The Resurrection of Wildflowers (Wildflower #2)(56)

“I won’t, Mom. You don’t have to worry so much.”

She has no idea but that’s like half of being a parent, maybe even more, constantly worrying.

“Do you think you’ll have kids?” I ask Lauren when she sets down a bag of throw pillows beside my bag of blankets—because Seda can’t just have one blanket, she needs twelve. That she did get from me.

“Maybe when I’m thirty.” Lauren wrinkles her nose, pursing her lips like she tastes something sour. “No, not even then.” She glances out the open door to where Thayer is now chasing Seda around the lawn. “I like your kid, but that’s it. I’m not sure I’d be a good mom.”

“You’d be a great mom,” I assure her, because she would be if that’s what she chose. “But not everyone wants to be a parent and that’s okay, too.”

She shrugs. “We’ll see in the future. Right now, I like it just being me and Anthony.” She glances down at her ring finger. “Gotta get through the wedding first.”

“I can’t believe you’re getting married in the Hamptons,” I bump her shoulder playfully, “you boujee bitch.”

She cackles. “Anthony’s parents’ place is there and it’s stunning. It’s perfect.”

The way she lights up talking about her fiancé makes me happy. She deserves that. For a while there I wasn’t sure she’d ever settle down. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I could tell she was searching for someone to tame her. Not that Anthony has completely tamed her wild side, but when she’s with him she is a slightly calmer version of her normal self.

I have to head up to Manhattan soon for the final fitting of my Maid of Honor dress. The wedding is at the end of the summer, and in just a few weeks we’re headed to Vegas for her bachelorette. With the loss of my mom, I don’t know how much fun I’ll be on that trip, but I wouldn’t miss it.

“Speaking of the wedding, now that you’re with Thayer I assume you’ll be bringing him?” She asks as we head back out to my SUV for more bags.

“I mean, I guess, yeah. I hadn’t even thought about it.”

“I’ll add him to the list.” I reach for a bag when she catches my arm. “You know, I love to give you a hard time, but I’m happy for you. You and him…” Her eyes drift to where he has Seda draped over his shoulder, spinning her around, “anyone can see it’s special. I’m glad you got this second chance. Not everyone gets that. You deserve to be happy more than anyone I know.”

I throw my arms around her, squeezing my best friend tight. I miss living closer to her. “Thank you.”

“Ew,” she playfully shoves me off, “you’re giving me cooties.”

I stick my tongue out at her. “You wish.”

“Save them for Thayer. I’m pretty sure that man loves your cooties.”

“Lauren!” I shriek, swatting her arm.

She just grabs a bag and cackles all the way into the house.





The next day, Lauren’s heading back to Manhattan. I’m so happy she was able to come out—she said she had intended to be in early enough for the funeral, but her flight from Chicago got delayed; her fiancé has another place there where they stay sometimes depending on what he’s doing with work.

I hug her tight beside the rental car—already loaded with her suitcase thanks to Thayer.

“I don’t want you to go.”

“I don’t want to go either, but I’ll see you soon for dress fittings and then it’s Vegas time, baby!” She lets me go, doing a little wiggle.

Thayer arches a brow. I haven’t had a chance to fill him in on the wedding and all the details, but with Lauren heading back to New York we’ll have more time. Plus, we’re taking Seda back to Boston today. I wanted to keep her longer, but Caleb and I are still trying to figure out this whole system. Plus, I need to start cleaning out my mom’s house and it’ll be easier if Seda isn’t around, just because she’ll get into everything. Regardless, it already feels like a piece of my heart is missing and she isn’t even gone yet.

“Love you, girly,” I kiss Lauren’s cheek, “see you soon.”

“Don’t be a stranger.” She winks playfully, trying to mask the tears in her eyes.

Standing on the driveway, I wave as she backs out and drives away. Thayer comes up behind me, putting his hand on my shoulder. Winnie barks in the yard, chasing after Seda. They both wear matching rainbow tutus that Thayer sewed himself—talk about swoon.

“I’m sorry she had to leave so soon.” His voice is deep and husky beside my ear.

I exhale, trying not to be too upset about it. “It’s okay. I’m happy she came at all.”

That’s what means the most, knowing my friend came to support me during this time.

“We haven’t had a chance to talk about the other thing.”

I turn to face him, brows wrinkling. “What thing?”

“The one I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh.” Clarity comes to me. “Right. What was it?”

“When we drop Seda off, I was thinking you could get more of your things, Binx too, and…”

“And what?” I prompt.