“That’s good.” Jamison let out a relieved breath.
Ivy turned to look at him, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “What’s wrong? You don’t like her staying with me?”
He arched an eyebrow, lips quirking in a half–smile as he shot her a meaningful glance. “What do you think? Before, when we were just friends, it didn’t matter. But now I’m your boyfriend, and in two days I’ll be your husband. Having a third person living in your place…. it’s bound to be a little awkward.”
At the very least, it meant they couldn’t be affectionate whenever and wherever they pleased.
Ivy rolled her eyes. “A third person? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Seeing him treat her best friend like a rival, Ivy fell silent for a moment, then pointed a warning finger at him. “I’m telling you, don’t you dare pull any tricks to get Katrina to move out. If you do, you’ll have me to answer to.”
“Relax, I’m not that petty. Until you officially move in with me, I actually prefer you
have someone around.”
Honestly, knowing she wasn’t alone put his mind at ease.
Ivy caught the deeper meaning behind his words, and her stern expression
softened.
Jamison leaned in.
She knew what he wanted.
A bit awkward, she met him halfway, letting him brush a kiss against her lips. “Bye.” “Goodnight.”
The next morning, Ivy got up early and drove to the airport to meet her friend returning from a business trip.
As soon as Katrina spotted her, she rushed over and hugged her tight. “Ivy, I missed you so much! Let me have a look at you–no, actually, let me see if Dr. Ludwig has been taking good care of you!”
Ivy blushed at the teasing, her cheeks turning rosy. “I’m a grown woman, you know.
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I can take care of myself, thank you very much. No need to trouble him.”
Katrina grinned, giving her a once–over and lowering her voice conspiratorially. “You look great–healthy, glowing… and I’d say there’s a little extra sparkle there. Looks like things have been going well between you two.”
After getting together with Jamison, Ivy had shared the news with her best friend
over text.
She didn’t hide anything now, either. As they linked arms and walked toward the parking garage, Ivy dropped her bombshell with perfect calm.
“Katrina, the day after tomorrow–Wednesday–I’m getting married to Jamison. We’re signing the papers.”
“What?” Katrina practically shrieked, drawing stares from the nearby travelers.
“Say that again! You’re doing what?” Katrina couldn’t believe her ears.
She’d gone away for a work trip and come back to find she’d lost her best friend to marriage!
Sure, Dr. Ludwig was wonderful, and she’d always supported the two of them, but this marriage was happening way too fast!
“Katrina, you heard right. I’m marrying Jamison. Guess you could call it a whirlwind wedding.”
“Are you sure about this? Marriage isn’t something to take lightly.”
“I’m sure. Jamison’s already told the whole Windsor family and his own family, too.” “Oh my God-” Katrina gasped, stunned. “Dr. Ludwig really doesn’t mess around!”
“He actually wanted to go to city hall a couple days ago, but I insisted on waiting for you to get back, so we set it for Wednesday. It’s such an important day—I don’t have much family to witness it, so I want you there with me.”
Ivy’s tone was composed, but Katrina’s eyes filled with tears before she grabbed her for another hug.
“Of course I’ll be there! If you dared to run off and get married without me, I’d crash the wedding and make you do it all over again!” Katrina said into her shoulder, half joking, half scolding..
Ivy laughed at that. “Can’t you just wish me well for once, and hope we grow old together?”
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“Of course I do! I believe in Dr. Ludwig he’ll stick by you to the end.”
On the drive back from the airport, Katrina suggested they have dinner together that night, and invite Jamison along.
“Maybe not tonight–he’s spending the evening with his family.”