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Chapter 24
I use artificial sweetener at work. I add it to everything I say to my boss.
“Idon’t know why we have to go shopping for your wedding dress when you haven’t picked a date yet,” I grump as we enter the wedding boutique.
“Because I want a fairytale wedding,” Aspen sings as she spins around.
“I didn’t need a fairytale wedding.” Ashlyn wiggles her left hand at everyone. Since Rowan spilled the beans about them eloping, she’s been wearing a diamond encrusted wedding band to match her diamond engagement ring.
“Were you ever going to tell us you’re married?” I don’t know how she managed to keep the news to herself.
“We planned a big reveal on Valentine’s Day. Rowan was going to make a cake announcing Mr. and Mrs. Hansley to the world.”
“I want one of those tiered wedding cakes. Enough to feed the entire town,” Aspen says as she glides past us.
Lilac frowns. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be dancing in a store.”
“I’m the bride. I can do whatever I want.”
“Let’s get this show on the road.” Juniper taps her watch. “I need to get back to my animals.”
“What a shocker.” Ashlyn rolls her eyes. “Juniper prefers to be with her animals than her family.”
Juniper’s phone rings and she hurries to switch it off without bothering to check who’s calling.
Aspen rushes to her. “Is it your secret admirer? Pick up the phone! We can listen in and give you tips.”
“Tips?” I snort. “You’re going give tips on love? You’re marrying your childhood sweetheart. You’re not qualified.”
Ashlyn raises her hand and waves it to and fro making sure her wedding rings sparkle. The rings probably weigh more than her hand. There’s no need to shove them in our faces. “Am I qualified? I am the only sister who’s married after all.”
“Ms. West?” A woman enters the reception area. “We’re ready for you now.”
“This place is fancy. Exactly how much money is Aspen planning to spend on a wedding gown?” Juniper mutters as we follow Aspen.
Fancy is right. The room we walk into is something out of a movie. There are several plush sofas arranged around a small, round elevated stage. I wonder if it revolves. Next to the sofas are accent tables with trays of small sandwiches and glasses of champagne laid out on them.
“Not it,” Ashlyn shouts as she dives on the champagne.
Lilac picks up a glass as well. “There’s no reason to yell not it. Ellery is our designated driver.” Her gaze dips to my stomach. “Obviously.”
“Glad to be of service,” I mumble before collapsing on the sofa. Lilac and Juniper join me while Aspen stands with the sales lady and Ashlyn rushes around the room touching every single dress with her grubby hands.
“My name is Brooke and I’ll be assisting you with all your bridal needs today,” the sales lady begins. “Do you know what type of wedding dress you prefer?”
Aspen bobs her head. “Yes. I want a ballgown.”
“You might as well show her the clippings. It’ll make things easier,” I say because I know Aspen’s been collecting ideas for her wedding dress since she was sixteen and Lyric told her he loved her for the first time. I would know. I shared a bedroom with her, and she wouldn’t shut up about how she was going to marry him until she left for college.
“I might have a few ideas.” Aspen removes a book from her purse and hands it to Brooke.
Ashlyn plops down on the sofa across from me. “This place is super chic.” She grabs the plate of sandwiches. “Who’s hungry?” She doesn’t wait for anyone to answer before she stuffs a sandwich in her face.
Lilac consults her watch. “It’s not yet noon. Didn’t you eat breakfast?”
Ashlyn shrugs. “It was a long time ago. This is second breakfast. Or is it elevenses?”
“We’re not in a fantasy novel. Neither second breakfast nor elevenses exist in real life,” Lilac claims.
