Olivia Graham was twenty-two when she started a whirlwind romance with charismatic Jakob overseas.
By age twenty-five, Liv was back home and checking off the widowed box on paperwork. With zero plans, Olivia and beloved dog Snuggles find themselves...
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Flashback
When Joanie entered Aurora's Designs that day, she had sentimental tears in her eyes and a knot in her stomach. A good knot. One of those exciting butterfly types.
The upscale bridal shop was full of natural light and idyllic details that day. Soft music drifted overhead, and it was as if everything had a lovesick Instagram filter turned on.
Joanie didn't think she could be in a bad mood if she tried today.
It was a big production that some girls dream wistfully about, and she is one of them. She takes her time scrutinizing her appearance in the mirror with her mom, aunt, and big sister Briana nearby.
Briana moves the train of her wedding dress a little. "This dress is perfect. Please get it."
Her mom nods enthusiastically, and her aunt Cristina raises her champagne flute. "Cheers to a great choice."
"And a happy life," her mom Jessica breaks in, raising her flute, too.
Joanie smiles at them and swivels to look at the side of the stunning dress. Off the shoulder, sheath, mermaid dress with appliqué detailing on the bodice flowing to a tulle skirt.
The journey to wearing the dress took her forever to travel, or at least, it felt that way. Like waiting for the promise of summer in the middle of January, she had pined for Will to be ready, and she didn't want to date anybody else in the meantime.
Will had never been more romantic or irresistible since he officially proposed to her. She had suggested to him they get away for a half-day to take a private trip to the beach or have a picnic at the lake.
Since Livvie went back to school, Will had lost some of the charisma in his swagger. That magnetism he carries himself with makes Joanie weak in her knees.
She knows he felt conflicted about sending his sister away; he regrets not keeping her closer. But he let her decide, and this what she chose. After a few days of noticing his grit had dropped, Joanie wanted to think of something to brighten Will up.
The two lovebirds had a picturesque picnic during the magic, full of affection and lighthearted conversation. Joanie had packed a bit of food, a blanket, and an extra one for cuddling.
When they had gotten settled in, Will had insisted she sit in between his legs as he held on to her protectively.
They had talked about Liv and his recently departed parents but fell into a comfortable silence at some point. "JoJo?" He whispers, his voice hoarse with emotion.
She reaches behind her, touching his face, but doesn't turn to look at him.
"Can you please hand me that sweatshirt?" She reaches forward to grab it and moves it to the side of him.
He thanks her and maneuvers to get the shirt, wrapping a hand around her eyes in the process.
"Hey!" She complains lightly, as she can feel him shifting and chuckling.
