CHAPTER ONE
Eden Brooks exited the plane and walked across Valley
International Airport with her rolling suitcase trailing behind her. Stepping
outside into the warm afternoon Texas air was a stark contrast to the cooler
temperatures she’d left behind in Oregon. At the curb, she located the shuttle
to South Padre Island.
“I’m going to the Diamond Resort,” she said to the driver,
who wore his dark hair in a single ponytail.
“First time to the island?” he said over his shoulder.
“No, I came here once for spring break back in college. My old
roommate, and best friend, is getting married Saturday on the beach. At
sunset.” As the words left her mouth, she couldn’t help but envy the romance of
it. Exchanging vows with the ocean and the setting sun in the background, how much
more romantic could it get? Sophie was beyond lucky, especially because finding
a good man was nearly impossible. But Sophie had found a great one in Antonio.
The drive took over an hour, which gave her plenty of time
to catch her breath and relax. She hadn’t seen Sophie in a year, but they’d
kept in touch on social media and through phone calls and texts. Sophie had met
Antonio during their junior year at UT in Austin, and six years later, they
were finally tying the knot near Sophie’s hometown of Brownsville, Texas.
“I forgot about that huge bridge,” Eden said as they
approached the island with the massive structure ahead of them.
“The resort is the tallest building over there.” He pointed
across the bridge.
“Oh, I see it.” The white building was easy to spot against
the deep blue sky.
“It’s a popular destination. Right on the beach. Large pool
with a restaurant and bar next to the water,” he said. “You’ll like it.”
“We’re all coming in today for a long weekend.” She was
excited to spend time with Sophie, then witness her marriage.
“You should check out the dolphin trips or the snorkeling.
There’s also a dinner cruise and a pirate ship.”
“Pirate ship?” They hadn’t seen that during spring break.
Eden hoped they’d have some time to explore the island.
“Appeals to the kids.” He laughed. “Took my son there a few
weeks ago.”
“Sounds interesting.” She tried to imagine what it might
look like inside a pirate ship.
“We also have concerts.” He gestured with his hand. “I think
the Goo Goo Dolls are here Friday Night at Fisherman Jack’s Outdoor Bar.”
“There’s a lot to do here.” Eden was sure Sophie had
everything already planned out.
The shuttle bus pulled up to the hotel. “Here we are,” the
driver said.
“Thank you. And thanks for the information about things to
do here. I’m hoping to have some down time and relax.” Relaxing would be a
welcome change to her hectic, stressful schedule back in Oregon.
“I hope you enjoy it here. Maybe you will find some romance
at the wedding?” He winked.
“Uh, I don’t think so.” Eden wasn’t here to meet a man.
He handed her the suitcase. “Never discount what can happen
at a weekend wedding, especially here on the island.” He said it in such a
mystical way Eden had to do a double take. Was he serious? This weekend was all
about Sophie. Her wedding. Her weekend.
Eden checked into her room. It was spacious and looked out
over the Gulf. The salty sea air floated around her room. She kicked off her
wedges and collapsed onto the bed.
A knock sounded, so she got up and opened the door.
“Sophie,” she screamed. The two friends hugged each other
and took turns squealing.
“You look fabulous,” Sophie said. “What did you do to your
hair?”
“It’s called bronde. Do you like it?”
“Oh, I love it. The blonde ends are so beautiful.” Sophie
said, her dark brown eyes wide. “And you look like Blake Lively’s twin.”
Eden laughed. She could only wish she looked like a
glamorous celebrity. “Enough about me.” She waved her hand. “You are going to
be a gorgeous bride. You look so fit.”
Sophie flexed her bicep. “I’ve faithfully gone to the gym
every day for a year.”
“Every day? That’s impressive. I’m happy if I ever make to
the gym.” She wanted to go, but the kids she placed in homes had to take
precedence over trips to the gym.
“Okay, not every single day, but close. My dress is strapless
and I want to look good.” Sophie smoothed her long dark hair.
“You definitely will.” Eden gave Sophie another hug. “I’ve
missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too. I’m so happy you’re here.” Sophie
squeezed Eden.
Eden stepped back and peered at her best friend since
college. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. You’ve been planning it
forever.”
