Mia Darien - Good Things

Todd didn’t say anything for several seconds, before finally shaking his head. “Whatever, woman. Lucky guess. Can we just get going? Faster we get this done, faster I can get home.”

“By all means,” Alex replied as she pulled into what would be their parking spot for the day and put the truck into park. “You take the station south of here by about half a mile. I’ll take the one a mile north of here. Come back to the truck and wait for me, then we’ll go to the last station together.” She climbed out and started getting her gear together before pulling her hip-waders up.

Every so often, Alex would look at him as he tried to get his gear together. It was clear he was struggling, so she went over and offered a few friendly tips. “Two things you need at your fingertips are your clipboard and the GPS.” She showed him her clipboard that had a cover taped to it, and a pouch on the cover that held the GPS unit. “I modified my case to keep the paper dry so long as I don’t drop it, and put the clear pouch on so I didn’t have to keep fishing for my GPS unit. Feel free to copy the design when we get back to the agency.

“Other than that, keep your water handy. You need to drink more than you think you do. I tend to only snack at the truck, but that’s because I’ve lost one too many granola bars to the swamps. Any questions?” Alex asked.

I have to go on my own? This is nuts.

When his reluctance to split up was also obvious in his expression, she offered, “If you’re not sure about splitting up, we can go to each of the monitoring stations together. I read, you record. How’s that sound?”

Thank god yes!

“Eh, whatever. That’s cool,” came Todd’s verbal reply. He didn’t understand why she kept looking at him as if she knew what he was thinking.

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, though Todd still thought he didn’t need her help. She went easier on him, though, knowing he was as stuck with her as she was with him.

Two months passed rather quickly, and before Alex realized it, the rehearsal dinner was upon her. Jesse had a lot of friends, but not much family. None of her distant family was close enough to invite to the wedding. At the rehearsal dinner, it was just Alex, and Jesse’s three bridesmaids. Danika, Linda, and Penny had all gone to university with Jesse, and all four belonged to the same sorority. The foursome had pledged the same year and become fast friends.

Alex knew the three bridesmaids, of course, having met them when she and Jesse had been together. All three were outwardly nice to Alex, though Danika was much more superficial than the other two. Linda and Penny were always welcoming in both what they said and the thoughts that skimmed through Alex’s mind. Danika was another story.

If Alex had her choice, she’d rather not live with the ‘gift’ she had, especially when it came to ‘hearing’ what some people really thought of her. Danika would always think Jesse could do better. She was too polite to actually say anything, but Alex couldn’t avoid the thoughts that came to her when she was near Danika.

Linda, Penny, and Danika were fawning over Jesse as everyone waited for the minister to finish addressing Jim and his groomsmen. Alex kept to herself off to one side, doing her best to keep to her own thoughts, but failing.

I can’t believe she’s here... She’s the ex! What was Jesse thinking? She must feel sorry for Alex. It’s not like she could manage to find someone as good as Jesse.

Danika was certain in her feelings, and that certainty gave strength to the thought, making it that much harder for Alex to ignore it. She did her best, forcing one deep, slow breath after another as she went through the various checks she would do at any test station she monitored for work.

I can’t believe I’m marrying Jim tomorrow! I can’t believe how lucky I am! It never would have happened if it hadn’t been for Alex. I can’t wait to tell her I’m pregnant. I really hope she’ll agree to be the godmother. Jim and I would be heartbroken if she said no.

Alex did a double-take as she looked up and found Jesse standing right next to her. She hadn’t even realized her ex had approached. “Jesse,” she started, unable to hide her surprise.

“Did I startle you? I’m sorry, Alex. You seemed in your own little world. The minister says he is ready to begin.”

The rehearsal itself was a blur, as was the dinner that followed. With nearly twenty people in attendance, Alex found her senses overwhelmed during the meal, but did her best to participate in the conversation around her. She was sitting with Linda and Penny while Danika was off trying her best to flirt with one of the groomsmen. Alex thought to save the woman some embarrassment, as the man she was hitting on preferred the company of other men, but then...it wasn’t really any of her business.

As things began to wind down, Alex decided it was time to leave. The strain of so many ‘voices’ was starting to make her head hurt. Jesse and Jim pulled her aside before she could make her exit. Her ex was radiant, and the joy both of them felt seemed to radiate off them. She couldn’t explain why, but it warmed her own heart to know the happiness both her friend and Jesse brought one another.

“Before you leave, Alex,” Jim began. “We, well...we have more news, and another question.” He looked to his bride.

Beaming, Jesse took Alex’s hands in her own. “I’m pregnant, Alex. And...Jim and I were hoping you would be the godmother to our child.”

The warmth of Jesse’s hands as they took hers caused her heart to skip a beat, and this helped her look surprised. “Pregnant?! You guys...you want me as the child’s godmother? Are you sure about that?”

Jim answered in both words and thought. “We are one hundred percent certain, Alex. You have been so giving and supportive of us. We know it...it’s likely not as easy as you seem to say it is, but we also know the kind of person you are. We know you and your heart, and we want our child to know how to love as you love.”

Tears welled up in Alex’s eyes as she struggled to find words. The tears spilled over when she weakly replied, “I... Jim, Jesse, I am speechless. I, honestly, I have no words. Congratulations to both of you, I could not be happier. I would be honored to be the godmother to your child.”

Jesse and Jim pulled Alex into the biggest bear hug they could manage before letting a stunned Alex take herself home.

Alex stood in front of the mirror as she worked her magic on the dark blue bow tie that matched the blue in the blue and black vest that was part of her tuxedo. Once she was happy the tie was done correctly, and straight, she grabbed the tails to complete the look. Alex could be considered pretty, sure, but she was more handsome than pretty. As she adjusted the sleeves of the tuxedo shirt, there was a knock at the door. “Come!” She already knew it was Linda.

“Well, don’t you make the dashing figure,” Linda said with a smile as she came to stand behind Alex. She casually wiped away imaginary dust from Alex’s shoulders. “It’s time to shine. Have you seen Jesse in her dress yet?”

Alex turned to face the bridesmaid. “Not yet. And as dapper as I might be, it doesn’t compare to your radiant beauty in that dress, Linda.” She couldn’t help the smirk as she studied the woman who stood in front of her, admiring the dark blue strapless dress. She offered Linda her arm. “Shall we go collect the special woman of the hour?”

“Let’s.”

Danika was fussing over the train of Jesse’s gown while Penny helped the bride with her veil. It was all Alex could do to remember to keep breathing as they entered the room. Linda, though, saw the expression on Alex’s face. “Stunning, isn’t she?”