Free Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970) by Sarah Anderson Page B

anything different about me. I hoped she wouldn’t ask too many
questions.
    “Mom, I met the most wonderful guy last
night at the party.”
    “Oh you did? What time did you girls get
home by the way?”
    I looked for CeCe and didn’t see her
anywhere. A voice billowed in from the bathroom across the hall.
“It was pretty late but I don’t remember the actual time. I told
Char we needed to get home before you worried but she was too busy
partying,” CeCe said laughing afterwards.
    “Hmm…sounds like a good party. Tell me more
about this guy, Char.” My mom said, smiling.
    “He’s really sweet, funny, smart, and—a
Christian, mom. I couldn’t stop talking to him. He’s the
kindest—super charming and sooo handsome. Mom, I’m going to marry
him one day.”
    CeCe and my mother’s expressions froze. They
were amazed to hear me talk about Skylar because they had never
heard me get this excited over any guy before. CeCe started raising
her eyebrows at me from behind my mother doing a silent little
crazy dance pretending to be kissing someone in the air until my
mother turned around and caught her in the middle of her kissing
re-enactment and started laughing.
    “Oh Skylar, I love you. Oh Lucy, I love you
too, marry me baby. I can’t live without you sucking my face.” CeCe
said hugging herself.
    “Who’s Lucy?” My mother asked with a
quizzical look.
    Giggling, we both looked at her and I
replied, “That was my fake name last night—but I think he’s a
keeper so I’m going to have to tell him my real name when I call
him.”
    “I’m really going to miss you two and your
silly stories when you’re at college. You better call at least
twice a week and visit me before Thanksgiving! CeCe—you keep a good
eye on my Char and Char don’t let CeCe out of your sight! Do your
best and don’t beat yourself up over the small stuff. And lastly,
have fun and enjoy every moment.”
    CeCe looked at me and laughed giving me the
wink, wink. I know she was trying to taunt me about the enjoy
every minute part. CeCe and I walked over to my mom and hugged
her tightly.
    “Mom, CeCe’s parents just pulled up.” Richie
called from downstairs.
    “What time is it mom?” I asked, realizing
that I still had a bit of packing left to do before we left.
    “Honey it’s about nine o’clock. We need to
leave by ten AM” My mother said as she walked down the stairs to go
greet the Crawford’s and invite them in for coffee and Danish.
    “Oh gravy! I need to get up now.”
    “That’s right buttercup.” CeCe, fully
dressed and all dolled up, said as she sat on my bed.
    “Why didn’t you wake me up Ce?”
    “You were smiling and talking in your sleep.
It was more fun to listen to your conversation… Skylar, olive
juice, Skylar. Besides, I figured you needed the sleep after
all the enjoyment from last night. CeCe said laughing
facetiously.”
    “Shut up CeCe!” I whispered loudly followed
by a pillow to her pretty blonde head.
    “You cannot tell anyone. Pinky swear!”
    “I won’t but you should probably stop and
see Father John before we leave town.” CeCe said in a
matter-of-fact way.
    “Oh CeCe! Stop, I’m still trying to enjoy
our moment together. I will call Father John when we get to
school.”
    “Chicken, you don’t want him to know.”
    “Okay, you’re right. God loves me regardless
and I will behave from here on out. Drop it CeCe.”
    “Okay, okay. I just had to give you some
gruff since I’m always the one on the other end of that pointed
finger.”
    “You’ve got me and if I’ve ever sounded
judgmental towards you—I’m sorry. I just can’t believe it still; I
think I’m really in love, CeCe.”
    “I know; you’re marrying him.” She said
bending back her leg from her knee and pretending to be
kissed.”
    “I’ve got to get dressed and pack the rest
of my things. Can you give me a hand please?” I begged.
    “Anything for you bestie—let’s blow this
Popsicle joint.”
    Within an