Page 4 of Before We Say I Do

Chapter Two

“Wow. You are beautiful in that dress.”

Carla Jones ran her eyes over London’s mermaid-styled diamond-sparkled wedding gown as London stood on a stage before a mirror in Alexis’s bridal shop. The dress had been custom-made and discussed in depth before London finally gave her ideas over to the seamstress. She tried to keep herself from counting down the days to her wedding, but how could she not?

London was marrying one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors: business founder, CEO, and humanitarian Kyle Valentine.

An extensive breath shuffled from her lips. London almost couldn’t believe it. The way they’d fallen in love was something even movies couldn’t compare to. Their love began as a friendship that blossomed oh-so-carefully into a beautiful bliss that consumed her.

When Kyle asked for her hand in marriage, though surprised, the yes had come off her tongue as if in the running position. Ready, waiting, willing.

Still, London had to admit, waiting for the call from her seamstress had been pure agony. For a minute, she became worried if the woman would get the dress sewn in time. If she missed the deadline, London would’ve been devastated.

Thankfully, that was not the case as London stood in the gown, completely awestruck at her appearance.

“I don’t even recognize myself.” London blew out another long breath, taking in the snug fit, perfectly aligned as the dress roamed accentuated curves.

“Your boobs complement this dress too. My tits would fight like hell if they were in that thing,” Carla offered.

London’s lips rose into a smile, her eyes dropping as she squinted at her cousin.

“That’s not necessarily true.”

“How do you figure that?”

“Because you would be in a size that complements you. Your tits would adjust.”

Carla nodded, eyes wide. “Mmm-hmm, sure.”

Low laughter trickled from London, a soft breath leaving her mouth as she gazed at her image.

“You are gorgeous. That man is going to tear you apart.”

Laughter speared from both of them, and tears clouded London’s eyes as she turned to her cousin.

“This is it, isn’t it?”

Carla nodded, her eyes growing sentimental as she stared at London.

“It is. And you make a wonderful bride.”

A whistled breath escaped London, and she pulled her cousin in for a hug.

“Thank you so much for being here with me.”

“Oh, girl, you don’t have to thank me at all. I love you, honey.”

London’s head bobbled as she nodded.

“I have a favor to ask of you, and I know it’s last-minute, but…” London’s eyes misted even more.

“What is it? Should I be worried?”

“No, no, nothing like that. I…don’t have a maid of honor.”

Carla’s eyes widened, her bob razor-sharp as her hair gave a little swinging bounce when she took a step back.

“Are you asking me to be your maid of honor?”

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