Page 58 of Just Friends

Rebecca bit back a smile. “Oh, Autumn and Dan are having a surprise wedding tonight. We need to get over there.”

“Wow. Good for them.”

???

Rebecca snuck into the barn through the service entrance and checked on the meal. Thankfully her little side adventure didn’t affect matters. She moved all of the food over into heated trays so it would stay hot and everybody could serve themselves buffet style. With the first round of dishes into the dishwasher loaded, she couldn’t believe she’d done that. It was so out of character. She’d taken Weasel into the bridal suite and had her merry way with him while everyone was in the barn.

Brandon appeared in the entrance. “Showtime.”

Rebecca smiled, snatched the box containing a bouquet, and followed. A long dark wooden dinner table in a rustic, yet refined, setting with a silvery satin table runner, crystal cylinder candle holders, and square silver vases with little cream and pastel peach flowers with sage greenery completed the table.

Once the group assembled, Dan stood. He held their eight-month-old son Danny. “I’d like to thank all of you for coming here tonight and want to let you know that it’s not just a dinner. You are all here to witness Autumn and I get married.” A gasp traveled through the small gathering and their mother’s bounced with glee. Daniel held out a hand to Autumn. The mother's stepped forward bombarding them with hugs, and the preacher called for attention.

“Where would you like stand?”

“In the center of the room,” Autumn responded. Autumn wore a vintage, sleeveless, A-line dress in antique white with lace around the neck and over the back. Rebecca slipped Autumn the bouquet. Shirley, her mother, took the baby from Dan. Then, Brandon lowered the main house lights surrounding them in white twinkle lights draped over the beams and hanging to form a glowing archway.

Rebecca sprang into action, switching on the battery-operated candles, placing them next to support columns, and arranging them. Rebecca felt Weasel’s eyes as she moved. The group all gathered around the couple in a circle; Weasel sidled up beside her. Rebecca tried to concentrate on the words the clergy spoke and not the warm affection radiating from Weasel’s eyes or the tenderness in his touch on her lower back. She blinked away tears as Autumn and Dan vowed to love one another until death parted them. Hannah and Autumn had found their husbands and deserved happiness, but it hurt that she was older than both of them and still floundering.

Rebecca didn’t need to get married and didn’t want to scare Weasel with the erroneous impression. But she wasn’t getting any younger, and her mom was right, she was tired of wasting her life cooking in that diner. But Chicago? He caressed her arm; she peered over at him. His eyes asked her if she was okay. The reverend pronounced Dan and Autumn married, and told Dan to kiss his wife. Rebecca did the requisite woo and clap with the others, and then escaped to the kitchen to check on supper.

“What’s wrong?” Weasel’s voice came from behind as she stirred the potatoes.

“Nothing. A wedding is… a happy occasion. Everything is wonderful.”

“Both of your best friends are married now.”

“Stop. We’re not talking about this now.” Or ever.

“Why not?”

Rebecca turned. “I’ve driven for over eight hours, gotten little sleep, and cooked all afternoon. So, if I’m overtired and get a little emotional at my friend’s wedding, you’re just gonna have to not ask me about it.”

Weasel nodded and crossed the room, wrapping his arms around her, she relaxed in his strong embrace. “How about I make you a drink?” He pressed a quick kiss to the side of her neck before letting go.

“Sounds amazing.”

???

Weasel leaned against the bar, sipping his second beer, and watching Dan and Autumn smash cake in each other’s faces and laughing. Rebecca’s cuisine was always delicious and dinner was no exception. He didn’t understand her hesitance to try for a job at a fancy restaurant. Rebecca was a talented chef. All of their friends were having a marvelous time. The newlyweds were all smiles and sharing kisses. Rebecca’s smile didn’t meet her eyes. She’d given her all at hiding whatever had gotten to her, but he’d noticed.

With a few drinks in, she had a buzz, giggling, and snapping pictures of the dessert smashing. Rebecca’s high heels made those long, shapely, legs appear to extend on forever, and he wanted to work his lips up them. He rarely saw her wear heels. No one who works on their feet would wear those. Ben leaned up against the bar next to him.

“You had a good day.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You have a bite mark on your neck.”

Shit. He grimaced, reached up and rubbed the evidence of his pre-wedding fun with Rebecca. Weasel sighed and leveled a stare at Ben who went brows up and nodded toward a giggling Rebecca. He smirked when Weasel nodded in the affirmative. Then his expression shifted to horrified.

“Please tell me it wasn’t in the farmhouse living room.”

“Bridal suite,” he responded and drew a lengthy drink.

Ben roared with laughter. “Oh my god. Brandon was ranting about how long it took Rebecca to change.”

Weasel shushed him, but he couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of an irritated Brandon thinking she was taking forever to get ready.

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