Annie's Song(42)
“No,” Eric said, his fingers reaching for it. “I’ll take it now.”
“Are you certain?” She pulled the ring out of range. “We have a lovely engraving service. You do want to make the ring your own, after all.”
“Thank you, but no.” Eric took out his wallet, signaling the end of the negotiating. “I’ll take it now.”
“As you wish.”
She rang him up, tucking the ring in a white velvet box, then in a matching gift box. Eric thanked her, almost as an afterthought, and clutched the box as he limped out of the shop. He looked shell shocked.
“This makes it real for you, then,” Marcus said.
Eric glanced over at him. “Yeah. I love her, and I want this, more than ever. But, man—I’m terrified.”
Marcus laughed, patted his shoulder. “Welcome to the ranks of the soon to be married.”
“Did you feel like this?” Marcus looked surprised. Zach was stunned by the revelation. “Claire told me you’d been married before—I hope I didn’t betray some deep secret.”
“No secret, my friend.” Marcus stared straight ahead. But Zach knew that look. He was not happy. “Merely a part of my life I wanted to put behind me.”
“Sorry.”
“No apology necessary.” Visibly relaxing, Marcus draped one arm over Eric’s shoulders. “I believe it is time for a celebration. What do you call them here—ah, bachelor party.”
Eric smiled. “Annie would hate the idea. Where’s the pub?”
They both laughed, and Zach lowered his head, feeling like the kid in the corner. Not welcome, never welcome.
“Hey,” Eric said. Zach looked up. “That invitation includes you, punk.” He ruffled Zach’s hair. “I bet we could even sneak you a drink or two.”
“Really?” He was excited, and terrified. Mom would ground him for life. Or kill him.
“You’re part of the wedding, aren’t you? That gives you an instant in.”
“I’m part of the wedding?”
“Did I not speak English?” Eric slid his hand around the back of Zach’s neck. “You’re family, kid. It wouldn’t be complete without you there, standing up for me.” He smiled when Zach just stared at him. “What do you say? Will you be my best man?”
“I—wow.” He shifted on his crutches, studied the ground while he fought the emotions raging through him. Finally, pretty sure he could talk without embarrassing himself, he looked at Eric. “Okay.”
Laughing, Eric led him into the pub. Oh, man. He just hoped no one lost something they desperately wanted found.
*
Michelle insisted they have the wedding in the back garden. And sent Penn threatening looks until she agreed.
Claire watched Annie tear up again, then throw her arms around Michelle. “Thank you. Oh, God—I thought we were going to have to get married in the local equivalent of the judge’s chambers.”
“Right—that’s not happening,” Michelle said. She took Annie’s arm, led her through the shop. “I hope it will suit.”
She opened the back door. Annie let out a gasp, stepping outside, and into a fairy garden. Claire didn’t think she’d seen her friend so completely speechless. And with good reason.
A stone path meandered through glorious garden beds. Even this early in the season, the flowers were gorgeous, the surprisingly warm day bringing out their heady scent. She followed Annie down the path, and halted when it opened up into a deep, rich spread of lawn and pavers. Annie practically sprinted to the arbor in the corner, classic white lattice, covered with ivy.
“Oh, my.” She touched the arbor, turned her tear blurred gaze to Claire. “It’s perfect. It’s what I always pictured for my wedding . . .” Tears choked her. She ran to Michelle, hugging her, and moved on to Penn. “Thank you, for offering all this. I just—I don’t know what to say.”
“You can say yes,” Michelle said. She looked as teary as Annie. And Penn stood next to her, just as moved by Annie’s emotional reaction. “There’s room for a small wedding, and we have more tables we can bring out for a reception.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because you’re fellow Yanks. Because I like you.”
“Because she likes happy endings,” Penn added, looking at Michelle. Claire bit her lip on a smile. Annie had been right; they were the England equivalent, right down to the tight friendship, and the acceptance of each other’s needs. “And you’re all welcome. I may not want to ever get married, but that doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy myself when two people I’m fond of want to pledge to each other. True facts.” Annie let out a watery laugh, and Penn smiled, obviously satisfied.