Page 151 of Rough Around the Hedges

And, for a moment, I just let it all out.

“Rose is crying!” someone shouted. “We’ve finally done it!”

“You bas—” I stopped myself at the sight of Abby still eyeing her ring. I cleared my throat and sniffed, stepping up to the microphone. “Can the newly engaged Miss Susan please return her delightful, borrowed ring to the young lady in the yellow dress?”

Susan obliged, beaming like she’d won the lottery.

Who knew?

Maybe it was the same feeling.

“And can the newly engaged Mr George Hathaway please sit down before he puts his back out and has his wedding ceremony in a hospital room,” I continued. “As well as procure a ring for his future bride, you cheap git.”

Everyone laughed as he flipped me the bird, and there was a quick shuffling around of people as everyone moved to allow George and Susan to sit together at the end of a row.

“And yes, I am crying, Colin. Thank you for alerting everyone,” I said dryly, wiping my cheeks. “Get a good look, because you’ll never see it again.”

More laughter.

Isa wrapped her arm around my waist and squeezed me into her.

“Well, I’m not sure what else there is to say as I don’t want to ruin this lovely moment with more misery, but I will say this. George, Susan, I’m going to miss you flirting over my plot, and if that’s how you two get married, I’m going to be very irritated if I’m not your flower girl.”

Susan held her hand up, wiggling her pinkie finger, and smiled warmly. “Pinkie promise. With or without the plot.”

“Hey, what about me?” Isa asked.

“What about you?” I shot back, glaring at her. “Stop ruining my moment. I’ve never been a bridesmaid before.”

“Your moment? Susan is the one getting married.”

“That’s why this is my moment. She gets the wedding.” I pushed her face away, ignoring everyone’s laughter. “Let’s bring this… uh, fittingly chaotic meeting… to an end. Thank you, everyone. If you’re having trouble with anything, grab one of the committee members and we’ll do all we can to help.” I paused, looking at everyone. “If any of you tell anyone I cried tonight, remember this: I know where you live, and I’m crazy.”

With that final round of laughter, I put the mic down and walked away from the chaos. Everyone begun the process of returning the chairs to the sides, and one by one, people slowly filtered out while Isa hugged me.

“Rose.” Susan touched my arm. “Are you all right, dear?”

I nodded, stepping away from Isa. “Just a bit sad, that’s all. But happy for you. Truly.”

Her powdered cheeks flushed. “I’m too old for all this.”

“Nonsense,” Isa sang. “You’re never too old for love, Susan. You two give me hope.”

“You have no shortage of boyfriends, dear. And as for this one…” She gave me a sad smile. “Well. Everything will work out in the end, I’m sure.”

Yeah.

This one knew more than she was letting on.

“It already has.” I forced a smile. “I’ll be fine. I always am.”

“Mm.” She sighed, letting her shoulders sag. “Such a shame. I wonder what changed his mind.”

I shared a look with Isa. “What do you mean?”

“Oh. I, um.” Susan shifted uncomfortably. “I… heard some things. That Oliver had changed his mind about selling the land, but I guess it was wrong.”

“I see,” I said quietly. “Well, I heard it myself, so…”

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