Free My Best Friend's Bride by Ginny Baird

remembered things so clearly. “Yes,” she said with a sigh. “Thankfully.”
    “The publisher too, then, I take it?”
    “I shouldn’t have troubled you with my work.”
    “Poppycock! If you can’t tell me, who can you tell?”
    He had her there. Despite her job, which involved a flurry of tours and professional interaction with people, Jill didn’t have many true friends. She’d spent far more time giving relationship advice to others than focusing on building relationships of her own.
    She took a sip of her own tea, finding it weak. Kind of like the lame storyline she’d prepared. “Grandpa?” she asked tentatively, looking up.  
    “Yes, dear?”
    “You remember me saying I was getting married?”
    “To Brad, yes. That chap you knew in grade school. When are you going to bring him by to see me, by the way? Seems if he were half a gentleman he’d have asked my permission.”
    “Not too many people do that anymore.”
    “Why not? Unless they’re hiding something. Why, in my day—”
    “I know.” She reached out and lightly patted his free hand. “But times have changed.”
    “That’s why there are so many bust-ups,” he retorted surely.
    “Bust-ups?”
    “Divorces. Couples not staying together. Nobody goes in it for the long haul anymore. They might as well write a short-term contract.”
    Jill swallowed hard. “I don’t think that’s because of the groom failing to ask permission.”
    “That’s where it all starts, can’t you see?” he said, light blue eyes glistening. “When someone has honorable intentions, he presents those to the family. Right now, I’m the only family you’ve got.”
    “Yes, but—”
    “Why don’t you bring Brad by so we can get this over with? It’s a little after the fact, but better late than never.”
    Jill drew a breath, speaking softly. “There is no Brad.”
    Her grandpa’s hand grabbed hers. “My dear, I’m so sorry.” She opened her eyes to find him angling toward her in his wheelchair. “What happened?”
    “He… I…” She hedged and looked away. “It’s complicated.”
    “Love is always complicated.” He squeezed her hand and let it go, sitting back with his tea. “You work it out.”
    “Grandpa, I don’t think there’s any way.”
    “Of course there’s a way! Where there’s a will, there’s a way . When you love someone, you…” He stopped and studied her stance. Jill hung her head.
    “You don’t love him, do you?” her grandpa asked quietly.
    Tears stung her eyes. “I’d hate for you to judge me.”
    “I’m not your judge,” he said soothingly. “I’m your advocate, and someone who loves you very much.”
    Jill sniffed and set her chin, still avoiding his eyes. “What if I were to tell you there’s someone else?”
    He barely paused at all. “Well, now, my! That is a complication.” To her surprise, he chuckled warmly. “How did this all come about?”
    She gritted her teeth before speaking. “It’s… Hunter Delaney. The man I’ve fallen in love with. He’s Brad’s best friend.”
    Her grandfather studied her thoughtfully for a moment.
    “I have to give you credit, Jill. When you said complicated, you meant it. You clearly know your vocabulary.” This made her smile.
    “Oh Grandpa… You’re not mad?”
    “Why would this upset me? I’m not the jilted party.” He took one last sip of tea and placed his cup on a side table. “So, how is Brad taking it? I assume he knows?”
    Jill nodded. “Surprisingly well. If I didn’t know better, I’d almost say he was hoping this would happen.”
    “See what I mean about presenting your intentions?” her grandpa interjected. “I’m guessing the boy got cold feet.”
    “But I told you I—”
    “Naturally, you turned to someone else. Brad wasn’t all in, and you could sense it, couldn’t you, dear?”
    “You’re the sharpest tack in the box, Grandpa.”
    “Well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see it. You’re a wonderful catch, Jill.