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My name on the sign, not my face. This time I called her.

“That’s not even me,” I said. “That man’s in his sixties.”

“An age progression of you maybe?” she said with a smile in her voice. I could hear snow crunching in the background like she was walking.

I rubbed my forehead. “I’m beginning to think I’m being trolled by the whole town.”

“If you are, that is hilarious and I like these people even more.”

I scoffed. It was pretty funny, even if it was at my expense.

“Are you guys done with the fitting?” I asked.

“All done. Dress fits like a dream. We’re going to the florist next.”

I crossed my ankles. “Let me guess. Sprigs of pine, red and white roses, berries?”

“I’ll keep you posted. Hey, Noel wants to know if you guys can meet us for the cake tasting. They have to know the flavors no later than two.”

I brightened at the idea of seeing her earlier than expected.

I looked at my watch. “I think we can swing that.”

“Okay. We’ll wait for you at the bakery.”

“Perfect. I’ll leave my checkbook at home.”

“Good. I hear you’re on some kind of list?”

I snorted. I could picture her grinning. Then we hung up.

Nick was watching me while the tailor pinned. “You know what’s weird?” he said.

“What.”

“Every time I see you talk to her, that feels like déjà vu too.”

9

LAUREN

“I THINK THE FERN leaves are pretty,” I said.

We were at the flower shop picking what would go in the bridal bouquet.

Noel twisted her lips. “Maybe a few more berries?”

“What about the centerpieces?” the shop owner said. “Want me just to match them to this?”

“Sure,” Noel said. “I know it’s not a lot of time, so just make it easy.”

I put my nose to a bucket of eucalyptus. “Where is the wedding gonna be anyway?”

“At the pine tree farm. There’s a pavilion.”

“And who’s going to marry you?” I asked, looking at her over my shoulder. “Santa?”

“Uh, Santa actually is marrying us. He’s an ordained minister.”