Page 41 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“That’s right.” Lucy pointed at it. “I expect you to put it to good use. I’ll be over once a week to make sure of it.”

Kim laughed and high-fived Lucy. “Nicely done.”

“Well, I love it. Thank you.” Holly looked around at all her guests. “I love all my gifts. You guys are the best.”

“And this is just the bridal shower,” Rachel put in. “I can’t wait to see what you get for the actual wedding.”

“I can’t even imagine.” Holly pressed her fingers to her temples. “I didn’t even think about that. I’ve been concentrating on all the preparations for the ceremony and the reception. I totally spaced on the gifts and everything that comes after. Oh, my goodness, I’ll have to pack for my honeymoon.”

Mrs. Miranelli chuckled. “Well, that’s the best part. Where are you kids going?”

“Jamaica.”

“Oh, nice,” Emily remarked.

Lucy whistled. “That’s quite a drastic change of weather.”

Vivian set a hand on Holly’s shoulder. “Reminds me of my shocking honeymoon weather change.”

“Where was that?” Rachel asked.

Vivian raised her hands, gesturing at the cabin. “Right here, in Silverwood. Jake and I were married in the Philippines. So, we did the opposite. Hot to cold.”

“Sounds brutal,” Kim whined, faking a shiver.

“Don’t worry.” Vivian winked. “We kept warm.”

“Mom!” Holly covered her cheeks as the others giggled.

The chirp of Rachel’s ringtone interrupted the laughter floating in the room. She held the phone to her ear. “Hey, Nick. What’s wrong?” With wide eyes, she locked gazes with Holly.

Struck by Rachel’s expression, Holly stood and crossed her arms. Everyone in the room went quiet, waiting.

“Oh, no.” Rachel paced the small, crowded living room. “Where? I’m on my way.”

Holly’s heart thrummed in her chest.

“I have to go,” Rachel said. She dropped the phone into her purse.

Holly shook her head. “What is it? What happened?”

“It’s my dad.” Rachel swallowed hard. “He’s been rushed to the hospital. Nick’s on his way there. I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“I’ll go with you,” Holly insisted. “Mom, can you take care of things here?”

Vivian placed a hand on her arm. “Yes, of course. Go on.” She nodded to Rachel. “I hope he’ll be okay.”

“Thank you,” Rachel said.

Holly grabbed her keys and her coat. “Okay, let’s go. I’ll drive.”

Chapter Fifteen

Holly spotted Nick as soon as she and Rachel entered the waiting room of the hospital’s emergency center. His hair was disheveled as he ran his hand through it. When Nick noticed them, his jaw quivered.

Rachel rushed forward and hugged her brother. “What happened? What’s going on?”

“He was having trouble breathing.” Nick was pale. “We were at the shop, and he grabbed on to a chair to keep from falling. Couldn’t get his breath back.”

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