Page 45 of Love Letter Lost
“The question is: will Livvy be okay with it?”
“If Livvy doesn’t like it, she can come up with something better.”
I grinned up at Ridge. “I like how you think.”
We snapped a couple pictures of the arrangement and sent them to Livvy before taking stock of our supplies. We would need more stones and ribbon but had enough of everything else for the tables at the reception. The day was catching up to me, and a trip to the craft store sounded like the worst form of torture.
“We can stop Friday on our way to help with set up. Shopping can wait.” Ridge began clearing off my table and putting everything away.
“I never thought I would be so happy to not go shopping,” I mused.
Ridge laughed and shook his head. “I’ll never understand why girls love shopping so much.”
“It’s retail therapy. What’s not to love?”
Ridge shrugged. “So, how do you feel about food and a movie? I’m beat.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I grabbed the remote and settled on the couch, making sure to prop up my ankle. “What movie?”
“Surprise me.” Ridge continued to stand behind the couch. “What food?”
“Surprise me.” I echoed, not wanting to move from the couch. My ankle was feeling stiff and achy after too long standing.
“I’ll pick something up while you choose the movie. I need to call Amber while I’m out anyway. She’ll be so proud to hear of our successful crafting.” Ridge slipped out the door before I could say anything. I refused to examine the twinge in my stomach at the mention of Amber. I also ignored the reminder of the off-hand comment about proposing he’d made on our hike.
Scanning through Netflix, I quickly selected a movie and settled in to wait, dozing after a while. Nearly an hour later, a knock at the door startled me awake and drew me from the couch. I pulled open the door and found Ridge, arms full of takeout, waiting to be let in.
“You could have just walked in. What did you decide on?” I stepped back to let him inside, wincing when I put too much weight on my ankle. “And what took you so long?”
“Sorry. The conversation with Amber went longer than planned.” He shrugged as he deposited everything onto the counter, changing topics. “I figured we’ve already had French, American, and Italian cuisine this week. Personally, I don’t have the stomach for Mexican food right now, so I thought Chinese would work nicely.”
“French?” I questioned. Italian had been the pizza, American had been the burgers and fried chicken, but when had we had French food?
“French fries,” Ridge said in a terrible imitation of a French accent, causing me to laugh.
“I don’t think French fries are actually French.” My stomach growled as I watched Ridge unload the food and I smelled the spices.
“Where do they come from if not France?” Ridge pulled out plates and utensils. When had he become so comfortable in my kitchen?
I pulled out my phone, doing a quick search. “The mighty Google says they’re…” I paused for effect, “Belgian or French. Apparently, it’s a matter of debate.”
Ridge shrugged. “Either way, they’re European and not Mexican or Chinese so we’re safe to eat what I brought. Though to be fair, I’ve been told American Chinese food and real Chinese food are not the same thing.”
“I’m starving, so let’s dig in.” I walked over and grabbed a plate, loading it up with rice, noodles, chicken, and veggies.
Once we had our food, we settled onto the couch and started the movie. Neither of us spoke as we ate, letting the movie do all the talking.
By the time the credits rolled, my eyes felt heavy, and it was getting late. The movie had been a random pick from Netflix that involved lots of miscommunication, but the main couple found love in the end.
“Hey, Mal.”
“Hmm.” The sound rumbled across my lips as I forced my eyes open to look at Ridge.
“Do you think that’s possible?” The serious note in his voice gave me pause.
“What’s possible?”
“Happily ever after, like in the movies.”
