Ignite (Cloverleigh Farms #6)(18)

“This February?” I asked in surprise.

She nodded. “I know it’s only six months away, and most brides plan ahead at least a year, but I’m hoping we can pull something off.”

“I’m sure you can,” Ellie said confidently. “And I bet you’ll have an easier time finding a venue in the winter.”

“April said I should talk to Millie about Cloverleigh Farms.” Mariah tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“You should,” I agreed. “I saw her car on the street, so she’s here somewhere. And if Cloverleigh is all booked up during that time, check out Abelard. It’s not far from here, and it’s gorgeous. Cloverleigh is more American rustic chic, but Abelard is vintage south of France.” I kissed my fingertips. “Très belle.”

“That sounds beautiful. So you’re a wedding planner?” Mariah asked Ellie.

“No, I work for the winery. My mother is who you want—her name is Mia Fournier. She’s the manager at Abelard and coordinates all the weddings.”

“Thanks,” Mariah said. “Next time we’re here, I’ll definitely check it out.”

Chip returned with a full glass of white wine, handing it to Mariah. “How’s it going?”

“Great,” she said. “We’re talking about the wedding.”

He looked at us. “I voted for Vegas with an Elvis impersonator officiating, but I don’t think I’m going to get my way.”

I gave his chest a playful shove. “You’re not.”

He grinned. “I’m gonna grab another beer and check on Dex since he doesn’t really know anyone else here.”

“He knows Winnie,” said Ellie. “He’s seen a lot of her lately.”

I gave her a murderous look.

“That’s so crazy that he moved in next door to you.” Chip hesitated. “And I wasn’t going to ask, but what was that about them . . . being in your bedroom today?”

Sighing, I took another long sip of wine and told them the story. By the time I got to the part where Luna announced to the living room that they saw my bum today, Mariah was wiping tears. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. That fall must have hurt.”

“My pride took the bigger bruise,” I said, “but I’ll be okay. The wine is helping.”

“I’ll get you another glass.” Chip took my empty glass and headed for the island. A moment later, he came back with it and took off in search of Dex.

Ellie and I chatted with Mariah for a few more minutes, asking her about her job with the White Sox. “I’m in media relations,” she said, “which basically means I’m a liaison between the team and the press.”

“Do you like it?” Ellie asked.

“Yeah, I do. I’ve always loved sports, and at one point, I thought about broadcast journalism, but turns out I like being behind the scenes.” She shrugged. “I could always try broadcasting in the future, but I guess it depends where Chip and I end up.”

“Is he planning on staying in the game for a while?” I wondered.

“I’m not sure,” Mariah said. “Pitching is really hard on the body. Most pitchers retire before age thirty. Chip is thirty-four, so he’s like a grandpa.” She laughed.

“You’ll keep him young,” I told her with a smile.

“That’s what I always say!”

“How old are you?” Ellie asked.

“I’m twenty-four.” Mariah glanced over at Chip and grinned. “People are always teasing him about robbing the cradle.”

“A ten-year gap isn’t too crazy,” Ellie said. “That’s like your dad and stepmom, right, Win?”

I nodded. “Yep. And they’ve been together for eighteen years.”

Mariah smiled. “Good to know.”

“Maybe he’ll retire and you guys could move up here,” Ellie said.

“We’ve actually talked about that.” She lowered her voice. “Although he doesn’t want me to say anything to anyone, because he hasn’t made a decision. But we want kids pretty soon after we’re married, and I’d like to be closer to home once that happens. Family is really important to me.”

Even though I was happy for Mariah and Chip, I felt a momentary twinge of envy—how exciting to be planning a future together, and thinking about a family of their own. I knew most people my age put those things off until they were closer to thirty or even older, but I’d always imagined myself as a young wife and mom. I had a lot of love and energy to give, and it made me happy to give it, so why keep it to myself? I just needed to find the right person to share it with.

After Christmas, of course.

Chip approached with a beer in his hand but no Dex by his side.

“Did you lose your friend?” Mariah asked.

“I did. He just texted me.” Chip frowned. “Apparently one of the girls is allergic to tree nuts and ate something that gave her a reaction.”

I gasped. “Oh no—it’s Luna! Was she okay?”

“He said she’s fine, but he needed to get her home and give her some medication.”

“Poor thing,” Ellie said.

“Are they coming back?” I asked.