Searching for Perfect (Searching For #2)(60)
Author: Jennifer Probst

He tried not to let a wimpy sigh escape. “Maybe.”

“Listen, what are you doing Saturday?”

“Asking me out?”

“You wish.”

Nate grinned. “Just golfing.”

“A good friend of mine is having an engagement party. It’s a pretty big event, and it’ll be fun. Why don’t you come with me?”

He drew back in surprise. He had a feeling it was a big deal to be invited into the inner circle of his new friend. “Will he mind?”

“It’s a she, and no, the more the merrier. Listen, it will be good for you to meet some new people. If things don’t work with this woman, it’s good to realize you have options. Gen’s family is incredible, and it will take your mind off this stuff for a bit.”

“Wouldn’t you rather bring a date?”

“Nah, I just got out of a weekend relationship thing—I’m exhausted. A buddy is what I need right now. You in?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

They finished the game and headed out. Nate slid into his car, buckled up, and heard the ping of his phone. Like a lovesick teen, he quickly checked the text.

Hi Nate, it’s Mary from the mixer. Kennedy told me to contact you about scheduling a date. Said you were really excited to get together. I’m free this Friday and Saturday night so let me know. Looking forward to it—enjoyed speaking with you at the mixer. Have a great day!

He dropped his head on the steering wheel. Well, Kennedy had finally made the first move, and it was a doozy. Scheduling him a date with another woman after they slept together was definitely a sign.

Just not the one he wanted.

His next move was critical. Time to scan the newest issue of Cosmopolitan and pray.

KENNEDY LOOKED UP AT the sprawling mansion set out on endless acres of property and turned to Kate. “Wow. Alexa went all out for this event, huh? Can she be my adopted sister?”

Kate laughed and grabbed her fiancé Slade’s hand. He juggled the gaily wrapped bridal gift—two small pink bags with Barbie splashed on them—and still managed to look masculine. “You can be mine, Ken,” he said.

She blew a kiss at the man who had stolen her best friend’s heart and began walking up the elaborate stone pathway. “Her mom’s house was too small, and David only has an apartment. They went back and forth on different venues, but Gen really wanted something with a homey feel,” Kate said.

“Yep, all six thousand square feet of cozy. It’s gorgeous.”

“Nick designed it himself. I keep forgetting you haven’t been here. The whole crew is coming, so things should get lively. Holy crap, is that a peacock!”

A gorgeous blue and violet creature strolled elegantly past them and toward the back of the manicured lawn. White umbrellas were scattered amid rows of pristine white and yellow roses. A seven-piece orchestra played classical music on a platform flanked by marble sculptures. A harpist sat in a long white gown with flowers in her hair and strummed as if plucked right from a fairy tale.

“Oh, boy. I’m never gonna let Gen live this down. Is that a champagne fountain? Let’s go.”

Slade laughed. “That’s my girl, always the most excited over the liquor.”

“I bet it’s the good stuff,” Kennedy piped up. “I’m right behind you.”

They weaved amid the crowds with their target in sight. Slade did a quick turnaround at the last minute. “Were those crab cakes? Babe, they got crab cakes.”

“Yes, darling, pace yourself. The buffet consists of New York strip and lobster tails.”

“I love engagement parties. Catch you later.”

Kate giggled and watched him zero in on the elegantly dressed waiter. “The man knows good food. Uh-oh. Are you ready?”

“For champagne? Yes.”

“For chaos. One, two, three, and—”

“Kate! Kate’s here, Kate’s here!”

Two screaming little girls came tearing across the lawn at high speed. The older one wore white patent leather shoes and a long pink dress, and her inky dark hair was coiled in ringlets. The younger one trailed behind, ribbons half cocked and twisted at odd angles on her head, dress torn and muddy, and barefoot. Kate knelt down and caught both of them and they tumbled back laughing.

“Hi, girls! Do you remember my friend, Kennedy?”

The girls looked up and gave her big grins. Ken remembered Alexa’s daughters well. The older one, Lily, was quite the sophisticate, and the younger one was all free spirit. Maria pointed. “Like Barbie’s Ken! But you’re a girl.”

Lily huffed. “Maria, her full name is Kennedy. I think it’s a beautiful name.” The little girl’s gaze roved over Kennedy’s citrine sheath dress, shiny jewelry, and four-inch matching sandals. “And I love your outfit!”

“Thanks, honey. I love yours too.”

“Where’s your aunt and mom, girls?”

“On the deck. Kate, I’m gonna be a flower girl for Aunt Gen! And I get to hold a basket and drop flowers all over the church!” Maria burst out.

“Just on the aisle,” Lily corrected.

“Did you bring us presents, Kate?”

“Maria, that’s rude!” Lily admonished.

Kate tugged on a wayward lock stuck around a ribbon. “I did. If you can find Slade, and give him a big hug and kiss, I bet he’ll give them to you.”

“Yay!” Maria tore off across the lawn.

Lily sighed. “Thank you, Kate.”

“You’re welcome, my sweets. Now go get him and we’ll find your mom.” Lily took off.

“Mom’s right here.”

Kennedy took in the dark-haired, curvy woman before her and smiled. Alexa was Gen’s older sister and one of the sweetest, kindest people she’d ever met. Whenever she tagged along with Kate and Gen, she was treated like family. They all hugged.

“Where’s Slade?” Alexa asked.

“Running after the crab cakes. I cannot believe this place; it’s incredible. You did an amazing job.”

Alexa settled her hands on her hips. “It was fun to plan. Since my nuptials were a big hoax, I’m putting all my backed-up wedding enthusiasm into Gen’s. Do you like the peacocks? They’re from an animal conservation farm and very well cared for. The swans were too nervous to be around large crowds, but these do quite well.”

Ken wondered if she had heard wrong. Kate looked just as surprised.