Page 243 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
“You mean cut them?” I rock back on the heels of my boots.
“What does it matter now? Y’all are together, just as we predicted.”
“Together?” Jade grunts, and I narrow a look at her.
She looks up at me, surprise in her eyes. “Sorry, it’s just a habit.”
I inwardly chuckle, understanding it. It’s been a back-and-forth fight for so many years, but I’m surprised how much I love her snappy remarks.
“So....about those shirts.” Faye reaches for the bag again.
“No.” Jade points down the industrial road. “Go.”
Faye makes a harrumph sound and folds her arms. “How are we supposed to have the Love Quilt ready for the shotgun wedding that will undoubtedly happen?”
Wilma shakes her head. “What is it with the Wilde boys and their shotgun weddings? Nothing like giving us time to prepare.”
“It was expected with Levi and Hope.” Faye adjusts her elbow-length golden gloves that look like they have been dipped in a honey pot. “Their quilt was also halfway completed by the time they realized they were destined to be together.”
“Wheeler and Lena’s quilt was trickier.” Wilma purses her thin, tight lips. “Him having a daughter and her being more traditional, I thought we’d have a year to prepare.”
“But nope.” Faye slyly tries to get the bag again.
Jade sends her a warning look she’ll ignore.
“At least Dean and Harper gave us a break.” Wilma sighs loudly.
“We should really push that.” Faye turns to her sister. “It’s well past time getting her a ring and setting a date.”
“I reckon they’re happy just the way things are,” I say, knowing both have made it clear they’re not interested in a wedding.
“The twins’ double wedding.” Faye snaps open a fan with a bumblebee perched on the base and flutters it before her face. “That was somethin’ plopped together with no warnin’.”
“Can’t those two boys do anything alone?” Wilma makes a disapproving sound.
“We could sneak away,” I whisper to Jade.
“Not before doing us a teensy little favor.” Faye fishes something out of her bag.
“Y’all have out-used your favors,” I tell them.
She hands me a key. “We’re absolutely exhausted from all our travels, and luggin’ all these purchases is hurting my hip.”
Wilma and Faye part, and a pile of bags sits on the ground behind them.
“What’s all this?” Jade asks.
“Our finds. I told you, we’ve been antique shopping. Isn’t this a gem?” Wilma takes out an old leather-bound journal withyellowed and worn pages, mostly blank except for a few delicate sketches tucked between the faded lines.
“You’re both young with strong legs.” Faye hands me a bag, then another.
“Teamwork never hurt anyone.” Wilma tucks the book into a bag and gives it to Jade, followed by another and another.
Faye slips something into my palm. “Address and key.” She closes my fist and pats the top of my hand.
“Oh, look. There’s that antique shop.” Wilma points to a building with plywood covering its windows.
They rush away.
