Page 1 of It Could Happen
ChapterOne
Is there anything better in the world than coming home to packages by your front door? I mean, other than winning the lottery or getting a hug from Chris Hemsworth.
Honestly, who didn’t love the excitement of getting the mail as a kid? I can remember coming home from school and fighting with my brother over who was going to retrieve those envelopes from the mailbox. Now that I’m an adult, the mail isn’t as fun because it’s usually bills or extended car warranty information. Thankfully, I get to experience the exhilaration of getting packages. Usually they’re from Amazon or some random item I purchased due to an ad that magically appeared on my phone. Sometimes I even forget what I ordered—so it’s like Christmas morning when a delivery shows up on my front porch.
Today is one of those days. I pick up the box that’s waiting for me and look at the return address. The return label says it’s from Georgia.Who do I know in Georgia?
I tear into the cardboard box and find a smaller white box wrapped in pale pink ribbon and adorned with eucalyptus and magnolia. This is definitely not something I ordered. My eyes grow wide as I open the delicate little note card that’s tucked into the ribbon.
I can’t say I do, without you. Will you stand beside me as I marry my soul mate?
Well, this is a lovely and unexpected surprise. My friend Caroline announced her engagement a few months ago and has shared updates of the planning process on social media. I’ve been to a good number of weddings in my life, and I can guarantee her day is going to be like nothing I’ve ever experienced. She’s documented every detail so far and shared it on Instagram. I reread the note and smile to myself.
Caroline met Andy while we were in college, and their love story is as romantic as you’d expect a meeting at a fraternity house to be. Needless to say, Andy is a great guy, and they clicked instantly. From that moment on, they were practically inseparable.
I hold the note in my hand. I’m a little surprised she’s asking me to be a bridesmaid. I mean, I was definitely expecting an invitation, but not as a member of the bridal party. I actually haven’t seen Caroline in about a year, even though we both live in Central Florida. Life just gets busy sometimes and that’s unfortunate. At least we still chat over text and Messenger, and I sent her a card to congratulate her. Yes, an actual card because I appreciate thoughtful, handwritten notes, and I still use a paper planner. My mother has always said I’m an old soul, whatever that means. In her defense, I’ve been thinking about learning to crochet, so maybe she has a point. Anyway, despite our staying in touch over the years, this little package is a bit of a shock.
I dig through the box, which is full of goodies and seems to be bottomless.
There’s a small bottle of wine withHey Bridesmaidon the label, a pair of fluffy socks, a silk sleep mask, a bag of gourmet chocolates, a personalized tumbler cup with my name on it, and a Starbucks gift card. Holy crap, how could anyone say no to this? I wonder how many people she’s asked. Not that it matters, I have no doubt her parents will spare no expense for their only daughter’s big day. It’s going to be an event filled with loads of Southern charm and magic. Caroline doesn’t do anything small, and her mother is even more extra.
I sit down on my couch and scroll through my contacts until I find Caroline’s number.
“Tori, hi!” her voice squeals after one ring.
“I just received the sweetest surprise in the mail, darlin’,” I say in my best Southern accent. It’s actually gotten better over the years. Caroline’s family is from Georgia, and her parents use terms of endearment like calling everyone darlin’, honey bun, or sweet pea. It’s an inside joke, so it seems like the appropriate moment to use it.
She giggles. “Well, I hope you’re callin’ me with your answer.”
A take another look at the box. “Now, now—how could I say no to wine and chocolate? I feel so honored, and of course I’d love to be your bridesmaid.”
I leave out the part about it being completely unexpected. I don’t want to make her feel bad.
“Oh, I’m so happy,” she exclaims. “I thought it would be special to have women from different seasons of my life beside me. I wouldn’t be who I am without all of you.”
Her voice shakes a bit. And I already know the tears are filling her eyes. Caroline has always been a crier, and when other people cry, I cry, so it’s going to be a very emotional few months.
“Anyway,” I say, clearing my throat, “I need the details. Tell me about the other bridesmaids.”
I shift the conversation on purpose. There will be plenty of time for tears.
Caroline blows her nose. “Ah, yes, there will be five of you. Five is my lucky number, so that’s a good sign that the weekend will be perfect.”
Yes, theweekend. Of course Caroline’s wedding won’t be only one day, it’ll be a three-day event, a non-stop party, complete with all the tradition, pomp, and circumstance.
“I’ve seen your posts. It all looks so magical,” I swoon.
“It’s going to be. Oh, and even though you’re a part of the festivities, you’re still welcome to bring a date.”
I snort. “Yes, I’ll be sure to take you up on your offer should my dream man miraculously walk into my life before the big day.”
“Hey, you never know. It could happen,” she says pointedly.
Caroline has always been a hopeless romantic. She would live in a Disney movie if she could.
“Sure, absolutely,” I say in agreement.
The truth is that my current relationship status is single, and I’m okay with it. This doesn’t mean I’m not open to finding love. I wholeheartedly believe it will happen when the right person comes along, and like most people, I’ve had plenty of experience with the wrong ones.
