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Bethany's POV

The soft chime of the bell above the café's door announced my arrival as I stepped inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee instantly filling my senses. My fingers were freezing despite the gloves I had on, and I stomped my boots on the doormat, shaking off the January chill.

"Bethany, over here!" My head snapped up instantly, my eyes darting around the Cafe as I tried to find her.

I spotted Lily waving from a corner booth, her signature red lipstick bright against her dark winter coat. She was already halfway through a cappuccino, her scarf draped over the back of her chair.

"Hey!" I called back, a wide grin forming on my lips as I made my way over while shrugging off my coat.

Lily was my best friend, my sounding board, my occasional reality check. We'd met in college during a late-night cram session, bonded over our shared love of terrible reality TV, and had been inseparable ever since.

"Finally! I was about to call and make sure you hadn't fallen into a pile of fabric and thread," Lily teased as I slid into the booth, a tiny smirk on her lips but I could see her eyes assessing and scrutinizing each and every inch of me.

"Very funny," I replied, rolling my eyes. She was one of those that loved my designs and creativity but always though I was letting it get in the way of my life. What they never understood was that those designs were my life. I felt complete with those designs, like they were what I was born to do.

"I've been busy," I replied at last.

"Busy is your default mode," she replied, raising an eyebrow. "Especially these days. How's the dress coming along?"

I sighed, pushing a hand through my hair. I hadn't let her see it too, although I really wanted to show her and my mom, but I was just … too scared to do so.

"Good," I breathed out. "Mostly. I mean, it's coming together, but there's still so much to do. And don't even get me started on the rest of the wedding planning. I feel like I'm drowning in it."

"Then why didn't you hire a wedding planner?" she asked, leaning forward. "You know they exist for a reason, right?"

"Because I'm a control freak," I admitted, laughing and shaking my head. "And because I want it to feel personal, you know? Like it's really OUR wedding, not just something someone else threw together."

Lily nodded, her eyes softening as she sipped her coffee. "Fairs. But don't overwork yourself. You're supposed to enjoy this time, not stress yourself into a coma."

"I'm fine," I said, waving her off. "I thrive on chaos, remember?"

"That you do." She smiled but didn't look entirely convinced. I could tell she wasn't about to let me off that easily. "But at least let someone help."

"There's no one to do that," I murmured, rubbing my forehead, and then instantly regretted my choice of words the moment I saw her eyes narrow.

"No one to help?" She repeated with a scoffed, shaking her head and eyeing me like she wanted to strangle me. "What about me?"

"I don't know, Lily. I love you and I'd love for you to help but I don't want to burden you with all my worries and rants about the preparations," I explained.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not complaining though. But ok. What about your mom?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Same thing. I don't want to stres her with all those," I murmured.

"Well what of Mason? At least it's the both of you getting married, not just you," she said flatly, and I glared at her, not liking the way her voice changed when she said his name. And it wasn't in a good way. It never was.

"It's not his specialty," I murmured. "But honestly, I know it's all tasking, but I really don't need anyone's help. At least not for now. I can handle it. I'm handling it."

A waitress appeared, and I ordered a latte and a muffin. When she walked away, Lily leaned back in her seat, her expression shifting to something more serious.

"So," she said, drawing the word out then sipped from her cup, "how's Mason?"

I blinked at the sudden change in topic. And it wasn't just any topic. It's was the 'Mason' conversation we've had over and over again.

"Mason's great. Why?" I asked with a raised brow, leaning back in the chair and crossing my arms.

"No reason," she said casually, but her tone gave her away. She was lying. She has something to say. And it was never like her to hold back on words.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Lily…"

"What? I'm just asking." She shrugged and gave me a too sugary smile that made me even more irritated.

"You're not just asking. What's on your mind?"

She hesitated, tapping her fingers on the edge of her cup. "Look, I don't want to rain on your parade or anything, but… is Mason as into this wedding as you are?"

"What?" I said, laughing, though her question threw me off guard. "Of course he is."

"It's just… I feel like he's kind of—how do I put this?—hands-off about everything."

"He's not hands-off," I said, brushing it off. "He's just not a details guy. You know that."

"Sure," she said slowly. "But does he ever… I don't know, seem excited? Like, really excited?"

"Lily," I said, leaning forward. "Where is this coming from? Mason is fine. He's just laid-back, that's all."

"I'm not trying to start anything," she said quickly, holding up her hands. "I'm just… concerned. You're putting so much into this wedding, and I don't want you to be the only one doing all the heavy lifting, you know?"

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "I get it, okay? But you don't have to worry. Mason and I are on the same page. He's supportive in his own way."

"Okay," she said, still watching me closely. "If you're sure."

"I'm sure," I answered firmly, shooting her a look that made her raise her hands in surrender and then take a sip from her cup.

The waitress returned with my coffee and muffin, breaking the awkward air. I took a sip, letting the warmth spread through me.

"Can we talk about something else now?" I asked, giving her a pointed look.

"Fine," Lily said, smiling again. "How's your mom doing? Is she driving you crazy yet?"

"Not yet, but give it time," I said with a laugh, greatful for the change of topic. "She's trying so hard not to be overbearing, but you know how she is. She's got opinions, and she's not shy about sharing them."

"I can only imagine," Lily replied, grinning widely. "Has she seen the dress yet?"

"Nope," I answered with a shake of my head. "And she's not going to until it's finished. I want it to be perfect. I want it to be a surprise."

"She's going to cry," Lily said confidently.

"Oh, definitely," I agreed. "But in a good way. At least, I hope."

We fell into easier conversation after that, talking about everything from work to Lily's latest dating disaster. She was always good at making me laugh, and by the time we finished our coffee, I felt lighter and less weighed down by the endless to-do list swirling in my head.

As we stood to leave, Lily gave me a hug.

"Just remember," she said, squeezing me tightly, "if you ever need to vent, or scream, or throw a bolt of fabric at someone, I'm your girl."

"Noted," I answered, nodding my head and smiling. "Thanks, Lily."

"Anytime," she replied with a smile. We stepped out into the cold, our breath puffing in the air.

"Don't freeze to death on your way home," she called as she headed toward the subway.

"I'll try not to," I called back, waving at her and watching as she disappeared into the subway.

As I walked back to my apartment, her words wouldn't stop ringing loud bells in my mind. 'Does he ever seem excited?'

I shook my head, brushing the thought away. Mason and I were fine. Lily didn't understand him the way I did. He showed his excitement in quieter ways, like when he kissed my forehead while I worked late or texted me reminders to eat.

He didn't need to be over-the-top about the wedding to prove he cared.

Right?

Right. I convinced myself that everything was just fine, pushing the doubts aside. I focused on the sticking to the sidewalk, the wind biting at my cheeks. I had a dress to finish, a wedding to plan, and a new life to start very soon.

And I soo wasn't about to let anyone's questions, or my own, get in the way of that. In the way of my big day and my new life.