Missing in Cottonwood Springs Page 3

  Fiona waved away the woman’s concerns. “Girl, you are one of the most organized people I know. You couldn’t forget something if you tried.”

  “I wish I was as sure of that as you are,” Missy said nervously. “I swear, every year it’s something new. We coordinate so much, but there are always those who are in need. Enough about me,” she said waving her arms in front of her as if she were clearing the air. “How’s the wedding planning coming along?” she asked as she turned her focus on Brigid.

  “Terrible,” Brigid said. “Linc and I just got back from checking out the nature reserve when I got Fiona’s message.”

  “I’ve heard it’s quite lovely,” Missy said softly.

  “It is,” Brigid said. “It’s wonderful, but it’s just not the place I’m looking for. I have this image in my mind, but everywhere we go it just doesn’t seem right. To tell you the truth, I’m starting to get worried,” she admitted.

  “Why?” Fiona asked. “There’s nothing wrong with being a little picky about where you want to get married. I think every bride is. It will happen. Quit worrying about it.”

  “That’s what everyone seems to think, but I’m not so sure. I wish I could find the perfect location for the wedding. That would make me feel a lot better. I think everything else would fall in place after that.” Brigid sighed. “Maybe I should tell Linc I want to do it at the courthouse and be done with it.”

  “You know you don’t want that,” Fiona chastised. “You’re just overwhelmed. Every time you check out a new location, and it isn’t what you want, you say the same thing.”

  “You know you’re always welcome at our church,” Missy said softly.

  “I know, Missy,” Brigid said. “And I really appreciate that, but Linc and I really want to do something outdoors. Both of us were married in a church the first time. We agreed we wanted to do it differently this time.”

  “Well,” Missy said, “the offer still stands.”

  “I’m incredibly grateful for that. Thanks,” Brigid said. “It’s wonderful to know you’re so supportive.” She reached over and touched her friend’s arm tenderly.

  “So what’s the problem?” Fiona asked. “What are you looking for in a location? What is it that everywhere you’ve looked seems to be lacking something?”

  “I’m not sure,” Brigid said. “My thought was to find somewhere that meant something to Linc and me. Yet I also want something that doesn’t feel fussy and complicated. The best way to describe it is to compare it to a date. So instead of having a fancy dinner at an expensive restaurant, I would rather have an evening on the couch under a comfy blanket. I don’t really want somewhere just because it’s pretty.” She sighed. “I’m probably not making any sense.”

  “No, it does make sense,” Missy said. “You want something that reflects you two as a couple. You guys aren’t fancy and flashy. You’re centered, grounded, and loving. Where did you two meet?” Missy asked, leaning forward as she crossed her legs.

  “On my front porch, actually. Kind of in my yard,” Brigid said with a smile as she remembered the first time she’d seen Linc.

  “I don’t think I’ve heard this story,” Missy said as she settled into her chair.

  “There’s not a lot to it,” Brigid began. “He noticed I was moving in and came over to introduce himself. We shared a bottle of wine and got to know one another. He’d known the people who had lived there previously, mainly because of Jett.”

  “Why’s that?” Missy asked.

  “Jett actually belonged to the couple I bought the house from. They were downsizing and couldn’t take him to where they were moving. I’d always wanted a dog, so I said I’d take him.” She smiled, remembering when she’d first seen the big lug. “Jett always liked to take off for Linc’s yard before I moved in and agreed to keep him,” she explained.

  “So you guys really did meet in your yard?” Missy questioned.

  “Oh, your yard would be perfect,” Fiona cooed. Missy nodded.

  “Nobody gets married in their front yard,” Brigid scoffed.

  “Actually, you’d be surprised,” Fiona said. “It’s been done a number of times.”

  “Really?” Brigid asked. Her mind began to work on the logistics of such a proposition.

  “Sure, after all, it’s your wedding. You can do whatever you want.” Fiona took another big drink and finished the bottle of soda. She turned and tossed it in the trash. “Oh, but I know who you definitely have to have make your bouquet.”

