Page 42 of Reuniting with Lucy

“That’s a good point,” Daisy said. “Just because he says he’s not ready right this second doesn’t mean six months from now he won’t be.”

“Adam didn’t want to get married either,” Kate said. “But look how that turned out.” She held up her left hand and wiggled her ring finger.

“Kate makes a solid argument,” Lizzie said. “If you dump him now, you may always wonder what could have been. People change their minds all the time.”

“I’ve spent ten years speculating what could have been with Jack,” Lucy said. “And you’re right. I don’t want to spend any more than that.”

“So his first go-’round with marriage ended badly,” Kate said. “She obviously wasn’t the right girl for him and left him jaded. You just have to help him overcome that. Change his mind. If anyone can do it, you can.”

“We’re putting a lot of stock in my prowess to make him fall in love with me,” Lucy said, raising a dubious eyebrow.

“Oh. He’s already in love with you,” Lizzie said. “He might not realize it yet, but it’s clear to anyone with eyes.” Daisy and Kate nodded in agreement.

“All right, well, open to suggestions,” Lucy said, spreading her arms wide.

“I’m not sure I’d call it quits just yet,” Daisy said. “Not until you’re certain he’ll never change his mind.”

“I agree,” Kate said. “You’ve only been dating a couple of months. Give him a chance. I think he’ll come around.”

“Lizzie?” Lucy asked.

“I’m no expert in relationships,” Lizzie said. “But I do know they don’t come without challenges. I agree with these two. Give him a shot.”

“Mom and Dad said the same thing about challenges earlier, when I asked about their courtship. Even they had them.”

“Emma would agree with us,” Daisy said. “That makes it unanimous.”

Lucy chuckled. “Meanwhile, I keep falling deeper in love. That will make it hurt worse if I have to break it off.”

“It’s a risk,” Kate said. “The question is, are you willing to take it?”

Lucy already knew the answer. “It’s Jack. Of course, I’ll roll the dice.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Two days later, Lucy and her sisters were having lunch together to plan the design for the front of the strip mall. Adam had given them permission to pick whatever style they wanted. They’d already settled on a rustic, woodsy theme and had shown him pictures of similar buildings. They were supposed to be picking specific colors for the paint and brick styles, but the subject quickly changed to Lucy’s love struggles.

“So, you still haven’t talked to him?” Emma said, after being briefed on what had gone down at the wedding.

“No,” Lucy said, swallowing a french fry. “I put it off on Sunday because I didn’t feel well. Maybe tonight, I guess? It’s not like I’m in a real rush to hear his thoughts on hating marriage.”

They all mumbled their agreement.

“I can’t believe I ate that entire basket of fries,” Lucy said.

“Stress eating?” Daisy suggested.

Lucy shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m still hungry,” she said. “Probably because I didn’t eat breakfast. I’m gonna get a cookie to go.”

“Easy there, little piggy,” Lizzie said.

Lucy gave her the finger on her way to the counter. While waiting for the cashier to bag up her cookie, she noticed her sisters huddled together, talking about something. The “something” was probably her, but whatever.

When she returned to the table, they were back on paint and bricks. “Adam needs to know, like yesterday,” Kate said.

“All in favor of letting Kate decide, say aye,” Lizzie said. After a chorus of “ayes,” she congratulated Kate. “We trust you.”

“I’m picking purple,” Kate said, rolling her eyes. No one believed that for a second. Kate had great taste and would save them all tons of time fighting over slightly different hues of green.

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