I wrapped my arms tight to my body, wagging my head. “I got scared. Then I got in my head and panicked. That last fight with Jake gave me justification to cut and run, and I regret it. I’m sorry for hurting you and everyone else.”
“You always did overthink everything.” Dara reached out and rubbed my back. “I’m glad you came to our wedding.”
“I was surprised you invited me. Was that a test?”
Dara shrugged. “Maybe, yeah, I guess so. I figured if you actually came, I’d try to forgive you, and if you didn’t, I’d put it to rest and accept the loss. So you did, and you were as sweet as I remembered, so I pushed for you to visit, and you came. It was like we’d never been apart, and I knew right then what I wanted. You’re like my sister. I love you, and even though you did something stupid and hurtful, underneath I know you love me too. Through this whole thing with you and Jake, I’ve been terrified, trying desperately to make you see it without pushing too hard.”
Tilting my head her way, I asked, “See what?”
“That he’d forgive you for everything and do anything to make you happy. Whatever happens next, you absolutely can’t freak and run. These next months will challenge your relationship, and you have to stick with him, as if you’ve already said those vows. Weddings are wonderful, but they’re also a pile of stress. Promise me, whatever issues come up, you will stay and work it out.”
“I promise.” Kneeling, I threw my arms around her. “I love you, Dar.”
“I love you too, jerk.” She sniffled. “Finally, I have my bestie back, and even better, you’ll be here for the birth of our baby.”
“You couldn’t drag me away.” I released her and lay back, staring at the silver ornament slowly spinning above one of the lights. “Your bestie is thrilled to be home.”
Dara tucked the throw pillow behind her head and worked into a half-reclining position beside me, rubbing her belly in tiny circles. “Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Just do it. You owe me, so no questions.”
“Fair point.” Closing my eyes, I took a long cleansing breath and relaxed.
“Picture one of your favourite memories of Halifax. Preferably something recent.”
I cracked one eye open, only to be met by Dara’s huff and wagging finger.
“Did I say to open your eyes? No?”
My lips twitched. “This is hard. There are so many great memories from this trip alone.”
“Excellent. You shouldn’t have any trouble, then.”
“Mmmm.” I sank into the pillow, images flowing through my mind. Jake and Sari meeting me at the airport. Our snowball fight in the back yard. Sari, her captivating smile and sweet bedtime hugs. I concentrated harder, imagining the little girl’s proud attempt at signing my name, and Jake’s deep, joyful laugh at his daughter’s antics at the park, and then his intimate whispers, meant only for me. I love you, Mare.
“Ah, you’ve got one. I see it in your smile,” Dara murmured, squeezing my hand. “Whatever happens, the love and joy you feel right now is why you’ll always stay and try harder. You’ll never leave us again. This is home.”
Four hours later, the house was a hive of activity.
“Can I help?” I hovered near the island.
“No. We’ve got this.” Jake topped up my glass of wine and handed a fruity spritzer to Dara. “You have your assignments.”
“Stay out of the way?” I laughed.
“Well, that, but you have the crucial task of keeping order while we clean the kitchen.” Dean grinned. “Dara’s is to put her feet up and stay hydrated.”
Dara inspected the pies sitting on the cooling racks. “Tía’s amazing. These smell divine.”
“Oh, watch out, or those will disappear before we get any,” Dean said in a light tone.
“Don’t judge.” Dara squinted at her husband. “This”—she pointed to her bump—“is your doing. It leads to constant cravings and hunger.”
“Easy, easy.” Dean rounded the island and sank to his knees in front of his wife, laying his head against her. “Tell Mommy not to be mad at Daddy, ’cause he loves you both, so much.” He slid her shirt up and planted a resounding kiss on her bare belly.
I sneaked a look at the couple, then at Jake, but he seemed intent on finding something in the fridge. “Geez, Dar, when will we eat all of this?”
She tugged her husband to his feet. “Go help Jake. Maybe stow the pies in the extra fridge if you’re worried about me snarfing them down before tomorrow.”
“I’m kidding, Bunny, but I’m serious about you getting off your feet. Amara?”
I snapped a little salute, then guided my friend toward the living room. “Put your feet up, and then we can decide which presents we’ll open tonight.”
“Oh.” She rubbed her hands together. “My favourite custom. You need to do Sari’s.”
“Maybe not. It’s been such a great day. Look at him.”
We both looked toward the kitchen where Jake and Dean were playing Tetris to get the leftovers into the fridge.
Jake caught my eye and winked before handing Dean the next container.
“Yeah, exactly. What better time than after several glasses of wine, a delicious dinner, and a night full of mind-blowing engagement sex. Mm-mm, the wattage on that smile says someone is sa-tis-fied.”
“Dara!” I bobbed my head toward Marisol, who was helping Sari colour a picture only a few feet away.
“Oh, please. She’ll tell you to hurry it up and make that sibling for Sari.”
Damn, damn. I pasted on the smile, wondering how I’d make it through the next few months. At some point, the truth would sneak out. I wasn’t sure if that would make it better or worse.
I patted Dara’s belly. “We’ll let her enjoy this bundle of joy first.”
My friend glowed, her rosy cheeks and radiant smile making me want to laugh and cry all at the same time. “Not for long, though. My little bundle needs a playmate,” she said.
Marisol looked over, her excitement plain to
