I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax. I called her house—getting, of course, her machine. “Hey, Grace, it’s me. Of course we can meet tomorrow. Come on up, and I’ll make dinner and we can talk about whatever it is that’s been bothering you.” I took a deep breath. “I hope you’re okay, Grace. I’ve been worried about you. I’ll pray that things are okay by tomorrow, all right? I’m a little nervous about it—your message didn’t sound very encouraging. Have I done something? If I did, then I’m sorry, whatever it was. Just tell me so I won’t do it again.” Another deep breath, and then I took a huge risk. “I love you, Grace. Sorry I’m saying it for the first time to your machine instead of you, but I wanted you to know now. All right, your machine will probably cut me off in a minute, so I’m outta here. Take care tonight. See you tomorrow. I love you, Grace.”

I hung up and dropped the phone to the floor. My hand was shaking. I’d finally said it! We’d been so cautious, but it was so obvious we were in love, I simply didn’t want to put it off any longer.

I looked around the room and resolved to make Saturday night the most special night Grace had ever had. Flowers, dinner, music—I’d sweep her off her feet if it killed me.

GRACE

MISSY GAPED. Joy gaped. Taylor gaped. I cried.

We’d been out to dinner, my idea to try to get my mind off Jack and the inevitable. The plan was to have an evening with my friends, get to bed early, and then spend tomorrow rehearsing the lines I’d composed for ending things with Jack.

When we’d gotten to my place, I’d checked my messages while the others lounged in the living room, and by God’s grace they’d not heard the first half of his message. But those golden words caught their attention, and then we were all circled around the answering machine, staring at the little black box that had projected Jacks voice into the air and told me he loved me. He loved me. I was speechless. I felt like water, like I’d literally splash to the floor if I let go of the counter.

“Oh, Grace,” Missy breathed. “Oh … wow.” She looked at me, saw my tears, and mistook them for signs of happiness and not the horror and dread they truly were. She hugged me and laughed. “This is so wonderful!”

I shook my head, not knowing how to tell her it was all wrong. “It’s too much,” I said at last, not knowing what else to say.

“What will you wear tomorrow?” Taylor asked, taking my hand and pulling me toward the bedroom. “Let’s get you ready for tomorrow night!”