Page 82 of Writing On The Wall

“Is wedding planning supposed to be so stressful?” I cringe, hoping this isn’t a ‘that’s just how it is’scenario.I’m nowhere near this phase of life, but I hope my future holds the type of wedding bells that someone else will organize on my behalf.

“I’m not sure. I can’t imagine everyone has such an opinionated mother,” she says over my shoulder, wrapping me up in a hug when we reach my car.

“What can I do to help?”

“You mean, on top of all the Maid of Honor stuff you’ve already done?”

“Of course. If I can buffer some of that stress, then you bet your butt I’m gonna do what I can.” We shout our goodbyes in unison to Opal and Gail as they wave and pull out of the parking lot.

“Thanks, Vee, but you’re doing enough already.” Ember holds my door open while I climb in. Ethan is chatting with Colton and Jed while Rachelle talks on the phone. It sounds like she’s reassuring their babysitter that they’ll be home soon. Before Ethan slides into his truck, he catches my gaze, lifting his phone with a tiny wiggle. I roll my lips in to hide the grin that wants to overtake my face. With a small dip of my chin I let him know I understand.

“Love you, Em. Give Nicolas a squish from me.”

Colton joins Ember, curling his arms around her from behind. “I’ll try.” Ember laughs as her fiancé kisses her neck. “I’m sorry Toby had to leave. Ooh, we should do a game night or something with the four of us.”

Colton’s eyes jump to Ethan, who’s standing outside his truck with the driver’s side door open. It makes me think Colton knows more than he’s letting on. Although, he apparently hasn’t divulged any of it to Ember, which is commendable.

But I’ve got to backpedal on this happily ever after I can already see forming in Ember’s eyes. Now that she’s found her soulmate, she desperately wants that for everyone else.

I will not, however, be finding it with Toby.

“Oh, um…I’ll let you know. He’s not really a game person. Hates them actually. Total weirdo. Kay, love you, bye!”

I drive away, leaving behind Ethan’s amused grin and Ember’s slightly confused frown. Nothing like an awkward exit to end the evening.

I put my phone on speaker, calling Ethan once I reach the first traffic light.

“Opal knows something,” I blurt out after he picks up.

“I wouldn’t doubt it.” He laughs. “Especially after you gave me heart eyes the whole night.”

“Did not,” I whine.

“I’m not complaining,” he drawls, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “You want me to come over?”

“You know I want nothing more than an evening of snuggling with you, but I can’t do another late night, King. I’m already a zombie.”

“I’ll make sure you go to bed early. I won’t stay long.” I can practically hear him pouting.

“Nah-uh. That’s what you said last time, and then we stayed up talking till two in the morning.”

There’s an exaggerated sigh before he changes the subject, keeping me company until I arrive home.

“I’ll say goodbye after you get inside and lock the door.” Again with the assertive tone that I find problematically attractive.

I lock my car, stifling a squeal as I notice Ross hulkingnear my front door. I mime a shush motion to him, pointing to the phone while I let us inside. Ethan’s assertive tone will increase a few defcon levels if he finds out my brother is visiting. Thankfully Ross nods, seeming to understand my instructions and the stern frown.

I make sure to hold the phone near the lock mechanism as I turn it. “There. Door’s locked.”

Ethan chuckles, and I can picture him shaking his head. “Sleep well, Ivy June.”

“Night.”

My arms instinctively cross over my middle as I hang up and turn to face Ross, who’s jittery energy immediately puts me on edge. His eyes shift constantly—cataloging, watching—like he expects someone to jump out from around a corner.

“What do you want, Ross?”

“Vee…I need the music box.”

---