PROLOGUE
“YOU WHAT?!” Samantha Barigha stared astounded into her best friend's face, or rather, what used to be her best friend, the incredulity evident in her tone.
Gracie made a pout. “Please be happy for me. This means so much to me.”
Obviously, Samantha thought, making efforts to keep her expression neutral.
Gracie wasn't one to take discouragement. She didn't think anything mattered as long as her mind was set on something. And this was one something.
She pouted good-natured, one of her strong winning points. “I thought you'd understand. You know how important this is to me. I just want you to be happy for me.”
Sighing more out of exasperation than comprehension, Samantha darted a look at the figure sitting strangely ramrod straight in her living room. “What can I say, you already brought him to my house.” Taking Gracie's hand, she studied the huge diamond spotted on her middle finger, and forced a smile she wasn't quite feeling. “You really want this, don't you?”
“But I want your blessing first.”
Not wanting to be the spoilsport, Samantha gave her friend a hug. “Congratulations, Gracie. I'm really happy for you. I just wish you'd told me earlier. Two years feels like a betrayal.”
Gracie drew back from the hug. “I'm sorry. I just didn't want you talking me out of it. And he's so cute and funny, and…”
Holding up a hand, Samantha laughed. “Okay, I get the gist.” Though truthfully, she didn't. “I suppose I have to be a friend and support your decision. But are you sure, Gracie? I mean, marriage is such a big step and you two have been apart for two whole years. A lot could have happened. Who's to say he doesn't have a wife with children hidden away somewhere? Or maybe he's a criminal or a psychopath looking for a rich, single and vulnerable woman to dupe. Or worse.”
Gracie stepped back with a frown cringing her brows, making her look older than her thirty-five years. “And you are supposed to be my friend. I thought you'd be happy for me. I guess not.”
Samantha mentally rewound and reached for her friend’s hand. This wasn't what shed expected on returning from work. She prayed this was just a joke. “I'm sorry. I'm still a little stupefied, that's all. I hope it works out for you, Gracie. Really.” She hugged her friend, not wanting to dampen the excitement of her friend.
“Come, let’s go back before he thinks we're conniving how best to chop off his head for dinner.”
Gracie gasped. “Samantha!”
But Samantha was already laughing, holding off the nibbling fear that this could well be a big problem for both of them. Eventually.