Laura comes bounding out of the farbedroom. “Ready to shop till we drop?”
“Ready and excited.” I wink at her.
Annie and my mother come out of the otherbedroom.
“Morning, Annie.”
She smiles at me, but her look iscautious. Annie knows how to read me. “Good morning, Kate.”
I give my mom a tight smile, trying toremember she loves me, and I love her. “Good morning, mother.”
“Morning, Katie.” She doesn’t make eyecontact, instead she pretends to straighten her already pressed and flawlessblouse.
The elevator dings and then slides open.Both Luke and Cole are on the other side. “Cole.” I go to him, wrapping my armsaround him, kissing him. “I didn’t think I’d see you until this evening.”
“I wanted to see my beautiful wife beforeshe left for the afternoon.” He kisses me again.
“Thank you,” I say warmly, histhoughtfulness making my day better. “We’re all ready to go.”
Laura gets in the lift. “You two are socute, but get a room, would you?” She winks.
I give her a cheesy smile and wink back.
My grandma and Annie get in.
“We’ll wait,” Aunt Kathy states, lookingin the elevator.
“Um—okay, see you in a few.” I give thema little wave.
“Keaton will come down with you.” Lukesays, punching in the code and the doors close.
I press close to Cole, taking in hiscedar and mint smell. “Mmm, you smell good.”
He kisses the top of my head. “You have alunch reservation at the 58 Tour Eiffel tower at two. Will that be enough timefor you to find a dress?”
“More than plenty. That will workperfectly.” We walk into the lobby and the two Escalades are idling out front.Luke helps my grandma in the first, Laura and I get in the second. “What timewill I see you tonight?” I look at Cole after he’s helped us in the car.
“I’m not sure. Text me when you’re donewith lunch. I should have a better idea by then.” He pecks me on the mouth andthen shuts the door. A few minutes later, the rest of my clan files into thefront car. I sit back sighing, wishing I was more enthusiastic about lookingfor a wedding dress, and more excited in general about this whole weddingbusiness.
Becca Howard is waiting for us inside themain entrance of the shop. “Mrs. Holt,” she holds out her hand for me. “It’snice to finally meet you.”
“You as well Ms. Howard. Please call meKate.”
“And you must call me Becca.” I introduceher to my family, and we make our way into the shop. Olivia is here alreadyseated, sipping a glass of champagne.
“Olivia,” I smile. Thinking happythoughts. “I’m glad you made it.”
She stands. “Yes, well, I don’t want tobe found lacking in my ‘mother of the groom’ responsibilities.”
I try to keep a straight face, but itdoesn’t work and I cough to cover it up. “Thank you.” I know very well shedoesn’t want to be seen as the mother of the groom, especially since at onetime she wanted to be with Cole. And until most recently was still trying toget him in her bed.
When everyone’s seated, a hostess asks ifanyone would like champagne.
“I would,” Laura raises her hand. Mymother glares at her, but Laura doesn’t care.
“Anyone else?” she asks, handing Lauraher glass.
“I wouldn’t mind some of the bubbly,” mygrandma asserts.
