Her mouth dropped open. “Wow! That’s gorgeous!”
Brooke smoothed her hand over her belly. “I know, right?”
“You’re going to want some pearls, and I know just the right shoes.” Laurie dashed off again, a dress still in her arms, calling, “Be right back!”
“I appreciate both of you for helping me shop,” said Brooke. “My sister isn’t flying in until seven o’clock, just in time for the ceremony, so it’s a good thing you were able to come early.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Fortunately, the nanny was happy to watch our toddler for the day.”
“How old is he?”
“Twenty months. And we’ve got a daughter who’s ten. They grow up so fast.” Steph gave a happy sigh. “As you’re about to find out for yourself. When are you due?”
So Cole had told them about the pregnancy. Brooke was glad. At least she could get some advice. “I haven’t been to the doctor yet, so it doesn’t seem real. By my best calculations and a little internet research, I’d say I’m about thirteen and a half weeks, due the first week of December.”
Steph’s brows pinched together. “You’re pretty small.”
“I lost a lot of weight during the divorce, and I haven’t been very hungry.” Dread swirled in her chest as she dropped her hands protectively across her belly. “Do you think the baby’s okay? I’m hoping I get my appetite back soon.”
“I’m sure the baby’s fine.” Steph patted her arm. “I’m just surprised you’re that far along.”
“I’m back.” Breathless, Laurie knocked on the door, and Steph let her inside the fitting room, which was beginning to feel a bit cramped with three women and twenty wedding dresses. “I’ve got some pearls and some satin pumps. They’re a size eight instead of seven-and-a-half, but the lady told me they run small.”
“How much are they?” Brooke jutted her chin forward. “I know you think Cole can afford it, but I plan to pay him back every dime he spends on me.”
Laurie folded her arms. “When you get divorced?”
“Right!” Brooke punctuated with a sharp nod.
“Or if you get divorced.” Laurie’s eyebrows danced, and she exchanged a glance with Steph. “Because Finn and I have a bet going. A thousand dollars says the divorce will never happen.”
“I hate to tell you, but you’re going to lose that bet. Neither one of us wants a long-term relationship.” Not to mention, I’m setting him up with my sister.
“Either way, you can’t pay Cole back for any of this,” said Steph. “He said he wanted it to be your wedding gift from him.”
“He did?” Sudden tears stung her eyes. “I don’t have a present for him.”
Drat that man! Why does he have to be so nice?
“All Cole needs as a wedding present is you in some little lacy lingerie.”
Laurie threw her head back and laughed, while the blood rushed to Brooke’s face.
Steph grimaced. “Uhmm… Laurie. There won’t be any lingerie. They plan to have a platonic relationship.”
“Platonic?” Laurie stomped her foot. “Finn didn’t tell me that! No wonder he made the bet!”
Steph gave Brooke’s arm a squeeze. “Don’t worry. Cole won’t be expecting a present.”
“This is all so stressful. I was so uptight I barely remember riding in the private jet this morning.”
“Sure beats flying commercial, doesn’t it?” asked Steph.
“I wouldn’t know,” said Laurie. “I’ve got aerophobia. I take two sleeping pills and they carry me onto the plane.”
“Which is why the four of us flew over last night.” Steph gave Laurie a hug. “But I still love you, phobias and all.”
“Let’s have all these things sent to your room and go grab some lunch,” said Laurie. “I’ve been married to Finn for over a year now, so I’ll teach you my ways.”
“I’ve been married to Bran for over two years,” said Steph. “You might learn more from me.”
“Nah!” Laurie gave Steph a playful shove. “It doesn’t take any skill to live with Bran—he’s way too nice. Cole’s a lot more like my husband. Finn hasn’t stopped teasing me since the day we met.”
“Cole does tease me a lot,” said Brooke, as she searched for her clothes under the yards of white lace and satin littering the settee. “But sometimes he’s also super sweet and thoughtful, like the last two nights when he gave me a foot-rub.”
“You got your man to massage your feet? Two nights in a row?” Laurie looked at her sideways. “Girl, I think you could teach Steph and me a thing or two.”
“Brooke seems like a nice girl,” Jarrett said, as he buttoned his tuxedo shirt.
“I agree.” Already dressed, Finn lounged on the couch in Bran and Steph’s expansive hotel suite, the designated dressing room for the men. All the women were getting ready in Finn and Laurie’s suite. Finn added, “Way too nice for the likes of Cole.”
“You’re right.” Cole laughed, enjoying the easy banter with his friends. He’d have enjoyed this day so much more if his cohorts were going to be the only people at the wedding. Who’d have dreamed his entire family would insist on flying to Vegas for the impromptu ceremony? His plan to throw his family into an uproar had backfired. He was counting on his sister, Mariah, to keep his parents from causing a scene, though she’d made it clear she didn’t approve of his “phony marriage.” As for Brooke, she’d turned chalky white when her parents announced they were also coming.
“Is everything ready for the ceremony?” asked Bran, as he navigated smoothly to the kitchenette area, having already memorized the layout so he could move around without his cane. His buddies were careful to keep the floor clear of obstructions, a habit instilled since their early days together at camp. “I know you haven’t had time to shop for rings.”
“The wedding concierge made all the arrangements, including buying the rings for us.”
