Not in the one that would keep them together. Not the one that would last. He’d left out a big factor, one that Lisa had realized sooner than him. His head was in the relationship, but his heart had never caught up.
And that, well, that was the missing piece, wasn’t it?
He moved on to another box—this time his high school memorabilia that his mother had insisted he finally move out of the house now that he was back in town. He grinned as he pulled out souvenirs he’d long forgotten about—his senior class pin, his debate team medals, and a stack of four yearbooks. Of course, he’d been on the committee. He’d been active, and involved, but never popular. And truth be told, he’d been lonely, even if he’d tried to keep too busy to notice. Even his status as senior class president hadn’t exactly earned him any points in the “cool” department; he’d been chosen because he was reliable and because he’d written a killer speech. Because he’d campaigned, put a plan in place, and seen it through. Because he wasn’t going to accept anything but a victory. He’d wanted it on his resume. That had mattered to him a lot.
But other things mattered too. Things he’d pushed aside by keeping busy and focused on his future instead. He’d seen how easy some of the guys had it—getting dates, going out on Saturday nights. He’d listened to Gabby talk to her sisters and cousins and friends about Chad Johnson of all people. He knew he didn’t stand a chance.
Eventually, maybe he’d made sure of that.
He flipped open the first yearbook in the stack, thumbing through the pages until he reached the debate team. It was their senior yearbook, and everyone had signed it. Now, he looked for Gabby’s note, even though he could probably recall it.
And there it was, in loopy purple ink: Here’s to a bright future. Something tells me that you’ll find a way to get everything you ever wanted.
He let that sink in for a long time. Thought about Lisa. The safe choice. Someone who wasn’t supposed to hurt his heart, and maybe never had. Maybe, she’d just hurt his pride, made him question himself, made him wonder if he could ever really take the risk and strive for what he really wanted.
What he wanted was what his parents had. They made it look so easy, but he knew better. It had never been easy for him. Only now, he wondered if he had only himself to blame.
Chapter Fifteen
Another Saturday, another wedding, only today wasn’t just any wedding. Today was Uncle Dennis and Candy’s wedding, and Gabby was determined not to let anything dampen it—including her mood. The entire family would be there, and half the town, too, and Gabby wasn’t going to focus on the one person who would be absent, even if her heart kept replaying last night, long after she’d returned to her empty apartment.
Nothing topped a summer wedding in Blue Harbor, at least not when it came to the centerpieces. Gabby set the last of the vases on the corner table and stepped back to make sure it didn’t need any further adjustment. She smiled with satisfaction as she took in the overall feel of the tent.
Granted, it wasn’t what she would choose for her own wedding—and she’d been planning that since she was only six years old. For starters, there was entirely too much pink. But then, the bride liked pink, and she wasn’t shy about it either.
But Gabby preferred the understated elegance and of an all-white wedding. Or the drama of crimson red roses clutched against an ivory lace bodice. Or the whimsy of a colorful mixed bouquet, held at her side, as she walked down the aisle, barefoot…
“Earth to Gabby,” a voice said from behind, causing her to jump.
She turned from the table to see her cousin Maddie staring back at her, a confection in pink chiffon ruffles.
“What are the ruffles doing on there?” She forgot her problems momentarily and stared at the new neckline of Maddie’s dress.
“Last-minute change.” Maddie pursed her lips and then, at the same time as Gabby, burst out laughing.
“I have a feeling Brooke didn’t find this so funny.”
Maddie raised an eyebrow knowingly. “You can say that again. But as they say, the customer is always right.” She looked down at the dress. “And it’s pretty. Just not quite as sleek as what Brooke had in mind.”
“So long as it’s what Candy wanted then I suppose that’s all that matters, right? It’s her day. And speaking of Candy, why aren’t you with her?”
“I told her I’d make sure the tent looked okay.” She gave a secret smile. “But the truth of it is that things were getting a little crowded at the house…”
Gabby could only shake her head. “You can help me set up the chapel if you’d like?”
“I wish I could, but I should probably get back soon. Don’t need Candy worrying that something has gone wrong.”
Gabby shuddered at the thought. Still, she enjoyed Maddie’s company, and the truth was that she could have used the help.
“You know, hiring an assistant was the best thing I did when I opened my bakery,” Maddie said, giving her a knowing look.
Gabby huffed out a breath. Being hardheaded and stubborn hadn’t gotten her very far in life, had it? “I think I’ll put out an ad next week.”
“My! I didn’t expect you to say that!” Maddie laughed.
Gabby shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve surprised myself recently.” About a lot of things…
She began walking toward her van, which was still running, so the air-conditioning would keep the flowers looking fresh. She tried to smile, but she could feel her spirits dropping now that she was about to walk over to
