An (Almost) Perfect Love Story (Love Story Book Three) by Rachel Schurig Page B

evening.
    “Where’s Brooke?” Emily asked.
    “She had some things to check on in the dining room,” Chris said. “Apparently there are some guests playing poker back there. So, what were you guys talking about?”
    “About how happy my mom will be to have the expert help of Ryan in planning the wedding,” I explained. Chris groaned.
    “Oh God,” he muttered, making Emily and me laugh.
    “You had no idea what you were getting yourself into, did you?” Emily asked.
    “Oh, I knew, believe me, I knew,” he said, winking at me. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
    “We’ll be planning our own wedding,” I assured him. “Whatever Ryan and my mother might say.”
    “When are you gonna tell them?” Elliot asked.
    “Aren’t we supposed to be having dinner there this week?” Chris asked, looking up at me.
    “Oh, that’s right, Tuesday!” I said, remembering. I tried to see my parents ever other week, at the very least, but my dad had been out of town on business. We had arranged to go have dinner on Tuesday, one of the few weeknights they weren’t bogged down with charity, church, or bridge club meetings. My parents were pretty active socially.
    “Well, that will work out perfectly,” I said, looking down at my ring again. “I was thinking we’d just drive down tomorrow instead of going straight home. But, this way they won’t be suspicious when we show up Tuesday because they’ll be expecting us anyhow.”
    “Do you think you can manage to wait that long?” Chris gave me a knowing look. “It is three whole days away. You’ll probably talk to your mom at least four times between now and then.”
    I laughed, as did Emily and Ryan. I knew I had a reputation of talking to my mom more than most people. I wasn’t embarrassed though; I was proud of the fact that we were close. Everyone loved my mom. “Man, I hope I can wait,” I said, sighing mock-dramatically. “You know me though, I’ll probably just spill it the next time she calls.”
    “What about your sisters?” Ryan asked.
    I frowned for the first time that night. I probably wouldn’t be able to tell my sisters in person, what with us all being so spread out. “We can Skype them,” Chris said, reading my mind. “I know video chat’s not quite the same, but it’s better than a phone call.”
    I smiled, feeling better. “You’re right. But I’ll wait until we tell my folks. Amy has a bigger mouth than I do.”
    Brooke appeared in the living room, looking harassed. “Finally,” she said, plopping down in an armchair near the couch. “I thought they’d never go to bed.”
    “You didn’t really get to enjoy the holiday,” I said. “Taking care of everyone else all night.”
    Brooke snorted. “Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday,” she said. “It’s a BS way for people like me to make more money.”
    I stuck out my tongue at her and everyone laughed. “Sorry, Brooke,” Chris said, kissing my hand. “I’m with Ash on this one. After tonight, I’m a believer. Valentine’s Day is awesome.” Emily and I cheered, making Brooke roll her eyes.
    The fire was starting to fade, and Elliot yawned more than once before we all agreed we were tired. “We’re doing a big pancake breakfast in the morning,” Brooke said. “Be down by ten if you want to eat.”
    “That sounds good,” I said, standing and stretching. “What else is on the agenda for tomorrow?”
    “I think we should go sledding,” Chris said.
    Ryan made a face. He wasn’t much into outdoor activities in the snow. “Can we bring the yummy spiked hot cocoa?” he asked.
    I laughed and put my arm around him as we all made our way for the stairs. “I’m on board.”
    “You guys have a good night,” Brooke said, stopping in the foyer. She and Paul shared the owners’ suite in the lower level of the inn.
    Before she could leave, I threw my arms around her, pulling her in close to me. She seemed surprised; it took her a minute to hug me back. “Thank you for