CHAPTER 10

CARMEN

“Oh, my goodness! Why didn’t you tell us this sooner?!” Mom gasped, standing up and pulling Kate into a hug. “I can’t believe this! It’s such a small world. We’re all connected in one way or another, don’t you think?”

“That’s right,” Kate replied with a bright smile on her face.

“This isn’t something I expected this soon, really,” Steve Wilmer laughed, standing up and taking Kate’s hand in his. “My son never got along well with girls. At a point in his life, I thought he was terrified of girls, even.”

Everyone laughed at his joke.

“You’re welcome, Kate. You know, Kate Wilmer does seem like the perfect fit,” Steve said.

Kate looked down at the floor, her cheeks turning an aggressive shade of red.

“Are you too shocked to say something, Carmen?” Mom questioned me.

I was the only one who was not standing and joining in on the small gathering of celebrators.

“I’m sure even your children will be best of friends, just like you two were when you were little. In fact, I suggest you both