Waiting for Willa (Big Sky, #3)(3)

I wanted to be here, in our sleepy town, with a husband and babies. I wanted a business. I wanted to be part of the PTA, the booster club, and I wanted to spearhead charity drives for the food bank.

And I have and do all of those things, minus the husband.

I pull into my parking space behind my store off the alley then gather my purse, coffee mug, and laptop, and make my way inside, disabling the alarm with just my pinky.

I’m a mom. Performing tasks with my hands full is my superpower.

I have two hours before I open, so I head up to my office and get busy taking inventory of the merchandise that was delivered yesterday, putting it on hangers and racks, ready for steaming.

I’ll have Krista, my part-time help, steam the new clothes when she gets here this afternoon.

Before I know it, my phone pings, alerting me that I’m only five minutes from opening time. So, I grab my mug of now-cold coffee and head downstairs. Once the door is unlocked, and the Open sign is lit, I pop a pod into the Keurig at the coffee station behind the lingerie and brew a fresh cup.

Much to my surprise, Cary did have a life insurance policy. Apparently, he took it out after we found out that I was pregnant, and I’ve been diligent about where I’ve allocated the money. I socked some away for Alex’s college, made a lot of repairs and upgrades to our house, and I took a year off of work when my little Alex came so I could get my feet under me.

Finally, about six months ago, I opened my own dress shop after working for someone else for way too long. Dress It Up is the other half of my heart. I carry smart, sexy, and beautiful clothes. Trendy pieces. Shoes that satisfy even the most discerning customer. And, yes, I serve coffee, wine in the evening, and when I’m feeling extra sassy, champagne.

“Willa,” my best friend, Jenna, calls from the front of the shop. “Where are you?”

“Getting coffee,” I call out. “Want one?”

“No, thanks.”

I weave my way through the racks and meet Jenna at the checkout counter in the middle of the store. “Hey. You look…frazzled.”

“Crazy morning,” I reply and take a sip of coffee. “Alex was trying my patience.”

“I think it’s his official job to do that,” she says with a smile. Jenna Hull is one of the sweetest people I know, and I’ve known her most of my life. Despite the history I have with her older brother, we have never let that get in the way of our love for each other.

She’s also maybe the most gorgeous woman in the world, with classic Grace Kelly beauty. Blond hair. Blue eyes. Killer figure.

If I didn’t love her so much, I’d hate her.

And when she takes a drink from her to-go cup from Drips & Sips, her engagement ring sparkles.

“How’s Christian?” I ask, still stunned that my best friend is engaged to the hottest actor on the planet.

“He’s amazing,” she says with a grin. “He has business calls this morning, and I am running some errands for Hannah. I can’t believe the wedding is this Saturday already.”

“Time flies,” I agree. “Is there anything I can do today? With the holidays over, I haven’t been as slammed in here.”

“I don’t think so, but I’ll keep you posted,” she says with a sigh. “My big brother is getting married.”

Brad Hull is the oldest sibling and the chief of police in Cunningham Falls. He fell head over heels for Hannah, an OBGYN who moved to town about five years ago. The man adores her, and I can’t wait to see them get married on Saturday. I was honored when Hannah asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, along with Jenna, and Hannah’s cousin, Abby.

“There are about twenty RSVPs out there in the universe that never made their way back,” Jenna says with a sigh. “Why don’t people just send back the damn card? It even has a stamp on it!”

“Because they’re mysterious,” I reply with a wink. “And if they’re local, I’d plan on them being there. This wedding is a big deal.”

“I think I’ll just elope,” she says with a sigh, and I feel my eyes widen in surprise.

“Really?”

“Nah, I need a pretty dress, but I’m in no hurry. And it won’t be big like this. Christian doesn’t need the media circus. I think we’ll do something super small out at the property in the park.”

“That would be amazing,” I reply with a nod. “And I’d better be a part of that something small.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says with a smile. “I guess I should get over to Brooke’s Blooms. I want to see the flowers in person.”

“Sounds like fun. Say hi to Brooke for me, and call if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

***

“Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Brad Hull!”

The room erupts in applause as Brad and Hannah walk into the reception area of the Lodge on the mountain, hand in hand, huge smiles on their faces.

So full of hope and excitement.

I swipe a tear from my cheek and clap my hands, my feet screaming in my four-inch heels.

“Are you sad?” Alex asks beside me. He’s in a black suit with a blush-colored tie that matches my dress because he’s my date.

“No, sweetheart, I’m happy.” I lean down to kiss his cheek, and he actually lets me, which doesn’t happen often in public these days. “Sometimes, people cry because they’re happy.”