Page 115 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

“Us, too,” Cory said. “We’ve been so busy unpacking and getting the house the way we want it, the wedding is the last thing on our minds.”

CeCe reached over and took Cat’s hand. “I don’t think any of us expected to be in this position. I certainly didn’t. I figured we’d be helping one another plan our weddings one at a time.”

“I’m happy to help with whatever you need, but can you wait until I get Tara’s book signing done? That’s all I’ve been thinking about and working on,” Cat said.

“It’s going to be so much fun and good for the bookstore,” CeCe said. “I’ll be right there helping to keep the folks in line entertained.”

“I know you will and I appreciate it,” Cat said.

“Vi and I have the drinks ready. All we have to do is mix everything up on that day,” Cory said.

“Alexis is even taking the afternoon off to help,” CeCe added.

“She is? She doesn’t have to do that. I mean, she’s a friggin doctor. I’m sure she has more important things to be doing, like saving lives,” Cat said.

“Oh, no. She’s the one who suggested it. You are her family and she is here to help. Those are her words.” CeCe grinned.

“Y’all are the best,” Cat said, leaning back on the couch. She looked at CeCe and narrowed her gaze. “Hey, isn’t Elena coming in this afternoon to get her hair done?”

“Yep,” CeCe replied.

“Could I ask for a favor?”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“Could you keep her here just a little longer, and Cory could you send her home with a bottle of wine?” Cat asked.

“What are you up to?” CeCe asked.

“It’s a little surprise. When Elena comes into the bookstore today, I’ll tell her I’ll meet her at her house after her appointment,” Cat said. She’d had a romantic idea brewing in her head since they’d danced in the sapphic study. “If you could keep her here, I’d have time to go to her place and get things set up.”

“Do you have a specific bottle of wine in mind?” Cory asked.

“Yeah, I’ll have to come to the liquor store and show you. I can’t remember the name, but I know where it is because Elena told me,” Cat said with a chuckle.

Cat could see CeCe and Cory trying to figure out what was going on. She and Elena hadn’t told them that there was nothing fake about their relationship and Cat didn’t want to explain it to them right then.

“I can’t tell you how much Elena has helped me and Jessica prepare for the book signing. I want to surprise her with something nice, but it’s hard to catch her away from her house unless she’s at the bookstore. This would be the perfect opportunity,” Cat explained.

“Okay,” CeCe said. “I’ll text you when she’s leaving the salon.”

“Perfect,” Cat said with a big smile.

“Come on. Show me which wine and I’ll make sure she has it when she leaves the salon,” Cory said.

“When I see her come in, I’ll have just enough time to get to her house and set it up before she’s done. Thanks y’all,” Cat said, getting up from the couch.

“So we’re okay with this wedding thing?” CeCe asked.

Cat nodded. “Of course.”

“Let’s surprise Elena then,” Cory said as she and Cat left the back room.

30

Cat had tried to think of something special and romantic to do for Elena. She knew what she wanted to do, but hadn’t quite worked out how to make it happen. Cory and CeCe had given her the perfect opportunity today and she couldn’t wait to see the look on Elena’s face when she walked into her house after her hair appointment. The surprise had nothing to do with the book signing, even though she’d told her sisters it did.

To be honest, Cat was enjoying her and Elena’s little secret. They made it look real because it was, but her sisters and the others didn’t have to know that.

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