Page 39 of The Forever Game

“No way.” I shake my head, and Lani starts making hand gestures that I take a little minute to interpret. “Hey, Bax. I’m just gonna put you on speakerphone, is that cool?”

“Yeah, I was hoping you and Lani can help me brainstorm ideas.”

“Of course we can.” She smiles. This is so her jam, and I can’t help loving her with everything in me when I see her face light with animation as she slips into “problem-solving” mode. “What have you tried so far?”

“We only found out a few hours ago, and by the time Tammy stopped crying and I got Kai to bed, I haven’t really had a chance to look at much. Tammy’s so stressed about it that Kai and I agreed to take it on so she doesn’t have to worry. But I’m not exactly sure where to start.”

“One month is a tight timeframe, especially since it’s summer, but we’re bound to find something that can work.” Lani starts listing off ideas, and Baxter rejects a few because he already knows they’re taken.

“And I’m assuming you’ve already talked to Rachel about using Ponderosa,” I pipe up.

“Yeah.” He sighs. “It’s already being used that weekend.”

“We could ask the college if we could use the library or something.” As soon as Lani suggests it, her nose wrinkles and she starts shaking her head. “But I’m not loving that idea. It’s not right for you two.”

Baxter lets out a breathy laugh. “It’s not about the right feel, Lani. We just have to find something, even if it’s not perfect.”

“Oh, come on, Bax. Don’t say that. Tammy deserves the best,” Lani argues gently.

Baxter sighs. “I know. I just wish I knew how to give that to her.”

We all go quiet for a minute, my brain scrambling to come up with something cool.

And then it hits me.

“What about the grove behind us? You know that cool area Fezzik loves so much.”

Lani glances at me, her eyes lighting. “We could hang fairy lights between the tree branches.”

“We could set up tables and chairs, then put a bunch of picnic blankets on the ground,” I say, adding to her enthusiasm.

“What if it rains?” Baxter argues.

“What if it doesn’t?” Lani counters, then tuts. “If it starts sprinkling, we’ll all pull out our umbrellas. And if the bugs come out to play, we’ll offer insect repellent as perfume. This will work, Bax. And it’ll be beautiful.” She grins. “We could do picnic baskets of food. It’ll be so unique and different. I think people will love it. And I’m sure Rachel will be happy to help with catering. If it’s picnic food, a lot of it can be made the day before.” She goes through a bunch of practical ideas that Baxter can’t refute, and by the time we wrap up the phone call, it’s all set. She’s buzzing, and even Baxter sounds like he might be smiling.

“Let’s make this a surprise for her.” He sounds kind of enthusiastic about the idea, while Lani winces.

“Do you think she’ll be okay with that? I know if it were my wedding, I’d want to know what’s going on.”

“I think she’s so over trying to make this thing happen, the thought of not having to think about it at all will make her happy. Let’s aim for the surprise thing, and if I’m totally off the mark, we can pivot.”

“Okay, man.” I give him a thumbs-up, even though he can’t see me. “We’re looking forward to helping you pull this together.”

“Thanks a lot, guys. I didn’t know who else to call.”

Lani gives me a mushy smile. “We’re always here for you. You’re family. We love you.”

“Love you too,” he mumbles before hanging up and no doubt blushing as red as a fire engine.

I skim my fingers over Lani’s ear, then tuck her hair back over her shoulder. It’s so long and luscious—a fruity-smelling ebony waterfall. I love burying my fingers in it.

She’s gazing at me with this sweet smile, searching my face like she wants to ask me something serious or…

Oh shit. Is she gonna pop the question?

Like now?

No, she’s not allowed to do that.

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