Page 3 of Deadly Forever

“Well, I’m not generally a glutton for punishment, but I would like to save the easiest bride for last,” Sally answered. “Send out the pouting one or the bossy one. They’re equally ulcer adjacent.”

Mandy had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing, and when she returned to the dressing room she found Ally futzing with her tiara in the mirror while Sophie reclined on an over-stuffed bench and stared at the ceiling. They were as different as two brides could possibly be.

“What are you guys doing?” Mandy asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Oh, that dress is gorgeous,” Ally enthused, running her hands over Mandy’s frock. “You’re going to look amazing. Are you going to wear your hair up or down?”

“Up.”

“Good choice.”

Mandy already knew that was Ally’s preferred hairstyle because they’d talked about it at length. Mandy wisely didn’t bring that up now, though. “Yes, I thought so,” she deadpanned, smirking when she saw Sophie’s bored expression. “Sally wants one of you two to go up next.”

“Sally only wants Ally or me because she’s saving Emma for last,” Sophie intoned, studying her stubby fingernails. “She thinks Emma is the dream bride and Ally is Bridezilla.”

Mandy had to swallow her laugh because Sophie was always dead on when it came to reading people. “What does she think about you?”

“That I’m like the Wednesday Addams of the group,” Sophie answered, not missing a beat. “I’m the morose and pouty one. Do you remember the movie where Wednesday was sent to the sunny summer camp and she got her revenge by using the irregular campers and threatening the bulk of the good kids with bows and arrows?”

Mandy nodded. “I liked that movie.”

“I did, too,” Sophie said. “I always thought that summer camp was for losers and wannabes. That summer camp is how I’m picturing this wedding, though. I’m going to start shooting people with arrows.”

“You’re a delight these days,” Mandy said, giggling. “You know that, right?”

“She’s a pain in the butt,” Ally countered, her eyes never leaving her reflection. “I think I look like a princess.”

This wasn’t the first time Mandy had seen Ally in her wedding dress, which was as overbearing and large as her personality, but each time she did it took her breath away. Ally was the best friend Mandy would ever have. She was loving and loyal to a fault. Sure, she was a lot of work, but the best things in life always required dedication and energy. Mandy couldn’t wait to share Ally’s big day with her.

“You definitely look like a princess,” Mandy said. “Jake is going to cry when he sees you.”

“Oh, good, that’s what everyone wants,” Sophie deadpanned. “A crying groom should really liven up the festivities.”

Mandy could see why her attitude was chafing poor Sally. “You should go out there first,” Mandy suggested. “I think it would be best for everyone if we got your fitting out of the way.”

“One Wednesday Addams reporting for duty,” Sophie said, sighing as she pushed herself to her feet. Her spaghetti-strap dress was as simple as Ally’s over-the-top frock was ornate. “I want to get it done, too. In fact … .”

Whatever Sophie was about to say was cut short because Sally picked that moment to hurry toward the dressing rooms. She shoved Sophie back when the woman tried to enter the main floor of the store and her expression reflected distress.

“What is it?” Mandy asked, instantly alert. “What’s wrong?”

“The mall is on lockdown,” Sally whispered, her cheeks flushed. “We have to hide back here.”

“Lockdown … but why?”

“We only got a short message with the alert,” Sally said, licking her lips. “There’s a group of men in the mall … and they’re armed.”

Mandy exhaled heavily as she locked gazes with Sophie. “Well, this isn’t good.”