morning for me to worry about it anyway. The sun is bright, burning off what’s left of the morning fog. I close my eyes, loving the warmth on my face and the sounds of the birds chirping around us. I haven’t felt this peaceful in a long time.
Gabby and I somehow manage to drift off to sleep, and we wake up close to ten. She seems a bit frantic as we both climb out of the truck bed and into the cab. She speeds along the dirt paths leading back to the house, and I get the impression from the look on her face that she hasn’t told Ben’s parents exactly where we were and what we were doing this morning.
I’m kind of impressed by the way Gabby’s driving Ben’s truck; she maneuvers the thing like she’s lived on this land her whole life. When the main house comes into view, I see Mrs. Wright sitting on the porch steps, waiting for us like a true mother.
“You’re in trouble,” I tease, but Gabby isn’t in the mood for it. The brakes squeal as we come to a stop.
“Where have you girls been?” Mrs. Wright says as she rushes over to us. She cups Gabby’s face in her hands, looking relieved to see her. “What would I tell Ben if his bride went missing right before the wedding?”
“We’re fine Amy,” Gabby says, smiling through her embarrassment.
“Sorry we worried you, Mrs. Wright,” I say.
Ben’s mom is a short, slightly round woman, with reddish brown hair and the brightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Everything about her is so warm and friendly that it’s nearly impossible not to smile and feel right at home around her, even when she’s being a total mother bear.
“Call me Amy,” she says, smiling.
“Leave them alone, Mom,” a strangely familiar voice calls from the porch. “I’m here for all your motherly nagging needs. Gab’s getting married in a few days, she needs to de-stress.”
When I look up, I see the very last person I ever expected to see here standing on the front porch. Hell, he’s the very last person I expected to see anywhere again. Ever.
It’s Nate.
Airport Nate.
Best-sex-of-my-life Nate.
Guy-I-left-naked-in-bed-without-saying-goodbye Nate.
He’s just as gorgeous as I remember. I want to run toward him and I want to run in the opposite direction. Instead of doing either, I’m frozen in my spot. Either he doesn’t get a good look at my face right away, or he doesn’t recognize me. I’m not sure which option I would prefer. I’m hiding on the passenger side of the truck, trying to buy some time.
“All right then, smartass,” Amy says. “You want to be nagged? Clean your room. Do your homework. Wash your face. Wash your hands.”
“Mow the lawn,” he shouts with a laugh, the most gorgeous smile on his face.
“Rake the leaves!”
“Is that it?”
“I’ve got more,” Amy replies. “Remember your manners. Give your future sister-in-law a hug, and say hello to Callie.”
Nate pauses a second when he hears my name, but he makes his way down the stairs anyway, and I’m still trying to figure out what to do. I’m going to have to step out and say hello to him eventually. As if Amy can sense my discomfort, she walks over and grabs my hand, pulling me around the front of the truck towards certain embarrassment.
“Don’t be shy,” she says. My eyes meet Nate’s as he’s hugging Gabby.
He lets her go, and I know he’s a little dumbfounded that I’m here. The corners of his eyes crinkle as he squints, like he’s trying to make sure I’m really standing in front of him. But then he smiles, like he’s relieved. And the beauty in it is unnerving.
“Nate,” Gabby says, then looks in my direction. “This is my best friend Callie. Callie, this is Nate.”
I’m silently begging him not to let on that we’ve already met. I don’t want to explain that to Gabby right now, and I really don’t want to explain that to his mother.
“Callie,” he says warmly, familiarly, as he reaches out and takes my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
N ATE