Felicity played with the fingers on her left hand. “The ring is actually still at the jeweler’s. It’s being sized.”
“Grandma says this means you’ve gotten over your emotional devoidance issues,” said Zosia, licking pink frosting off the top of her hand. “Is that true?”
“Emotional avoidance issues, and don’t say that.” My sister gave her daughter a stern look.
“Just tell me—did he get down on one knee when he proposed?” My mother’s eyes grew dreamy. “Was it romantic?”
Felicity glanced at me, and I nodded, figuring I’d take my cues from her. “Yes,” she said, her voice growing more confident. “He got down on one knee and it was very romantic.”
“Where were you?” Allie wondered.
“Here.” Felicity glanced over her shoulder. “Out in the woods.”
“You proposed in the woods?” My mother seemed excited about that. “That makes sense for an earth sign like Taurus. And what sign are you, Felicity?”
“I’m a Cancer. My birthday just passed—in fact, that’s when he asked me to marry him.” Felicity was enjoying the story now. “On my birthday.”
“Oh, that’s perfect.” My mother nodded happily. “An earthy bull is a wonderful match for a sensitive crab.”
Allie snickered, and I rolled my eyes. “Mom, calling someone a sensitive crab is not a compliment,” I told her.
“I’m saying you’re going to be good together,” my mother said defensively. “Both Taurus and Cancer are very family-oriented. But a Cancer might struggle with someone who isn’t in touch with his feelings, Hutton, so you’ll have to take care not to let her down. She’ll snatch her feelings right back into her little crab shell.”
“Let’s talk about the wedding,” Allie said. “It’s going to be at Cloverleigh Farms?”
“I think so,” said Felicity. “I just need to confirm some details with my sister Millie. She’s the wedding planner there.”
“What’s the date?”
“Um, that’s one of the details to be confirmed.” She looked at me. “We’re hoping for August.”
My father looked at me. “So are you moving here for good, son? Or will you two move to San Francisco?”
I cleared my throat. “Plans are up in the air right now.”
“Can I come to the wedding?” asked Zosia hopefully. “Please?”
“Of course you can,” said my mother.
“Out of curiosity, what’s the rush?” Allie glanced at Felicity’s mid-section. “Is there anything else you want to tell us?”
“No,” Felicity and I answered at the same time.
“Alexandra, the reason for the rush is obvious,” my mom said with a sigh and dramatic gesture at us. “They’re in love! And they’re perfect together, don’t you agree?”
My sister laughed and picked up her coffee. “I agree. A bull and a crab are a match made in heaven.”
We made it through breakfast by changing the subject any time someone tried to ask about the wedding or our future plans. Felicity was awesome at steering the conversation away from us. She asked my mom how things were going at her store and promised to come in for a reading soon. She asked my dad how his garden was this summer and said she’d love to come by and pick some tomatoes. She asked Neil what it was like working for her uncle Noah, who was the county Sheriff.
“He’s a great guy,” Neil said. “That’s your uncle?”
“He’s married to my stepmom’s sister,” Felicity explained. “But I grew up in that family, so they’re all aunts and uncles to me.”
“The Sawyers are wonderful people,” said my mom. “In fact, I can’t wait to speak with Frannie about the wedding and everything.”
“Not yet, Mom,” I said, noting the look of alarm on Felicity’s face. “This news sort of got out unexpectedly, so give us a chance to talk to the MacAllisters first.”
“So where can I see your next singing performance?” Felicity asked the Clipper Cuts, smoothly switching topics.
It was incredible—like watching her tap dance for a solid hour when she’d never had one lesson.
Finally, I told everyone they had to go because I had work to do. My mother was the last one out. I shut the door behind her and leaned back against it. My left eyelid was twitching. “Jesus.”