Page 28 of Searching for Love

The changes that Robin and Kara made to the place were nothing short of magnificent.

Tonight, the small round table was adorned with flickering candles and delicate flowers, a preview of the romantic atmosphere that would envelop the space on their big day.

The air in the barn was practically alive with anticipation as Lucas uncovered each plate. Wyatt’s and Hannah’s eyes lit up with excitement and their smiles widened each time a new dish was presented.

She stood by while Lucas sat each of the plates down with care and filled them in on the details of each dish.

She watched closely while Hannah and Wyatt took their first bites. Seconds ticked by in the quiet room until finally a chorus of appreciative murmurs filled the air. Only then did she and Lucas relax.

“This is incredible, Lucas. You’ve outdone yourself,” Wyatt said between bites.

Hannah nodded in agreement and then pointed with her fork. “I want it all,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s all so very good.”

Avery felt Lucas take a deep breath so she reached out and touched his arm.

“What is in this again?” Hannah asked as she took another bite of the food. “It’s amazing,” she said after Lucas answered. “Thank you both so much for doing this for us. It means the world to us.” Hannah reached over and touched Wyatt’s hand. “We wanted something special, something new and unique. How many weddings have we been to in the past few years? Not one has had this.” She waved her hand over the table. “Nothing close to it. Not that the food wasn’t good, but this, this is…”

“A-freaking-mazing,” Wyatt said with his mouth full.

Everyone laughed as Hannah nudged him in the arm.

“Please, sit, join us. There’s plenty,” Hannah offered.

Avery felt her stomach growl. She motioned to Lucas and they moved two more chairs around the table.

“This place is the perfect spot for a wedding,” Hannah said with a sigh, motioning towards the open barn doors.

Everyone looked in that direction. The Pacific Ocean bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, sat directly across the beach. It was a breathtaking view.

As Avery sat in the vast room, knowing that soon it would be adorned with flowers and twinkling lights and filled with chaos and family, she couldn’t help but marvel at the simple beauty surrounding her. The soft glow of candlelight danced across the faces of their loved ones, casting a warm and intimate ambiance over the large empty room.

What she envisioned for her brother’s and best friend’s wedding day was a scene straight out of her childhood fantasies.

Her mind wandered back to her youthful dreams, where she would walk down the aisle wearing her mother’s delicate lace wedding gown. In those dreams, she was always surrounded by a sea of smiling faces. She’d always envisioned the big day to be in a grand cathedral, with the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. But now, as she glanced around the table at the faces of family, her dreams shifted slightly.

Just as she was getting lost in her thoughts, Lucas’s gentle touch brought her back to the present moment. His hand found hers under the table, and she felt a rush of warmth spread through her veins at his touch. With a soft smile, he mouthed two simple words, “Thank you,” and Avery felt her heart flutter in response.

At that moment, Avery couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for her. Was he the one she had been waiting for all along? The thought sent a thrill of excitement coursing through her, mingled with a hint of apprehension. But as she looked into his eyes, filled with nothing but adoration, she knew that whatever the future held, she’d enjoy the ride.