“Kollette, don’t you want to get married?” Mabel asked.
“I do. Someday.”
“Oh good. I’d like it if you’d allow me to make your wedding cake for you. As my gift.”
That was just the sweetest gesture. “Okay. I promise. Cake duty is all yours. Thank you Mabel.”
“Oh good. I can’t wait. I already know what I’m going to make. It’s going to have a fresh berry filling. You’re going to love it,” she said, filled with excitement.
Kollette laughed. “Mabel. Don’t go picking the berries yet. We’re not even engaged.” But Mabel didn’t even seem to hear Kollette.
“I’m thinking wild flowers for the decorations. What do you think?”
I think I’d be safer out in the cold right now.
Not wanting to hurt Mabel, she decided to play along. “For the tables or for the cake toper?”
Mabel shook her head. “Neither. I’m talking about your bouquet.”
Of course.
“Wildflowers for sure.” She might as well join in, because there wasn’t going to be getting any work done as long as they sat in the SUV waiting for the guys to return. And neither of them seemed to be in a rush to get inside. “Maybe I can ride in on your mare too,” she joked.
“Oh that wouldn’t do at all. Your dress would be dirty before you even got to say your vows. Maybe you can ride off together. That’s so much more romantic, don’t you think?” Mabel smiled. Then she opened her purse and said, “I should be taking notes so I don’t forget anything.”
Kollette rolled her eyes. “Mabel I have a feeling you’re going to remember every single detail of this conversation.”
Mabel laughed. “I think you’re right. So, let’s talk about food. I wish I could do all the cooking, but I have a feeling your wedding guest list is going to be much bigger than I could cook for.”
“Why would you think that?” she asked.
“You’re a very popular person. And so is Ethan. I’m sure people from all over the world would want to be at your wedding.” Then Mabel looked sad. “Actually I’m not sure I should even do the cake. I’m not a professional baker. You’d want something…elegant.”
Kollette reached over and grabbed hold of Mabel’s hand. “Mabel, if I get married, I want your cake.”
Mabel smiled. “Not if, but when.”
Yes. When.
Ethan’s heart was pounding and he swore everyone could hear it. So he turned up the radio, not even caring what was playing.
“I can’t believe you can listen to music at a time like this. I’m so worried about Roy. Are you sure he’s okay?” Kollette asked.
“Yes, he’s fine. I think Mabel said he…strained something.”
“Thank God it didn’t happen in the winter. I’d be horrible if we couldn’t get to them. Oh Ethan, we need to get them a phone that works there. They can’t be cut off from the world all the time. What if it had been something more serious?”
He reached over and grabbed hold of her hand. “Kollette, stop worrying. He’s fine.”
“You say that, but you look nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this. So maybe if you calm down, I will too,” she suggested.
She was right. He was a bundle of nerves. He’d done this drive so many times he could do it in his sleep. But today, he almost missed the turn off. Ethan had so much on his mind, that the word distracted didn’t even come close to describing him right now.
They were almost there. It wouldn’t be long before the Potters cabin was in sight. He felt a knot in his stomach and held onto her hand even harder.
“Ethan, you’re…squeezing too hard.”
He let go and then stopped the car. He pulled her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingers. “I’m sorry sweetheart I...I guess I’m not thinking. Are you okay?”