Page 123 of Love for a Lifetime

Anna brushed a hand over her blonde hair and sighed. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“About what?”

“She probably liked you this entire time. If I hadn’t been so mouthy about my perceived feelings for you, the two of you could have been together for a long time–getting engaged, married, and having…”

The color drained from Anna’s face as she realized her poor choice of words. “I’m sorry. I know that must be a tough subject.”

“It is, but I’m confident we’ll make it through.”

Anna’s eyes went glassy as she smiled. “I know you two will figure it out. I’m so happy for you. Truly.” Blinking back the moisture in her eyes, she squared her shoulders. “I have to find her.”

Dawson checked his watch. “She should be arriving any minute.”

Anna clicked past him in her heels before turning back to face him. “Thanks again for forcing my hand. I was planning to call her today, but I’m glad you came to me sooner.”

Dawson tipped an imaginary hat. “My pleasure.”

With that, Anna bustled out of the dining hall and toward the church entrance. Dawson followed her quick steps and rounded the corner just in time to see Anna barrel into Olivia and wrap her up in a hug that probably cut off her air supply.

“I’m so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” Anna asked, pressing her face into Olivia’s dark, flowing hair.

Olivia caught sight of him over Anna’s shoulder, and her eyes widened. Dawson gave her a big ol’ smile and two thumbs-up.

“What are you even talking about?” Olivia asked. “I’m the one who needs to apologize.”

Anna leaned back and shook her head hard enough to swing her hair from side to side. “No. We have a lot to talk about. Can we have lunch after the service?”

Olivia glanced at Dawson, and he gave her two more thumbs-up. He’d made lunch plans with Olivia already, but his hope had been to reserve her time in case things went well with Anna this morning.

“I’d love that,” Olivia said, locking Anna in a rib-crushing hug.

Dawson had taken a leap of faith when he set up the meeting with Anna this morning, but everything had worked out for the good. Olivia had her friend back, and Dawson had a smiling girlfriend again.

33

OLIVIA

Olivia ordered a reuben and a lime soda before scooting to the side so Anna could order her usual cranberry walnut salad with water. Sticky Sweet’s Bakery was always packed on Sunday afternoons, but Tracy ran an efficient business and handed out gourmet sandwiches quicker than the nearest fast-food restaurant.

Moving to the side to wait for their food, Olivia scanned the crowded restaurant. She spotted lots of people she knew, including Lucas and Maddie Harding. The pair waved at Anna and Olivia, and she appreciated the couple’s discretion, considering they’d known about her relationship with Dawson for about two and a half weeks without telling anyone.

Now, she could finally talk about it with her best friend, and judging from the way Anna hadn’t left her side as if they were stuck together with super glue, the conversation was bound to be a good one.

“Olivia!” Tracy shouted from behind the counter. She handed the tray over and called out, “Anna!” half a minute later.

The two picked up silverware and napkins before heading to a recently vacated table near the back of the restaurant. Olivia slid in on one side, and Anna took the other.

“Let’s pray first,” Anna said as she bowed her head. “Dear Lord, thank You for this food, and thank You for this friendship. Help us to always be supportive and lift each other up no matter what comes our way.”

Olivia almost opened her eyes at Anna’s surprising prayer, but she kept her stance, appreciating the good news all too much.

When they lifted their heads, Anna’s expression was clouded in concern. “I’m so sorry, Liv. First, I want you to know that I don’t have any wild ideas about having feelings for Dawson.”

Olivia’s traitorous eyes widened without her permission. “You don’t?”

“No, and I’m sorry it took me so long to see that. I just want to find a man who cares about me…the way Dawson cares about you. I want an all-consuming, forever love.”

Olivia turned her attention to the sandwich in front of her. “I don’t ever want to hurt you. You know that.”

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