Chapter Fourteen
The following morning, Lauren and Cole went over to Jane and Adam’s for a Christmas brunch and announced their news. It met with tears from Jane and hugs from Adam. Then they went over to Cole’s family and told his parents and brother. Lauren’s mother-in-law Janice asked her what kind of wedding she wanted.
“I liked Jane and Adam’s at the barn. It had everyone there, not that I know all of those people myself but it felt big and intimate at the same time,” Lauren replied cautiously, glancing at Cole.
“I don’t want anything big, just our friends and family,” Cole told them, holding her hand on the couch. He had a few aunts and uncles that he was close to but his grandparents had been gone for a few years now. Lauren had Jane and Adam and now, Cole’s family.
“I like that idea,” Thomas nodded. He was sitting beside his girlfriend Missy in their parent’s house. “You’re not a flashy guy, Cole and I think you like it that way, Lauren.”
“I do,” she agreed and looked at her fiancé. “I don’t have anyone on my own side to attend as far as family goes, so I like small too. I just want Jane and Adam in the ceremony somehow since she’s like my sister.” She grinned at Thomas. “I’m sure that Cole wants you involved as well. And I do too.”
“She’s so cute, Cole. You snagged yourself a good one here,” Janice said, laughing and wiping her eyes. Lauren watched her and wondered what she thought of Kelsey before she died. Had she loved her? Lauren saw a picture of her during the move, and she admitted that the girl was pretty with her big brown eyes and soft honey-colored hair. She looked like a good person, and Lauren was sad that she had to die and that her family had suffered such a big loss.
There was no jealousy in Lauren’s heart anymore, just sadness.
The women were washing dishes in the kitchen later. Janice rinsed and handed the plates to Missy and Lauren. “You two make my boys so happy, and that’s great to see,” Janice told them.
Missy laughed and held up her hands. “Don’t look at me to get engaged yet!” She and Thomas were only just finishing school, leaving them plenty of time.
“Oh, I’m not. I’d never rush that,” Janice laughed and looked around the spotless kitchen. “Let’s make some coffee and relax, shall we?”
They’d opened Christmas presents and enjoyed dinner and dessert, and Lauren yawned, settling into Cole’s arms by the fire. When they arrived back home and went to bed, she kissed his neck.
“Did your family like Kelsey?” she asked him. They could talk freely about her, and he held her close, quiet for a moment.
“Yes, since there wasn’t much to dislike about her. She was a great girl, but I think Mama knew that I wasn’t all in, like I am with you. It was a different time, and we were so young when we started. I was still finding myself. I think it was you who brought me back to reality, since I didn’t know what I lost with Kelsey’s death, or what I didn’t lose, in all of the grief. It depends on how you look at it, but my folks know that I love you,” Cole explained. She snuggled closer to his warm skin.
“I know. I just thought about it tonight is all,” Lauren murmured. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer for her father. It had been a hard first year without him, but everyone around her was silently helping her through it. She appreciated the effort without the overabundance of sympathy.
“Were you okay today?” Cole asked her. “I saw you look sad a few times.”
Lauren smiled and shrugged. “I missed Dad. I loved today, but it was different from what I used to do with him. Everything was so different, and I got caught up in the memories a few times. But I still had a great time,” Lauren told him. She felt his hand in her hair. “I think I’ll like our traditions just as much. I am so grateful to have you.”
“I’m lucky to have you, baby,” Cole told her, gently stroking Lauren’s bare skin.
They had the following day off. Lauren used the extra time to put away their gifts and pick up the house. She thought about their wedding and felt that Spring or early Fall might be nice. There was no need to start planning right this minute, but Lauren was admittedly excited. Midori and Blue followed her as she worked while she let Cole take a nap on his rare full day off. Lauren took a break to nibble on some of the cookies that Janice had baked for them and looked over the backyard, which was now covered in a soft blanket of snow.
She heard a soft knock at the door and padded over in her slippers to see Jane standing on the big porch, dressed in a thick sweater and leggings.
“Hey. What are you up to?” Lauren let her in and invited her into the kitchen for cookies. “I’d offer you coffee, but…” Lauren let her voice drift off and laughed as she looked at her friend’s belly. Jane was natural today with her hair just tucked behind her ears, but Lauren swore that she was already glowing. Jane looked beautiful.
“Adam’s sleeping and I figured I’d wander over. How was your night?” Jane asked.
“It was nice. His parents are so happy.” Lauren smiled and stirred her coffee. “I missed Dad, but I know he’s okay. Is that weird?”
“I don’t think he ever left you, not in spirit,” Jane told her. She broke apart a cinnamon cookie and slipped a piece into her mouth. She looked at Lauren. “You were close. He’d love the hell out of Cole.”
“He would. I think Dad had something to do with it, he somehow brought Cole and me together. Cole’s just the guy Dad would’ve picked for me.” She shrugged. “Who knows? I don’t think anyone can fully understand life.”
“I agree with that,” Jane said and she ate another piece of the cookie, scowling. “I hate feeling nauseous like this when I just want to eat whatever I feel like.”
“Is it bad?” Lauren asked, having been so delighted about the news that she didn’t consider the bad parts.
“Not awful, but different,” Jane said and looked thoughtfully at the snow outside. “I’d never complain, but it’s an odd feeling. I am going to write down everything I can to remember it in fifty years.” She giggled and shook her head.
They were still talking when Cole came out, dressed in sweats and a flannel. He poured himself some coffee and walked over to them. “Morning, baby.” Lauren smiled at him and he looked at her with soft eyes. “There’s some soup from your mom in the fridge for when you’re hungry. Just let me know, okay?”
Jane left with some cookies in a container and Lauren heated some soup up for Cole in the microwave. She joined him at the table and took a bite before she moved into her own seat.
She loved Cole when he just woke up. His hair was messy and his eyes sleepy and he looked at her with love in his eyes. Since he was up early for work most of the time, Lauren cherished days like this where she saw him in the early light of day.
They watched a movie on their big sectional and nibbled on popcorn before going to bed that night, loving their time together.