  “Who?” Brigid asked.

  “Olivia Ford. She owns Ford’s Flowers over on the square. I’ve seen some of her arrangements, and they are amazing,” Fiona gushed.

  “Isn’t that where old man Duane used to have his flower shop?” Brigid asked.

  Fiona nodded. “Yep. She bought it from him. She’s been there for a little while now and has made quite a name for herself.”

  Missy nodded. “I agree. I’ve seen some of her work for weddings that have been held at our church. Everything she does is beautiful and just a bit different from the usual. I can’t put my finger on why, but it is.”

  “Okay,” Brigid said as she pulled out her phone. “I’ll call her and talk to her.” She began searching for the number before saving it to her phone.

  “You’ll probably have to make an appointment,” Missy said. “She’s usually pretty busy.”

  Brigid nodded. “I will.” It sounded to her as though Olivia would be the best person for the job. Maybe having a florist picked out to do her bouquet would help her finalize a few other choices as well.

  “What about your dress? Have you looked at any yet?” Fiona asked. Brigid wasn’t surprised her sister’s mind was on the dress. It was her favorite part of any wedding. She even liked to watch the television show where the women picked out their wedding dresses. As far as Brigid knew, she’d seen every episode.

  “No, but I have been thinking about it. I’ve looked online, and that’s a start,” Brigid said softly.

  “Dang, girl. You’re doing what?” Fiona asked incredulously.

  Brigid’s forehead bunched up. “I looked at ideas online.”

  “Oh, no, no, no,” Fiona said. “Take me dress shopping with you, and we’ll get something picked out for the wedding.”

  “I don’t know, Fiona. Our styles aren’t exactly the same,” Brigid said as she tried to tiptoe around the subject. Her sister tended to be a bit more flamboyant and colorful, while Brigid preferred things that were a little more sedate and conservative.

  “Yeah, because I have some style. Come on, it’ll be fun.” Fiona folded her hands and got down on her knees in front of her sister. “Please? I promise we’ll have a good time.”

  “Oh, alright,” Brigid said, giving in. “Besides, I need to ask you two something. Missy, I’d love it if you could be one of my bridesmaids.”

  Missy broke into a wide grin. “You know I will. How exciting!” she squealed.

  “Good,” Brigid said smiling. “And Fiona? I want you to be my matron-of-honor.”

  “Absolutely!” Fiona said clapping. “That means I get to have some fun.”

  “Don’t get too out of control. I plan on asking Holly to be a bridesmaid, but I haven’t mentioned anything to her yet.”

  “She’ll be so excited,” Fiona said. “She’s already talking about the wedding all the time.”

  “Has she? Well, she may be a bit more distracted now,” Brigid said softly.

  “Why? What happened?” Both women asked.

  “Apparently, her aunt in Missouri contacted her. She’s asked Holly to come to Missouri and stay with her family sometime this summer. We’re thinking she should go when Linc and I go on our honeymoon,” Brigid shrugged.

  “That sounds like a great opportunity to get to know her family,” Fiona said. “Why do you look so glum?”

  At first, Brigid debated whether or not she should tell them how she felt about it. After all, it was pretty selfish of her to think that way. In the end,
she realized Missy and Fiona were two people she could trust, no matter what. They wouldn’t judge her or dismiss her feelings. If anything, they’d probably help her see she was being ridiculous.

  “I’m afraid she might not want to stay with me anymore. Going somewhere where she’s surrounded by her real family, people she’s biologically related to, may change her mind. The truth is, I’ve gotten so used to having her around, I can’t imagine my life without her,” Brigid admitted.

  Fiona made a harrumphing noise. “Don’t worry about it, Brigid. She loves you. Even if she did want to stay there, she’d never just skip out of your life. You could still email, text, call, or whatever,” she pointed out. “You mean a lot more to her than you realize.”

  “I know,” Brigid sighed. “I just don’t like the thought of her not being here.” Truth be told, her heart felt heavy just thinking about it.

