Page 58 of Forever to Fall
“We’ve got about ten minutes before Evan feels left out and joins us.”
Mallory snorted. “You’re giving him ten whole minutes before FOMO takes over? I was thinking five at best.”
CeCe raised an eyebrow, a gesture designed with maximum impact. “You’re probably right, but he knows we have girly wedding things to discuss. That’ll scare him enough.” She waved at the empty chair beside her, and Mallory tried not to frown as Nana’s ring caught the fading sunlight. Red and white sparkles flickered like a firework on the 4thof July.You need to get past this, Mal...
“So what do you want to talk about? Bridesmaids’ dresses, the menu, invitations?” Her voice trailed off, heart hammering. “Oh! What about flowers!” Mallory nearly shouted the last word, the sound of her voice echoing off the neighboring apartments.
“Well, I guess we have two things to discuss. The first is a request, and I hope you don’t mind.” CeCe’s expression was sober, not teasing. If this was about Beckett, Mallory had no idea where the conversation would go.
“What is it?”
CeCe sipped from her drink, looking out at the sunset with a faint smile. “I really do love it here. When I moved, I had no intention of staying, as I’m sure Evan’s told you.”
Mallory leaned back in her chair, relieved from the reprieve of her own drama. “Yeah, he’s mentioned it. But after everything happened with—” She let the sentence hang, knowing the reasoning behind CeCe’s frequent moves was a sore subject.
“You can mention my ex. Eric’s name no longer turns me to stone.” CeCe sat tall, clearly unaffected by her beast of an ex. When he finally got his comeuppance, Mallory and most of the free world cheered. That manipulative asshole was a far cry from her little brother, and she was so pleased he and CeCe found each other. She deserved a happily ever after.
“I want you to know, I’m glad Evan got his head out of ass and asked you out last year.”
CeCe smirked, the look of a satisfied woman. “Me too.” She drained the last of her glass and placed it on the small table between them. Beckett hadn’t bothered with more than a pair of folding chairs and a questionable end table he found at a thrift store. Mallory didn’t have the heart to tell him it was uglier than the box it came in.
“Anyway,” CeCe said, pulling them back to the moment. “When I moved here, the people of Buckeye Falls were surprisingly welcoming. At first I thought just Max was a nice guy, but then I realized it was damn near everyone.”
Mallory liked Max, the diner’s owner and technically Evan and CeCe’s boss. Although he never acted like that, the man was a gooey cinnamon roll through and through. “Max and Evan might be two of the nicest people, you don’t need to convince me of that.”
“I know, but they aren’t the only ones that make me feel included, feel like there’s more to this town than baking and winning food competitions.” She turned in her chair and pierced Mallory with a look that should scare her, but it didn’t. CeCe had this natural intensity that Mallory admired. She was no-nonsense but had a good heart. She was the perfect balance to her brother’s sunny disposition. “Mal, you made me feel included in the Lawson clan right away. Not only are you important to Evan, but you’ve become family to me.”
Mallory took CeCe’s hand and squeezed, keeping their fingers linked. “You’re already like a sister to me, and you know that’s saying something.”
“And not having any siblings of my own, I appreciate that, more than you know.” CeCe tightened her hold and asked, “I’d like you to be my maid of honor, Mal. It’s more than my wedding day, it’s about having family beside you. I’d love to haveyouby my side. If you don’t mind, that is.” CeCe’s certainty faltered a moment as Mallory blinked.
Mallory’s heart skittered in her ribcage and her blue eyes pooled with tears. “Mind?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. “That’s the nicest invitation I’ve ever received.” She tugged CeCe closer until they were hugging and both holding back tears. “I’d be honored.”
CeCe patted Mallory’s back and choked back a sob. “Good. Then it’s settled.”
When they pulled apart, both women dabbed at their wet eyes with their sleeves. “But I have to tell you something,” CeCe added, sniffling as she smiled. “I can’t have secrets on my bride squad.”
Mallory stilled, her gaze not quite meeting CeCe’s. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah.” CeCe scoffed, reaching out and flicking Mallory on the arm.
“Ouch.” Mallory covered her arm. “When did Evan show you the Lawson flick?”
CeCe did it again, this time right on Mallory’s forehead. “I’m a fast learner, and you need to spill the beans. What is going on with you and Beckett? I know I’m new to this crew, but there is certainly something going on between you two.”
“No, there isn’t,” Mallory said, sounding like a teenager. “We’re just friends.”
“Pfft, yeah right. And I’m Gordon Ramsay. Something is going on there, sister. The looks you two were flashing each other could have melted the cheese board. And don’t think I missed youfeedinghim. Friends don’t feed each other, or at least my friends don’t. I’m pretty sure I’d cut off Max’s hand if he ever tried that move on me.”
Mallory’s face flamed and her tongue felt heavy. She reached for her glass, only to grimace when it came up empty. Damn, she really could use some liquid courage right about now. “We’ve known each other for like twenty years.”
CeCe arched an eyebrow. “And how long have you been in love with each other?” She held up her hand when Mallory opened her mouth. “Don’t bother denying it, Miss Maid of Dishonor. I know what I saw, so cut the crap.”
Mallory covered her face in her hands. “Does Evan know?”
CeCe threw her head back and cackled so loudly, Mallory feared half the town would hear. “Are you serious? Oh, Mal. I love that man to death, but he is clearly clueless. All he talks about is finding Beckett a date for our wedding. If he got a whiff of what’s going on between you, it’d be all he talked about.”
“We don’t want him to know,” Mallory said, hating that their secret dating had lasted all of twenty-four hours. Beckett would be furious, but she didn’t have time to dwell.
