Page 89 of His Unforgettable Bride
“Back up.” Willow raised her palm. “Give us the full story, then we’ll badger you with questions.”
After Juliet filled her cup and Daisy’s with tea, she shared everything important since meeting Henry. Finding him in the woods, learning he suffered from amnesia, converting the carriage house into a tearoom, dancing together, and learning to become a lady. “Trust me. I was as equally astounded as all of you when I discovered his identity.”
Daisy’s animated face suddenly grew serious. “Wait a minute. I want my wedding dress back.”
“No, ma’am.” Juliet knew wholeheartedly that wearing Daisy’s gown on her wedding day would be like having a friend by her side. She suspected she’d need the support if a ceremony ever occurred.
“You can’t wear…a homespun dress.” Daisy sputtered and stood. “You need something beautiful, fancy, and…expensive.”
Juliet stretched and tugged on her friend’s sleeve, guiding her back into a sitting position. Then she reached for a petit four and placed it on her plate. Even though it wasn’t ladylike, Juliet couldn’t resist saying, “I’d prefer to walk down the aisle naked than to give you back my gown.”
Laughing, Sage shook her head.
“I’ve missed you all more than you know.” Juliet meant every word as she sampled the dessert. Tasty but inferior to Icala’s treats in the tearoom.
Willow wiped her mouth with her linen napkin. “Since you’re in love, I’m curious why you seek our advice. Does his station in life unnerve you?”
“Yes, but something else disturbs me more.” She explained the situation regarding his engagement to Faith. “Even so, I intend to leave for Bascandy with him tomorrow because Henry has no intention of wedding her. I apologize for bringing you here under pretenses.”
Sage’s eyebrow cocked. “What pretenses?”
“Initially, I wanted your advice but then realized I knew my mind and heart’s desire. I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t do everything possible to have a life with him.”
Sage patted Juliet’s hand in a rallying, supportive manner. “I’d do the same thing if I were you.”
“And I’d never forgive myself if I left without telling you all goodbye.” Her friendship with Willow and Daisy had only existed for one year, yet they’d shared dreams, fears, and hearts during their voyage. In a sense, they’d created a makeshift family. She’d known Sage for a shorter time, though they’d instantly formed a quick, solid fondness for each other.
A hefty lump wedged in Juliet’s throat. Maybe she’d return to Victoria one day, or they’d pay her a visit in Bascandy. A person never knew what life had in store.
She smiled at her friends. “But enough about me. Tell me what’s the latest with you. Willow, please go first.”
“All right. Caleb adores farming in Salt Springs. We both do. However, with winter upon us, work has slowed. Yet we’ve stayed busy.”
Sage laughed and swatted her sister’s arm. “Tell them.”
Either Willow blushed or the room’s heat flushed her rosy cheeks. “My flowy dress hides the fact, but I’m with child.”
A chorus of congratulations followed from Daisy and Juliet.
“Caleb is ready to bust his buttons and claims he wants a girl just like me,” Willow said.
Of course he desired a wee one like his wife, lovely through and through. “How wonderful. What is the date?”
“Late spring.”
Daisy applauded, and Juliet liked that the first person she’d met before boarding the bride ship hadn’t lost her whimsy. “One day, perhaps we’ll arrange for our children’s future marriage.”
Everyone chuckled but Juliet. “In my opinion and experience, arranged marriages are dreadful and should be avoided at all costs.”
“A fine point.” Daisy tapped her chin with her finger. “I’m happy to report our sewing shop thrives, and Mother arrived before Christmas. Fortunately, she and Seth get along like long-lost friends. Sometimes, I can’t get a word in edgewise when they start chattering.”
Willow cocked her brow. “I find that hard to believe.”
Daisy sheepishly grinned. “You’re right.”
Sunshine streamed directly from the window onto Sage, brightening her happy face even more. “In my world, Jackson and I married while out of town.”
All four women squealed.
