Page 112 of The Fiance Dilemma

My chest heaved with the words that had just been left unsaid.

Matthew’s nose flared. “Ignore it.”

It rang again.

Matthew’s jaw clamped, eyes filling up with an irritation I shared.

“You look so cute when you’re grumpy,” I told him before slipping under his arms. I snagged my robe and watched him as he let himself fall on his back with a curse. “Grumpy and horny. Yummy, even better now.” I tilted my head, watching how nice Matthew looked in my bed. Hunger rekindled in my belly. “Actually? Don’t move. Just stay there. I’ll see who it is, shoo them away, and be right back.”

And with that promise I sprinted out the door of my bedroom and down the stairs. The realization that Grandpa Moe had beat me to the door made me come to a slow stop before reaching the end of the staircase. Adalyn and Cameron stood there, bringing a smile to my face.

“Hi, guys,” I said with a wave. “To what do I owe the honor?”

My sister returned the smile. Then her gaze flickered behind me. “Morning. And hey, at least you’re not completely naked. Thanks.”

I looked over my shoulder to find Matthew in his briefs. No shirt, no pants, no nothing. Just the briefs, ruffled hair, his glasses, and a smile. I braced myself on the railing, and he was somehow immediately behind me. An arm snaked around my shoulders, pulling me to his chest. “I don’t like this extra layer of clothing here,” he murmured into my ear.

A chuckle escaped me. Fine, a giggle. It was a giggle.

“Can we speed things along?” a bored voice said. Bobbi popped in from behind Cameron, sending the man an unimpressed glance when he glared at her. “Small talk makes me uncomfy, and we have things to say.”

My lips popped open, but Adalyn beat me to it. “We want to make sure you’re okay,” my sister said, ignoring the other woman.“Last night was a lot, and Andrew… it wasn’t right. He overshadowed what the dinner should have been about. Which was the two of you, not him. Believe me, I talked to him. He wanted to come today, but we asked him to sit this one out.”

My hands had wrapped around Matthew’s forearm at some point. “Sit what out?”

“We’re pampering the bride-to-be,” Adalyn said, eyes shining with emotion.

Cameron brought her to his side with an arm. “I’m apparently also pampering.” His green eyes flicked to Matthew. “You’ll need to be clothed for that, by the way.”

“Pity,” Matthew muttered. He lowered his voice, just for me, “Is Adalyn about to start crying again? I think she might.”

I was pretty sure she might, in fact. Which was… strange, to say the least. I never knew weddings made Adalyn this emotional. But I wasn’t about to do my sister dirty and point that out. “Yay!” I exclaimed. “Totally unnecessary, but I’d absolutely love to be pampered and hang out. What’s the plan?”

“It’s a surprise,” Adalyn managed out. Barely.

I blinked at her. “Adalyn, are you sure you’re o—”

“She’s fine,” Bobbi interjected. “Can we go now? Time’s of the essence and we have places to be. And just like I told Burly Brit here, no men allowed.Especiallynot Blondie. Oh, and no. This is not a bachelorette, so there’s no need to get your singles out or wear your good underwear, yes? Now, move.” She clapped her hands, looking straight at us. “Let’s go. Come on. Oh, Maurice? Do you mind showing me to the coffee machine while we wait?”

The moment I jumped out of Adalyn’s car, I knew things were about to take a turn.

I should have predicted that this was where we were headed when we got on the interstate.

The white and baby pink sign crowning the door stared back, as if pointing a finger at me, poking fun.Always a Bride,it read. The irony was like a bucket of cold water to the face.

“Come on,” Bobbi said, ushering me forward with a hand. “Charleene is waiting for us.”

Charleene.

I remembered her. Kind face, a little uptight, well-intentioned. She’d tailored the gown I’d made a run in. One of them. Greg’s.

“I—”

“Nonsense,” Bobbi interjected. “I know you said you would take care of it, but you’re not walking down the aisle in something plain so… we’re splurging. If this was a normal wedding, it’d be months too late for any of this, but it’s Bobbi Shark organizing it, and Charleene and I have come to an understanding.” Bobbi’s hand rose and she rubbed her finger and thumb in a gesture. “Some lady with a perm helped me get your measurements from some costume for a Thanksgiving parade? We should just need to make some small adjustments. As you see, there’s nothing Bobbi Shark can’t do. Now, shall we?”

Bobbi didn’t wait for my response, so I watched her make her way inside the shop, remaining rooted in place.

Adalyn popped by my side. She hooked our arms together and gave me a smile. “If you want me to take her down, you just say the word, okay? You should be enjoying this.” Her eyes sparkled again, emotion welling. “I know I will. I never thought I’d get to do this with someone. Be there for my sister.”

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