Page 123 of Pretty Little Scars

“You’re a godsend,” Ava says, accepting her cup and taking a long sip. “Their coffee is thebest.Don’t tell your sister-in-law.”

“I’ll never tell. The older lady that works there is hilarious,” I say with a laugh. “And nosy as fuck.”

“Henrietta Hazelhoff,” Ava says with a knowing nod. “Or, just Etta. The woman is the town gossip, and if you told heranything, the rest of the town will know by the end of the day because she’ll post all about it on Facebook. She thinks she’s a news reporter for social media. I’m surprised she didn’t have a live video going and ask you to introduce yourself to the whole town while you were there.”

I blink at her and then laugh as I pass Harper her drink. “No, she didn’t, and I’m so glad I didn’t answer any of her questions. I got you decaf,” I say to Harper, and peek in on a sleeping Belle, who looks like a perfect angel, with her rosy cheeks and tiny lips, making a sucking motion as if she’s dreaming about eating. “Since you’re still feeding this one.”

“And we donotneed to give girlfriend another reason to be up all night,” Harper agrees as she takes a sip. “She has all of her own reasons.”

“This is really great birth control,” Ava says. “I mean, I have the best of all the worlds. I get to snuggle her, read to her, spoil the fuck out of her, and then when she’s up all night, I’m fast asleep in my bed, dreaming about a threesome with Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans. A Chris sandwich, if you will.”

“Does Chad know about this sandwich?” I ask her with a knowing grin.

“Chad’s not there to care,” Ava replies with a smile. “Charlie’s on her way over too. She’s wrapping up a meeting in Bitterroot Valley.”

The doorbell rings, and I grin. I didn’t realize my sister would be here today.

“Never mind, she’s here,” Ava says with a laugh and stands to answer the door.

“Hi, sissy.” I smile as my sister immediately walks over and hugs me, but then gasp when her hand lands on my shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” Charlie scowls, and I brush her question off, as if it’s no big deal.

“Sorry, I have an injury back there that’s still healing. I’m okay. Let’s talk all things weddings.”

My sister eyes me for a second and then sets her laptop and notebook, along with her giant tumbler of water, on the table and turns to Ava, but I can tell that she’ll be asking me questions later.

“Okay, let’s get down to business. We have the venue figured out,” Charlie begins. “You’re sure you want to get married at your family’s ranch?”

“I mean, it’s free, it’s beautiful, and I grew up there, so it makes sense.”

“It’s not exactly free,” Charlie says, and I’m so fucking proud of her as she puts her boss-babe hat on, commanding the room. “You’ll have to rent a tent, a floor, bathrooms, and that’s just the beginning. Which is not a problem at all, and I have no issue with organizing all of that for you, I just like to remind my brides that although it seems free, it never is.”

“That makes sense,” Ava replies with a nod. “You’re right, it’s not reallyfree, but I can afford all of that, so I’m still on board with it. I have the best spot chosen for it.”

“Is this perfect location close enough to the house that we can run electricity?” Charlie asks.

“Yes, that won’t be a problem.”

Charlie nods and makes some notes. “Great, now let’s talk about some fun stuff. Flowers, cake, dresses, honeymoon. How many attendants will you have?”

“Three.” Ava smiles at both of us. “Juliet’s working today, otherwise she’d be here.”

Stunned, I stare at my friend. “Wait. What?”

“Oh yeah, will you please be a bridesmaid? I know, I should have done something Instagram-worthy with a touching letter, or balloons, or a proposal of some kind?—”

“That feels excessive,” I say, and Harper snorts.

“—but please, will you? I need the three of you up there with me.”

“Of course. Aww, friend.” I lean over and squeeze her hand. “Thank you.”

“She should be thankingusbecause she’s marrying Chad, so we’re taking one for the team,” Harper says, and Ava glares at her.

“You know what?” Ava says, leaning her elbows on the table. “That’s enough of that. I get it. You don’t love him. Fine. But you’remysister, and you’re supposed to loveme. If I want to marry Jeffrey fucking Dahmer?—”

“He’s dead,” Harper mutters.