Page 22 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“Aw, he’s so sweet,” Kim said, her voice whiny again.

Holly felt her heart warm. “He really is.”

“Oh.” Kim nearly choked on her hot chocolate. “Speaking of good guys and bad guys, remember I texted you that I had something to tell you?”

“Honestly, I forgot about it, what with all the wedding planning going on.”

“Yeah, well, I also didn’t want to bother you with it. Especially if it amounts to nothing.”

Holly braced herself. “Now you’ve got me intrigued. What’s this about?”

“It wasn’t me who leaked the news, but somehow Grayson got wind of your engagement.”

Holly shrugged. “That’s fine. I don’t really care about Grayson or his opinions anymore.”

“Which is totally mature of you and super smart. But the problem is he’s really peeved with the whole thing and said—and I’m quoting him here—he’ll be damned if you marry that ‘small-town nobody.’”

“What?” Holly scoffed. “What a jerk. First of all, he doesn’t even know Nick. And second, who does he think he is? What I do and whom I marry is none of his concern.”

“I know. I just thought I should tell you.”

“He said this to you?”

“Yeah.” Kim arched a brow. “The moron had the nerve to come to my office demanding I tell him where you are. He must have heard about the engagement from mutual friends or something, and now he’s hellbent on stopping the wedding. As if. He wouldn’t stop going on about how you were going to regret leaving him. Delusional! But don’t worry. I didn’t tell him where you are.”

“Thank you.” Though she was relieved to know Kim had kept her location a secret, she couldn’t help but grasp her stomach as it tightened with unease.Could Grayson be a threat? But there’s no way he could find me. Right?She clutched her mug and told herself to stop worrying about someone who was miles away.

“So where is the other bridesmaid and your maid of honor?” Kim asked.

Holly was glad to change the subject. “Actually, Nick’s sister would bematronof honor since she’s married.”

“Look at you, Ms. Wedding Facts Expert.” She raised her hot chocolate. “Cheers to that.”

Holly took a swig of her drink, hoping the warm liquid would help ease the churning in her belly. “They should be here soon. Rachel’s at the eatery taking care of something, so I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Knowing Lucy, we just have to keep an eye on the churro stand to see when she arrives.”

“Lucy sounds like my kind of gal. And where’s your mom?”

“She’s at the cabin makinglumpiafor after the dress fitting.”

Kim did a little hop. “Are those the eggrolls?”

Holly laughed at Kim’s excitement. “Yes.”

“Yum! I can’t wait. I haven’t seen your mom since—” Kim’s smile faltered. “Well, since your dad’s funeral.”

Holly nodded. She controlled her breathing, not wanting to feel sad on a day that was supposed to be fun. Kim sensed her dismay and reached out to squeeze her hand.

“Holly!”

Holly turned at the sound of Avery’s voice. The young girl hurried to greet Holly, her wavy brunette hair and the pompom of her winter hat bouncing as she ran. Avery’s dimples deepened as she giggled. Not too far behind her came Mr. Mason, his grin emphasized by his rosy cheeks. He was accompanied by Dasher, Avery’s dog and Cupid’s sibling, who donned a red and white bandana around his neck.

“Avery, hi.” Holly welcomed her with a hug. “This is my friend Kim.”

Avery looked up at Kim with wide eyes. “The one from New York?”

“That’s me.” Kim nodded. “Nice to meet you, Avery.”

Dasher was the next to reach them. He sniffed Holly’s boots first before moving on to inspect Kim.

---