things.” Melody owned a party planning company that planned and outfitted supplies for parties for young kids.
“Are you expanding your business?” I asked her.
Melody snorted. “God no. I love a good penis joke, but with Amber at home, I am not going to stock a million penises in my house.”
“I walked in at the wrong time for that comment,” Daniel said from behind Sofia. Daniel was really Trey Ryan, but he went by his middle name in MacKellar Cove. He was a rockstar turned songwriter who fell in love with Sofia one summer and never left town. He was always a nice guy when I spoke to him, but the occasions were few and far between. To admit I was starstruck by him was an understatement.
“Do you remember Casey?” Sofia asked, nodding to me as we all moved into the hallway.
“The reporter, right?” he asked.
I winced. “Yeah.” His tone was less than friendly.
“Sofia said your editor changed that article about Natalie and Omar. Such bullshit.”
“It was. She doesn’t understand life here.”
“It’s an adjustment for sure, but a good one if someone is willing to let go of the toxic bullshit that exists in the world. It’s nice to be somewhere that people actually want to be your friend for the right reasons.” Daniel threw his arm around Sofia’s shoulder and kissed her temple.
“You didn’t come here with those same thoughts, though. It took a little while to wear you down,” Sofia said. She led the way to the door and outside into the cool evening air.
“True. But love makes everything look better. Maybe she needs a little romance in her life.” Daniel smirked as he unlocked his vehicle.
“She probably does, but I’m not about to tell her that,” I said.
Daniel snorted. “Fair enough.”
