Page 15 of Kicking it with my Best Friend

It happened again every night that week. Parker never again tried to push me past kissing, and for that, I was grateful.

By Friday, I was not only eager but desperate to tell my mom and my coworkers. My first order of business was to let my boss and Faith know I’d be taking some time off intermittently until the wedding, in addition to a week for the honeymoon. I hadn’t taken vacation time in years, and it had all accumulated to a hefty vacation bank. They took it well—both excited and wishing us the best. My next stop was calling my mom.

I dialed her number on the way home from work on Friday, placing my phone in its holster so I could talk to her and drive.

Mom picked up her end of the line quickly. “Hey, honey. What’s up?”

“Not much. How about you?” I listened as she unloaded about work and her wonderful students, annoying coworkers, and difficult administration.

When she finally stopped talking, she turned the conversation back to me. “So, your turn. What’s new in your life?”

“Well… Mom, you remember how I told you I was talking to Parker Lowe again?”

“I do. Why? Do you want to bring him for dinner or something?”

I chuckled, nerves coursing through me. “Parker and I… we’ve decided to get married.” I held my breath as I waited for her response. She was quiet for a moment and I thought the line had disconnected. “Mom?”

“I’m here. I’m just surprised. Are you… are you sure?” She chuckled a little. I could hear the smile in her voice.

“I’m sure, Mom.” I was, too. I couldn’t imagine being much more sure, even if we’d actually been in love.

“Well, if that’s what you want—”

“It is.”

“Then in that case, I support you a hundred percent, same as always. Both of you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” We said our goodbyes and hung up. I sat with her reaction for the rest of the drive home. Parker had to work late, so we’d decided not to get together that night, agreeing that we’d just see each other the following day.

Shortly before ten that chilly Saturday morning, I arrived at Parker’s house in the suburbs of Port Grandlin. Parker greeted me with a gentle kiss before pulling me into the house, giddy as a kid, his excitement infectious. I looked around, impressed by the wood-and-stone look, everything looking like it was out of a magazine. His home wasn’t huge, but it felt spacious and it was very tidy—way more than I expected, considering what I knew about Parker.

“You ready?” he asked, grinning from ear to ear.

“What’s got you so worked up this morning?” I asked with a gentle chuckle.

“We’re going shopping,” he announced.

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Shopping?” When Parker nodded, I cleared my throat. “Shopping for what?”

His grin spread even wider. “We need new furniture.”

“Oh, I…” I didn’t know what to say. New furniture wasn’t exactly in the budget for me, especially not with a wedding coming up. “That sounds expensive.”

Parker shook his head. “It won’t be. We’re going to IKEA.”

I frowned, furrowing my brow. “IKEA?”

“It’s this giant furniture store—”

I held up a hand. “I know what IKEA is. I’ve just never been.”

He gasped and clutched a hand to his chest. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope.” I shrugged.

His grin turned into a wide smile. “Buckle up, sweetheart. You’ve got a wild ride ahead of you.”

“Even if I was to go with you to IKEA, I’m not letting you buy me a piece of furniture.”

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