I stop in my tracks, almost causing the people walking behind us to run into me. “That’s one of my biggest fears. Not just with being a mom, but also being a wife. What if I lose myself to those roles? I don’t want to forget who I am, or my dreams.”
Caroline takes my hands in hers, ignoring the dirty looks we’re getting from passersby for stopping in the middle of the walkway. “That’s not going to happen. I know I’m probably not the best person to give you advise in this area since my own marriage failed miserably, but you and Reaf will do fine. You’ll both be able to chase your passions. And… You have an amazing example of that in your parents.”
“But,” I begin to argue, but she cuts me off.
“Nope, there’s not buts,” she shakes her head driving the point home. “If I know the both of you like I think I do, I know that you strive to have the type of marriage your parents have. They each have their own interests, but they still make time for each other. It’s not always easy, and marriage is a lot of work. But if there’s anyone who can do it, it’s you two. The most stubborn, hard-headed people I know.”
“Hey,” I protest. “I’m not either of those things.” Instead of agreements, I only hear snorts from my two closest friends. Whatever, I like to think of those qualities as determined. Another group of people glare as they have to split up to go around us. “Okay, we’re moving. Don’t get all huffy.” I clap my hands together. “What do y’all have planned next? Please tell me it involves food.”
* * *
I’m not a huge drinker, but this is one of the few times I wish I could get a drink while out and about. We’re at a restaurant, well, it’s more of a bar but they serve food. People are playing pool on the tables scattered throughout the room. Random signs cover the walls with no rhyme or reason. It’s like a huge jigsaw puzzle, and there is very little space between each one. There’s a raised stage area along a short wall where a band is setting up their equipment. The energy buzzing through the room is palpable, and I want to be a part of that.
“Where did y’all even find this place?” It is a bit of a trek from our area, but so worth it. This place is nothing like the bar and grills we have.
“This is my contribution to bachelorette day,” Caroline says. “I’ve come here a few times with friends. It can get rowdy, but the bands that typically play here are pretty good. I wanted to give you a new experience and take you out of your element.”
“You’ve definitely managed to do that.” I eye the bag Cami brought in with her. It’s a plain gift bag, but it seemingly appeared out of nowhere. “What’s that?” I point toward it.
“This,” Cami declares. “Is your bachelorette garb. Don’t worry, it’s nothing crude.” My horrified expression must have clued her in to how I feel about that. “I kept it classy, otherwise Darcy would have kicked my ass.”
She pulls out a white sash with “bachelorette” written in pink, cursive sequins, and puts it over my head, situating it across my chest. Next out of the bag is a tiara, with flashing lights surrounding the word “bride.” But, I’m not the only one donning the all the flashy items. They each have ball caps that read “bride tribe,” and are wearing their own sashes with their role in my wedding written across them. At least I won’t have to suffer the weird looks by myself. “Y’all really didn’t have to do this.”
“Yes, we did.” Darcy is repositioning her hat so she can actually see everything from beneath the bill. “We may not be old enough to drink or do anything crazy, not like we would anyway, but we can still have the same experiences others have.”
Cami stops a woman making her way toward the restroom. “Can you get a few pictures of us?”
“Sure,” she says, and grabs Cami’s outstretched phone. We ham it up for the camera, taking serious photos, silly face pictures, and just enjoying our night. “Congratulations. I hope you have many years of happiness,” the woman says before leaving the table.
The band begins to play and we abandon our table to get closer to the stage. The plus side of all the flashy things they make me wear is we have no problem moving our way to the front. Shouts of “congratulations” follow behind us. We start dancing to our own beat, laughing, and living in the moment. The band mostly plays cover songs, but I don’t care. I’m having the time of my life. These three sure know how to show a girl a good time, and I’m happy I have them with me tonight, and by my side on one of the happiest days of my life.
* * *
It’s almost one in the morning when we pull into my driveway. Cami is staying with Darcy tonight so they can pick up our dresses on the way over here in the morning, taking one more thing of the list of things that need to be done. We dropped Caroline off on the way home since we picked her up, and her car isn’t here.
Travis’s car is parked by the curb, and shockingly, so is Jake’s. I knew they were having the bachelor party here since Bryce is still in high school and can’t really get into some of the places they were thinking about going. But I’m surprised they invited Jake. Don’t get me wrong, Jake and Reaf have a decent friendship since we’re co-parenting Layla, but they don’t hang out much outside of that. He must have stopped by to see our daughter, and was invited to stay.
Once we’re out of the car, I stop the girls before we go in. “Thank y’all for an amazing day. I literally couldn’t have gotten through the past two weeks without you. I love you.”
“Aw,” Cami sighs. “You know we have your back. This is going to be the best damn wedding ever.”
“Yeah it is,” Darcy says. “Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Cami reaches for the door. “I’m going to go tell Travis bye before we head to Darcy’s.” She disappears into the house, Darcy close on her heels. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees Derrick Saturday morning.
I close the door gently behind me, and walk to Layla’s room. She’s sleeping soundly in her bed, tiny snores breaking up the quiet night. I lean over the crib railing, and place a kiss on her forehead. She moves the tiniest bit and I worry that I’ve woken her up, but she settles right back down and continues snoring.
I need some water before I go to bed. I didn’t drink at all tonight because of the whole age thing, but dancing wears a person out. There’s no doubt my body will be hurting tomorrow, but right now I’m parched.
I’m a few feet from the kitchen, and stop when I hear voices coming from the room. “You have to do something about your mom, Jake.”
“What is she doing now?” He sounds exasperated, and tired at the mere mention of the woman who wanted to pay me off.
“She came by the shop last week telling me to call off the wedding so that Tonya could wise up and marry you, the father of her child.” Reaf’s voice is frantic. “I ignored it because it’s crazy talk, but it didn’t end there. She came in a few more times until Rick threatened to file harassment charges. She still drives by every single day.”
“She is insane,” Jake replies. “Why can’t she just give it up and focus on her charity work like she’s done my entire life.”