“I know, right?” Sophie chuckled. “It’s about time we
finally got married.”
Feeling exhausted, Eden sat on the edge of the bed. “Did
Antonio’s grandparents make it?”
“Yes.” Sophie sat in the gray upholstered chair by the
window.
“I remember him talking about them. I bet he’s glad they’re
here.” Dozens of memories shot through Eden’s mind.
“He is. I think his dad might show up, but who knows? I’m
not going to let him ruin the weekend.” Sophie slung her legs over the arm of
the chair.
“What are the plans?” Eden pulled her hair up into a messy
bun on the top of her head. It felt good to relax with Sophie. It had been too
long since they’d been together.
Sophie’s eyes lit up and she clasped her hands together. “Tonight,
the bridal party is having dinner.”
“The rehearsal dinner?” Eden leaned back on her elbows. If
she had her way, she and Sophie would stay in her room and talk all night like
they used to back in school.
“Not the rehearsal dinner. It’s a casual one with the
groomsmen and the bridesmaids.” Sophie gave a sly smile.
“No.” Eden shook her head.
“What? I didn’t even say anything,” Sophie said, feigning
innocence, but Eden could see right through her.
“I know what’s going on in that head of yours.” Eden sat up.
With mocked indignation, Sophie said, “You do?”
“Remember, I told you—” Eden held her hand up “—I don’t want
you to try to fix me up.”
“Why not?” Sophie blinked a few times.
“Because I’m not into flings.” That kind of thing wasn’t at
all enticing to Eden.
Sophie pointed at her. “I know that. I’m not talking about a
fling.”
“Your relationship with Antonio is awesome, but it’s rare.
Definitely not the norm. After what I’ve seen with my job, I’m a little . . .”
“Cynical?” Sophie said with a tilt of her head.
“That sounds pretty harsh.” Eden paused for a moment. “Maybe
doubtful. Extremely doubtful.”
“But Antonio and I have something amazing.”
“You do, but I’ve seen so many broken women and destroyed
relationships, I think—”
“I get that. But you can’t give up on love.” Sophie smiled.
“And Jeremy is so great. He’s sweet and fun. And so handsome. Not as handsome
as Antonio, of course.” She laughed. “I just want you to find someone and be as
happy as I am.”
“I think the two of you sucked all the happiness out of the
atmosphere for the next several years.”
Eden stood and walked over to her
suitcase.
“Antonio is so wonderful.” Sophie gave a dramatic sigh.
Eden hefted her suitcase onto the bed and unzipped it. “Who
knew the guy in your anatomy class would end up being your husband.”
“I did.” Sophie giggled. “The moment I saw him I knew.
Remember?”
Eden smiled at the memory of that day when Sophie was so
sure she’d found her Mr. Right. “Yeah, But I didn’t think you would really
marry him.”
“It was love at first sight for me.” Sophie fanned herself.
Eden shook her head. She believed in attraction at first
sight, but love was something you developed over time and through experiences.
“That’s not a thing.”
“But it is. I’m proof of it.” Sophie patted her chest.
Eden wasn’t going to argue. “Well, I’m very happy for you.
And I’m glad you’re getting married.”
“Me, too.” Sophie jumped to her feet. “Now let’s go to
dinner.”
“Can I change my clothes? I’m not used to warmer
temperatures. It was cold and drizzly when I left Portland.”
“Sure.” Sophie glanced at her phone. “Meet us down in the
lobby in thirty minutes?”
“Yep,” Eden said as she opened the door for Sophie.
After Sophie left, Eden decided to take a quick shower. She
put on a light floral dress and found her strappy sandals—a perfect combination
for dinner on South Padre Island. She brushed through her hair, put on some lip
gloss, and dabbed some perfume on her neck.
Eden took the elevator down to the lobby. When the doors
opened she saw Sophie surrounded by a group of people. She walked over to the
group. Sophie spotted her and slung her arm around her.
“You look beautiful, as
usual.”
Eden smiled. Sophie always made her feel good.
A man with his back to her turned around and it made Eden
take a sudden breath. His bronzed skin, thick dark hair, and chocolate brown
eyes made her pulse quicken. He. Was. Gorgeous.
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