  “Why don’t you cross that bridge when you get there?” Missy said as she took Brigid’s hand. “There’s no use worrying about something that may never happen. Let Holly go and enjoy herself. If she brings it up when she comes back, you can deal with it then. Until that happens, I think you have enough on your plate right now without adding something more to it.”

  Brigid nodded. “You’re right.” Taking a deep breath, she checked the time on her watch. “I better go if I’m going to make that call. Plus, I still need to run by the store and pick up a few things. I’ll talk to you two soon, so we can make plans to go dress shopping together.” She stood up and gave each of them a big hug.

  When she stepped out of the bookstore, Brigid felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The sun seemed just a little brighter and the air a bit fresher. Maybe things are going to turn out okay after all, she thought.

  CHAPTER 4

  Brigid and Holly arrived at Linc’s house that evening for dinner shortly after 6:00. Holly was planning on going to a friend’s house for dinner, but once she heard Linc would be cooking, she changed her plans.

  “It’s not that you aren’t a great cook, Brigid,” she explained. “But when Linc makes something, it’s out of this world.” Holly rubbed her hands together in anticipation.

  “I agree,” Brigid said, nodding eagerly. “He does an amazing job. You know, I could have brought home leftovers for you, and then you could have gone to your friend’s.”

  “That’s okay,” Holly said. “I’d rather spend time with you guys tonight. Feels like forever since we’ve come over here.” Holly stepped forward and knocked on Linc’s front door.

  “Come in!” They heard Linc yell from somewhere deep inside the house. “The door’s unlocked.”

  Pushing the door open, they heard the sound of food sizzling, and the tantalizing aroma of whatever he was cooking surrounded them.

  “I’m glad we didn’t bring Jett this time,” Brigid mentioned. “He would have gone nuts over this smell.”

  Holly nodded. “He wouldn’t be the only one. I’m also going nuts over this smell.”

  They found Linc sliding food onto plates and whistling as he worked. Steam was rising from the pans and music was playing softly in the background.

  “What are you making?” Holly asked as she walked in and leaned over the stove. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes, savoring the scent.

  “Scallops with an alfredo sauce over linguini, garlic bread, and a salad,” he said. “Will that work for you?”

  “It will more than work for me,” Holly said. “It smells amazing!” She began to help Linc serve dinner, while Brigid sat down at the table. When he wasn’t looking, she dipped a spoon in and took a taste. She turned and mouthed “Oh my goodness!” to Brigid, who smiled at her enthusiasm.

  “Holly has some exciting news,” Brigid said as they served dinner.

  “Oh? What’s that?” Linc asked, turning to Holly.

  “My aunt from Missouri got in touch with me. She wants me to visit her and her family this summer. Brigid and I were talking and thought maybe I could go when you guys leave on your honeymoon,” she said as she sat down at the table.

  “That sounds exciting,” Linc said, noticing that Brigid didn’t look quite as thrilled as Holly. Whenever Holly looked at Brigid, her face would brighten, but when she didn’t think anyone was looking, Brigid’s face would fall.

  “I wasn’t so sure at first,” Holly admitted. “But Brigid said she thought it would be a good idea, so I agreed. Now that my aunt, Katie is her name, has sent me pictures of her place and my cousins, I have to admit I’m kind of excited. I don’t know why, but I expected them to live in a small town, too, but they don’t.”

  “Where do they live?” Linc asked.

  Holly scrunched up her face as she tried to remember. “I can’t think of it offhand. I’ll have to check out her email when we get home. I’m really starting to look forward to it, though,” she said excitedly.

  “That’s good,” Linc said as they began to eat. “And what about you Brigid? How do you feel about it?”

  Brigid looked up, somewhat surprised he’d asked that question. “If Holly’s happy, I’m happy,” she said softly as she took Holly’s hand in hers.

  Holly didn’t notice that Brigid seemed distracted, and she simply smiled. “I’ll find out more soon and when I do, I’ll let you know,” she said. “So how did the nature reserve go?”

  “You were right,” Brigid sighed. “I didn’t go for it.”

