Groom in Training Read Online Free PDF Page B

feel like it. I’m getting nervous.”
    “All brides feel that way.” Her mind flew back, reliving her rankled nerves as she approached her wedding day, but using herself as an example wouldn’t soothe Molly’s tension. “When you walk down the aisle and look into Brent’s face, your anxiety will be gone.”
    “I know, but I want everything to be perfect.”
    “There you go, Moll. Still looking for perfection.”
    Molly shrugged, and they both laughed.
    Steph had never known anyone besides Molly who wanted her life to be flawless. Life did have imperfections. She closed her mouth, unwilling to muffle Molly’s happiness. “Being a bride is like falling in love. You feel giddy one minute and question yourself the next. Your pulse throbs, and your chest presses against your heart, and you—”
    “Hold it.” Molly lifted the hem of her gown and rushed to her side, letting the lacy hem fall to the carpet.
    Steph tried to read her mind. “What?”
    Molly narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tell me. I can’t believe it.”
    “Okay, I won’t tell you.” She had no idea what Molly was talking about.
    “You’re in love.”
    A grasp escaped her. “In love?” Steph nearly choked on the word. She couldn’t be in love. In like, maybe, or infatuated. That was different than real love.
    “It’s that guy you told me about. Your new neighbor.” She moved closer, her eyes wide. “You haven’t told me a thing.”
    “Nothing to tell.” Her heart sang as images of Nick swept through her mind, but saying it aloud made it too real. “You have romance on your mind. Let’s get these dresses off and have lunch like we planned.”
    Molly rested her fingers against her cheeks. “Steph, I miss our talks.”
    So did Steph. Since Brent had come into Molly’s life, her life had changed, too. Between the shelter and Brent, Steph had taken a backseat. Resentment didn’t enter into it, only disappointment. And only for herself. Steph’s chest weighed with selfish thoughts until she cast them away, wanting only the best for Molly. “We see each other at work. We still talk.” But they both knew it wasn’t the same.
    Color pooled on Molly’s face. “It’s hard to believe the date is almost here. I’d been certain for so long that I would never marry.”
    “That’s something we used to have in common.” Steph tried to sound lighthearted, but she feared she failed.
    “I know.” Molly’s excitement faded.
    Steph wished she’d kept her mouth shut. “Don’t feel bad.
    I’m happy for you, Molly, and I’ve never seen you happier.” She’d finally spoken the truth, and the tension lifted.
    Molly eased to Steph’s side. “It just goes to prove that what we think and what God has in store don’t always go hand in hand.” She squeezed Steph’s arm. “You don’t know what He has planned for you.”
    Molly and God. Steph wished she had the kind of confidence that Molly had.
    A grin grew on Molly’s face. “Now, lest you think I’ve forgotten what we were talking about, I’m not moving until you tell me everything.”
    “I have nothing to tell even if we can stay here all day.” Steph glanced toward the doorway, hoping the tailor would return to break into their conversation. “It’s a standoff. I’m hungry, and you promised me lunch, but I’m not going with you in that gown.” Gooseflesh rose on her arms. Talk to her. Don’t be stupid. But Steph couldn’t open her mouth. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.” Her chest squeezed.
    “Let me be the judge.” Molly folded her arms across her chest, resembling a bailiff in a wedding dress.
    The picture made Steph laugh. “Okay, but let’s get our clothes on so we can leave. The dresses fit.”
    “What’s his name? You never told me.”
    “Nick. Nick Davis.”
    Molly’s forehead wrinkled. “Nick Davis.” She pressed her index finger to her lips, then shook her head. “I’ve heard his name somewhere. Maybe Brent knows him.” She reached back