<span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: Ravi;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;">Unfounded resentment welled up when he paused there, on the other side of the island, rather than moving to hold her. Anger that he wouldn't give her what she felt would make this all easier to handle. But as soon as it was there, as soon as she realized what it was it vanished. Because they both knew she couldn't make him her constant life line. She loved Colin enough that she refused to let either of them fall into that trap, to ruin their relationship because she was weak and afraid. Better to struggle, better to fight then to pretend that nothing was wrong and destroy what they had. So she inhaled, exhaled deeply and dropped her hands from around her place, her shoulders stiff with the effort to not raise them again. <br/><br/>No hiding. She had promised herself that she would stop hiding her emotions from him, and that had to be a promise she kept. <br/><br/>Her fiance's attempt at being polite at her ineptitude in social situations garnered another desperate little half laugh from her lips. The brunette shook her head, realizing just how deeply her need for a protective cocoon had gone, and just how massive a uphill battle they both faced to get to a healthy, balanced relationship. She wasn't aiming for perfect, no relationship was, but she as aiming for making good on the promise she had given him when she said yes after his proposal. Bethany knew he was part of her soul, kismet, and she would do everything in her power to work to keep him in her life. Even if it meant facing unpleasant truths about herself and having to be grown up when she just wanted to hide in his arms and will the world away. <br/><br/>Still.. her hands started to fuss with the silverware, lining them up precisely so, obsessively fixating on something she could give perfect order to. "I hadn't... I only thought about the ramifications for us, about where I might struggle. I should have thought about her, about what it might make her feel like." Another sigh, this one resigned, and a little rueful even as she found a smile twitching on her lips at his compliment to her heart and her pie. "I think I know the third reason..." as close to suggestive flirting as she got, but she managed to say it and turn pink, instead of crimson. Surely that counted at progress as well. <br/><br/>Taking the few steps to carry her around the island Bethany went to him, leaning upward to kiss his cheek softly. "Maybe we could set up an interview for her at your work? Weren't you guys looking for office help? But yes, rent might make it easier. Thank you, you are the best friend, and the best man, any woman could want." She picked up the tray, settling it lightly in his hands with a flash of the private, playful smile that was Colin's alone. <br/><br/>"I bet she'll like my cherry ice cream, however weird you think it is." It was a good thing to latch onto, that simple thought of her friend preferring her favorite ice cream over the bland staple of vanilla. And it was enough to help her square her shoulders and head out of the kitchen, not letting herself linger, or lean on Colin. She had to do this, and more importantly she <em>wanted</em> to do this. Beth kept that in mind as she entered the dining room again and flashed Ardy a smile. <br/><br/>"So... I believe I win the award for most awkward friend of the year. Colin's bringing in the desert, fresh made apple pie with ice cream. There's vanilla or... cherry. I know it sounds weird but I love cherry ice cream with apple pie. Think you'll want to give it a shot?" Only that last question might have not been <em>just</em> about the ice cream.</span></span>