Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
I smooth both hands over the sleek skirt of the dress. “I look hot, don’t I?”
Abby grins from ear to ear. “I’ll say. The color complements your eyes and your hair. Have you decided if you’re wearing it up or down for my big day?”
I tuck a lock of my brown hair behind my right ear. “Up, I think. I’ll get Joanie to twist it into something sophisticated.”
Joanie has become my stylist over the past few months. She works at a salon in the lobby of the Bishop Hotel. I met her when Abby sent me to the hotel for a self-care weekend. I indulged in everything I hadn’t in years, including a manicure, pedicure, and haircut.
Abby’s hand glides over my shoulder. “I love that idea. I’m going to wear mine down.”
I glance past her to the fitting room area. “You should put your dress on now. Let’s see how we look side-by-side.”
Her gaze drops. “I will, but I’m nervous.”
“Nervous?” I step down from the slightly raised pedestal I’ve been standing on. “Why? You’re not having second thoughts, are you? I happen to know that Declan loves you bunches. I’m talking a million or two bunches. The man is crazy about you.”
A soft smile glides over her lips. “I know he does. I love him a lot, too. It’s not that, Carrie. It’s something else.”
I step closer to her so I can lower my voice. It’s evening, and the boutique will close in less than an hour, but at least half a dozen customers are still milling about, trying on dresses and veils. “What’s going on? You know you can tell me anything.”
Drawing a deep breath, tears well in the corners of her hazel eyes. “Carrie, I’m…”
“Missing your mom?” I interrupt because I know how hard it is for her to express that vocally.
Her mom’s death hit her as hard as my dad’s hit me. We were both kids when it happened, but through all that grief, a new love was born when our widowed parents met at a baseball game. They got married a year later when Abby and I were fourteen.
She nods. “Yes, but that’s not it.”
Stumped but still wanting to comfort her, I yank her closer. “Tell me, Abby. Just say it.”
Holding tightly to me, she whispers words I’m not expecting, “I’m pregnant, Carrie. I’m going to have a baby.”
I jump back, giddy with excitement. “Are you being serious?”
“Very serious.” Her entire face glows with a smile. “I’m due on my dad’s birthday.”
“What?” I shriek, not caring that heads are turning in our direction. “You are serious.”
She pats her stomach beneath the red dress she’s wearing. “I’ve gained a few pounds since I bought my wedding dress. I hope it fits.”
“We’ll make sure it does.” The boutique’s owner, Kate Burke, smiles as she approaches us. “I wasn’t trying to overhear, but I did. Congratulations, Abby.”
Abby’s smile widens even more. “Do you really think you can get the dress to work?”
“I know our seamstress can.” Kate glances at me. “Wow, Carrie! You look like a dream.”
I take another look at myself in the mirror. “I may need to wear this dress every single day after the wedding.”
“Or you might be planning your wedding after you wear that to mine.” Abby laughs.
I shake my head. “You said it’s going to be an intimate gathering. Exactly how many single men will be there?”
She wiggles two fingers in the air. “Declan’s friend, Holden, and, of course, Rook will be there. He RSVP’d yesterday, and he’s not bringing a guest.”
Rook Thorsen is not only close friends with my future brother-in-law, but he’s also my sister’s boss. I met him once in Abby’s office months ago. The man is the hottest that’s ever lived, but the fact that he’s in a long-term relationship with the mother of his daughter makes him completely off-limits.
I can’t say I’m shocked that his girlfriend isn’t accompanying him to the wedding. She’s a supermodel. She must be recognized every time she rounds a corner.
“He’s taken,” I remind Abby. “He’s in love with Chesca, remember?”
“They’re not together,” she stresses each word because she believes it’s true.
She’s not the one who stalks his social media profiles. I am, and I’ve seen him in enough pictures with his daughter’s mom to know they’re still going strong.
I keep promising myself I’ll stop looking at his posts, but with his black hair and striking blue eyes, it’s hard not to sneak a peek whenever I can.
“Maybe I’ll bring a date,” I tease. “I think Telford is free.”
Kate laughs. “As much as I love listening to this drama, we need to start your fitting, Abby.”
My sister glances in my direction. “You can bring whoever you want. All I want is for you to have fun at my wedding. Promise me you will.”
“Sure,” I say with a weak smile.