Page 46 of About Time You Noticed

Tommy dared to step farther into Edward's territory. "I feel terrible. I didn't know you and Sarah were on a date. She didn't say anything."

"Look, man. I went on one short date with her, which your friend interrupted. The second one ended before it started. I don't know Sarah, and I'm not attached." Edward let out a heavy sigh and gently shook his head. "Just a couple of dates. No big deal."

Tommy's shoulders relaxed an inch. "Do you mean that?"

"I do."

Tommy's planned speech included details of how Sarah had mistaken him for Edward. Did he need to know that little fact now? Would it make him change his mind about Sarah? It seemed right to tell him because Sarah hadn’t meant to hurt him. And Edward wasn't taking Sarah's calls.

"If it helps, Sarah thought I was you."

Edward jerked his head back. "Come again?"

"It was dark on the balcony. She snuck up and covered my eyes, saying, ‘Guess who?’ I didn't reply. The next moment, she gave me a brief kiss, and I kissed her back. Then you shattered”—The moment—"the drink glasses." Tommy shifted on his feet. "I didn't know she thought I was you. But Sarah and I have talked and my feelings for her are all out in the open now."

Edward’s eyes turned to slits. "Why would you help arrange a date for Sarah and me when you were interested in her?"

"I didn't know until she started dating you. It dawned on me that I'd be kicked to the curb." Tommy raked a hand through his hair. "I didn't purposely try to sabotage your night. It was an accident." He shrugged. "But it worked out good for me.” He bit his lip. “Sorry, man."

"Don't be sorry.” Edward’s stiff posture relaxed. “If it helped you discover Sarah is the woman for you, I’m glad for you both. Think nothing of it."

"Phew." Tommy swung his arms and shook out the last of his nerves. "You're an awesome guy, you know that?"

Edward pointed. "Sure. But don't throw any of your other friends at me. I won't be the middleman again." He chuckled. "Happy to be a groomsman, though."

Tommy's eyes went wide. Talk of marriage, already? It was true that in Christian circles, couples didn't drag out a courtship. Rushing it hadn't worked for Damien. But Sarah and Tommy had known each other for years. He wouldn't hesitate if Sarah wanted to marry.

Wow. This was new territory. If only he could talk it over with Ethan. It was ironic how Tommy had nudged Ethan to finally propose. No doubt Ethan would give the same advice.

Tommy nodded at Edward. “I have three groomsmen in mind. But hey, what’s another. You’ve earned your place.”

Edward waved down a hand. “I’m joking. I’ll be happy for a simple invite.”

Tommy gave him a thumb’s up and left the room, a little lighter than before. When would Sarah let him tell the guys? And Mom. She’d be ecstatic. She loved Sarah like a second daughter. Soon it would be official. They’d only have to tell Mrs. Baxter and save themselves explaining it to everyone. He chuckled to himself as he made his way to the next class. How true.

***

BABY PINK AND BLUE balloons floated to the ceiling, leaving curls of ribbon dancing on the tiled floor. Mrs. Masters, Emily’s mother, took care of the decorations so Sarah could concentrate on baby shower games. Her granny flat wasn’t big enough to hold all the women from the church, plus old high-school friends, so it made sense to have it at Emily’s folk’s house. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn’s mother lived in California and couldn’t make it, but she’d watch via video call for some of the afternoon.

Sarah positioned baby bottles filled with orange juice around the dining table. “The person who finishes first must slam the empty bottle to the table to win a massage voucher to Cloud Nine Day Spa.”

Mrs. Baxter hip-bumped Audrey and smirked. The lady had a competitive streak.

Emily rubbed her palms together. “You won’t beat me, Mrs. Baxter. I’m more of a sucker than you.”

Mrs. Baxter flicked her hair over her shoulder. “True, Emily. I’m no sucker.” She winked at Sarah. “Nothing gets past me.”

Sarah’s mouth went dry. She flicked her gaze to the other ladies. Becca stood poised, angled like she would take off in a sprint.

Sarah pressed her Apple watch. “I’ll time it. Just for fun.” She smiled at the enthusiastic women.

Kaitlyn sat in a living room recliner. Although the morning sickness had gone, she preferred to watch and play it safe.

“Ready, set, go!” Sarah stepped back.

Simultaneously, the contestants shoved a rubber nipple into their mouths and sucked like orphaned lambs. Mrs. Baxter tilted her head back, and her eyes went wide as her cheeks drew in and out like a mullet fish.

Sarah bit her lip. “We need to record this. In slow motion.” She laughed and waved at Kaitlyn. “Get a camera.”

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