Page 79 of Calamity Rayne Gets Hitched

“So, what do you know about him?”

“He’s a goddamn chauffer, Meyers. Why the hell would I want to know more than the fact that he knows his way around the city?”

I tsked. “Everyone has a story, Remington.”

“Some stories aren’t interesting or worth my time—or yours. For God’s sake, stop hanging around the staff and make real friends.”

“Remington, I’m staff.”

He grumbled, unable to argue with the truth. “Go shopping, Meyers. Try to do something ladylike for a change.”

I sighed. “Fine. Tell Odette I said hi.”

“She’s still in be—” He caught himself and grumbled again. “Tricky, Meyers.”

I grinned, relieved by the confirmation that he was in fact with Odette and things seemed back to normal where their relationship was concerned. “Bye, Remington.”

“Goodbye. Say hi to Phina for me.”

“You should call her and say hi yourself.”

“Goodbye, Meyers.”

“Call your daughter!” I hung up.

It was bride time.

When I stood, the alcohol had taken effect. “Whoa. Hey, Purce, do you have a bat phone that connects directly to my driver or should I just shoot him a text?” I wasn’t sure if there was some sort of chauffer-butler-etiquette or interconnected communication switchboard I wasn’t aware of. “Percy?”

Crickets.

“Mr. Purcell?”

I glanced at the bell and tapped it with two fingers.

“Yes, madam?” The butler appeared out of nowhere.

Too weird. I decided to play it up. “Be a darling and ring Mr. Sharoski to pull the car around. I will be leaving presently for my bridal appointment.”

He didn’t even flinch. “Yes, madam.”

A Garter is Not a Headpiece

“There’s my future sister!” Seraphina rushed to greet me the second I entered her posh boutique situated appropriately on Madison Ave.

I grunted as she flung her arms around me and propelled me toward an elegant display. “Hey, Phina.”

“I’m so excited you’re finally here!” she squealed as if anyone could have mistaken her enthusiasm for a lesser emotion. Excited might have actually been an understatement. “I’ve had gowns sent in from all over the world for you to try on.”

The boutique was her flagship store and her first brick and mortar location, but I assumed the Davenport name outfitted her with impressive collateral when it came to calling in favors with other designer brands. I wasn’t a designer girl—per se—but I knew who Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang were.

I stepped into the connecting room and stilled. Holy crap, there was more than a million dollars of tulle surrounding the dressing room.

“I’m so thrilled you came here for your gown, Rayne. More than excited. Truly flattered.”

No matter how privileged Hale’s sister’s life had been, she managed to stay humble enough to get away with saying sweet stuff like that and still sound completely genuine.

Lacing her arm in mine, she pulled me across the white marble floor. “Now, Hale tells me this is a stress-free shopping spree, so whatever you want you get. We’re going to have so much fun.” She spun to face the woman folding lingerie at a granite counter on the other side of the store. “Lilly, will you pour a glass of champagne for our special guest?”

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