Saying I Do {Interracial Curvy Romance}

When the World Feels Heavy

Flora

Me: Saw this and thought of you guys. Hope everything's going okay.

Seen.

It's been forty two minutes since Matthew read my text, but no response.

I glance at my phone again, hoping for a reply. The tension in my chest lingers, a gnawing worry that something's wrong. Matthew has been under so much stress lately. Tabitha storming out of the car before they even got to the place to get invitations for their wedding dinner rehearsal  was the last straw for me. I wanted to call him, check in, but I don't want to be a bother. Especially with all that's going on.

The living room of Mr. and Mrs. Rappaport's house is still in disarray, remnants of Mason and Terri's engagement party scattered everywhere. Terri and Mason are working in the kitchen, washing dishes and packing away leftovers while I'm in the living room, stacking chairs and clearing up plates as the Rappaport siblings and my siblings are cleaning the patio.

Terri walks in, holding a small wrapped box with a curious smile on her face. "Look what Matthew sent us as a gift," she says, handing it over to Mason, who's wiping down the dining table.

Mason takes the box and carefully unwraps it. Inside is a beautifully crafted photo frame, engraved with their names and the date of their engagement. "He's got good taste," Mason remarks, his voice warm with appreciation.

"He always does," I say, trying to keep my tone light, though my mind is still on Matthew.

Terri catches the change in my expression and sits down beside me on the couch, patting the spot next to her. "You've been awfully quiet, Flora. What's going on?"

I hesitate, glancing at Mason as he places the frame on the mantel. "It's Matthew," I finally admit. "I'm worried about him. Tabitha's behavior today wasn't exactly reassuring."

Terri sighs, shaking her head. "I saw that too. She was completely out of line. But Matthew... he's a tough guy. He'll get through it."

"I know he's strong, but even strong people have their limits," I reply, my voice softening. "I just feel like he's not himself lately."

Mason joins us, sitting on the edge of the coffee table. "You've known him the longest, Flora. If anyone can reach him, it's you. Have you talked to him about how you feel?"

"I tried," I say, nodding toward my phone. "Sent him a text, but no response."

Mason frowns. "That's not like him."

"Exactly," I say, feeling the worry deepen. "He usually gets back to me right away."

Terri places a hand on my shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Give him some time. He's probably dealing with Tabitha and all the wedding stress."

"I know, but..." I start, but then my phone buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. I quickly pull it out, seeing Matthew's name on the screen. Relief floods through me as I swipe to answer.

"Matthew," I say, trying to keep the concern out of my voice.

"Flora, hey," Matthew's voice comes through, sounding a bit tired but still the same familiar tone I've known all my life. "Thanks for checking in on me. Sorry, I didn't get back to you earlier. It's been... a day."

"I can imagine," I say, glancing at Terri and Mason, who are listening quietly. "How are you holding up?"

There's a brief pause before he answers. "Honestly? I'm hanging in there. It's just... Tabitha's been difficult lately. She wasn't there to do get our wedding rehearsal dinner invitations personalized with me and Daphne."