  “Told you so,” Holly said, as she put a big bite of the scallops and pasta in her mouth. “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out.”

  “I hope so,” Brigid said. “But I have begun to take some steps for the wedding. I have a meeting with the owner of Ford’s Flowers tomorrow morning. Fiona recommended her.”

  “You’re going to have Olivia do your flowers?” Holly gasped.

  “I may. Why? Do you know her?” Brigid asked.

  “No, but I’ve heard she’s awesome. When it’s prom time, she makes unique corsages and boutonnieres for people. She doesn’t do the standard baby’s breath and stuff like that. She changes it up for each person. I’ve seen pictures of what she’s created, and they’re way cool,” she said, nodding her approval.

  “You hear that, Brigid? She does cool work,” Linc said as he teased Holly.

  “Oh, knock it off,” she said laughing loudly. She and Linc had started teasing each other recently. It made Brigid smile and distracted her from all the stressors of the day.

  “Fiona brought something up that I’ve been thinking about,” Brigid said, interrupting their teasing.

  “What’s that?” Linc said, turning towards her.

  “She suggested having our wedding where we first met,” Brigid said.

  “We met in your front yard. On your front porch,” Linc said with a questioning look on his face.

  “I think that would really be neat. You could have it in that big space between your houses,” Holly said with a smile.

  “I’ve been considering it,” Brigid said. “But I don’t know if that would be a little too informal for a wedding,” she admitted. She felt as though she was going back and forth. First, she was worried about the place being too formal. Now, she was worried about the place being too informal.

  “I don’t think so, but just like I’ve told you before, I’m happy if you’re happy. We could get married in the back of a semi-trailer, and I wouldn’t care,” Linc chuckled.

  “Ew, no,” Holly said wrinkling her nose. “I’d care. That’s not a bad idea, though, Brigid. Seriously, think about it. You could rent some chairs and tables and set up a nice little area. Maybe get one of those big tent things if you wanted to.”

  Brigid tried to imagine how it would look. There was definitely enough space for it, but she wasn’t sure about the reception. She told Linc her concerns.

  “We could have the ceremony there and do the reception somewhere else. Or, we could rent one of those tents like Holly said?” he suggested.

  Suddenly, the whole thing came to her. Bri
gid could imagine an archway built from branches they could find in the woods behind their houses. The background of their nuptials would be the stunning view of the forest behind the house. If they positioned it just right, they could even backdrop it with the creek that ran in the distance.

  “I think I like it,” she said so quietly she wasn’t sure if anyone heard her until Holly spoke.

  “Really?” Holly said. “Is that what you want to do?”

  “Do you like the idea?” Brigid asked, turning towards Holly.

  “Brigid, first, it doesn’t matter what I think, it’s about what you think. Second, I do like it. The view is amazing, and it would be completely different from everyone else’s wedding. Nobody else has or could be married there,” she pointed out.

  Linc nodded. “I like it, too, but only if you do.”

  They quietly began to eat while Brigid continued to think. Linc and Holly began talking about their favorite television shows while Brigid started thinking seriously about having the wedding in the front yard. They could fit in pretty much everyone they’d want to invite. There wasn’t a size limitation, and it was certainly a unique venue. It met all of the criteria she’d mentally outlined when she was trying to decide what she wanted in a location.

  She began to smile as things started to come together in her mind. That was why I couldn’t find the place I wanted, she thought. It was right under my nose the whole time. What better place to be married than the location where Linc and I first laid eyes on each other?

  Brigid felt an imaginary weight lifted off her chest. Now, she could plan her wedding. She was free to pick any date she wanted, and it didn’t have to be one that some other location had available. There was no one else she needed to check with. The decision had been made.

  “I think that’s where we’re going to be married,” she finally said.

  Both Linc and Holly looked at her surprised. “Good,” Holly said. “Now that you’ve made the decision, you can stop stressing so much and chill out a little.”

  The conversation changed to Linc’s work and then school for Holly. Brigid listened, but her attention was more focused on dreaming up ideas for her big day.