Once Upon a Buggy by Shelley Shepard Gray

Author:Shelley Shepard Gray [Gray, Shelley Shepard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2022-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Aided by the tent in the Shotts’ yard, the food truck, and a swarm of people, Ally enjoyed a moment of privacy with her fiancé. “How long do you think we can stay hidden out here before everyone forces us to mingle?”

“Not long.”

“What, like an hour?” She was joking, but only a little bit.

“I mean like ten minutes, because we sure aren’t hidden, Ally. Everyone can see us. I think all our friends are taking pity on us because this is the worst engagement party in Apple Creek’s history.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re right.”

“I know I am.” He grimaced. “Our parents will hardly look at each other—and I think there’s even something odd going on between Carl and May now.”

Ally snorted. “That’s not a surprise.”

“How come?”

“Come on. You’ve been living with your sister your whole life, and Carl is the same as he’s ever been. Neither of them likes to share how they are really feeling. They’re both skilled at keeping things locked up inside.”

Walker’s eyebrows pulled together. “Ally, what feelings do they have? I thought they were fine with us being together. Nee, I know May is glad we’re getting married.”

“I’m not talking about their feelings for us. I’m talking about their feelings for each other. They’re circling around each other like two smitten teenagers who are too bashful to make the first move.”

He stared at her, then slowly grinned. “I reckon you have a point there.”

“See? That’s why we need to stay hidden.”

“Ally, darling, I’d do whatever I could for you . . . but it’s just not possible. We need to get back into the thick of things so the party won’t go from bad to worse.” He lifted her knuckles and kissed them. “I promise, years from now, when this is all just a memory, we’ll laugh.”

She usually hated when people said stuff like that, but he was probably right. “Fine.” Then she smiled as he drew her over to Preacher Elias and his wife, Fran.

“Thank you for coming,” she said.

“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” Fran said. “Weddings are wonderful, and short engagements all the better, don’t you think? So often, people concentrate on all the bells and whistles instead of focusing on marriage and the vows they’re about to make.”

Thinking of some of the bridal parties she’d been part of, and how every little detail was fussed over, she nodded. “You are probably right. I think mei mamm is secretly relieved that this engagement was a sudden one. She’s said more than once that she’s glad not to have to do too much to get ready for Saturday’s wedding.”

“I’m sure the meal will be wonderful, and you will be glowing,” Fran said with an encouraging smile. “It will be a special day, for sure and for certain.”

“I know it will. Thank you both for helping so much.”

“It’s been our pleasure.”

Preacher Elias placed a hand on Walker’s shoulder. “And you, Walker? Do you feel ready for the wedding, son?”

Taking Ally’s hand again, Walker threaded his fingers through hers.

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