Page 89 of On the Wild Side

“He hasn’t proposed or anything—” I begin, but then I’m swept up in a group hug, and I just shut my mouth. Because whether or not Brady and I ever tie the knot, these four women are mysisters.

“We’re really cool,” Summer says after wiping away a tear. “I love being in this club.”

“Same,” Erin says with a laugh. “Best club ever.”

“Daisy,I love you, but if you don’t stop whining, I’m going to take away dessert tomorrow.”

At that, my darling daughter flings her head back on the couch and continues to whine. I know she’s testing me. I know she’s grouchy because she’s overly tired, and she had horseback riding lessons this afternoon, but if there was ever a day that I could use a short vacation, it’s today.

“You’re theworst,” she cries just as my phone rings, and I frown when I see that it’s Brady’s friend, Amy Johnson. She and I have chatted when Brady’s been on the phone with her, but we don’t usually have private calls.

And then fear pierces through me. Brady rode this evening, and I haven’t heard from him. Shit, was she watching? Did something happen?

“Hello?” I can hear the fear in my voice, and Daisy must, too, because she stops whining and listens to me. “Amy? What’s wrong?”

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry, Abbi. Nothing’s wrong, I was just calling to check in with you and see how you’re holding up.”

I sag against my kitchen counter. “You’re not calling because you watched him ride and he’s hurt?”

“No. God, no. I don’t think he’s ridden yet. I was just thinking about you and thought I’d call to chat. I know this is only the second time he’s gone this season, and he won’t let you go with him.”

“No, he won’t. And I really couldn’t even if I wanted to because I have Daisy. I’m doing fine; I just worry most of the time until he’s back home. Last week, he forgot to call or text to let me know he was okay. I’m waiting to hear now.”

“Let me do a quick search.” I can hear her tapping on a keyboard. “He just finished a few minutes ago, and it looks like all is well. He’s talking to an interviewer.”

“Thank God.” I close my eyes and let out the breath I’ve been holding all day. “How am I supposed to do this for another six months?”

“You’ll do it,” she says, reassuring me. “Because he loves it, and you lovehim.I will say, though, that I’m glad this is his last year. It’s time for him to retire. He doesn’t have anything else to prove, you know.”

“I agree, but it has to be up to him.”

“That it does.”

Her accent makes me want to fall intomyold accent, so I clear my throat, careful not to.

“Have you and Hugh set a date for the big day?” I ask her.

“We’re looking at a wedding around New Year’s. At first, I wanted to do Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, but it’s hard for people to leave their families at Christmastime, so now I’m thinking New Year’s. I want snow. Is that weird?”

“You’re talking to a woman who lives in Montana,” I remind her with a chuckle. “That doesn’t sound weird to me at all. It’ll be beautiful.”

“I think so, too. But, back to why I called, you’re really okay?”

“I’m okay. Especially now that I know he’s safe.”

“If you ever want to talk, you just call me. Your friends and family will think that they can relate and try to understand, but no one gets it like we do. So you call if you need me.”

“Amy, you’re so sweet. Thank you for reaching out. And I know that I’ve never had the opportunity to say this, but I’m very sorry about Dirks. I’m very,verysorry. I lost a husband, and I know what that feels like.”

“You and I are part of a club that no one should have to join,” she says, her voice soft. “And I’m sorry for your loss, too. Kiss your sweet girl for me, and let’s stay in touch, okay?”

“I will, and yes, please. I think that’s a great idea.”

“Goodnight, Abbi.”

“’Night.”

I hang up and set the phone down, but then my screen lights up with a text.

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