Page 25 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

Holly smiled but shook her head. “Mom, you weren’t supposed to make a banquet.”

“It’s nothing. Go on, have some.” Vivian tossed her head, her chin pointing the way to the feast. “Don’t let it go to waste.”

“Oh, it won’t,” Lucy said. “Believe me.”

“Preach!” Kim added.

After Lucy and Kim filled their plates, the rest of the ladies came to the table to help themselves.

“Oh em gee,” Kim said with a mouthful of food. “This is incredible.”

Lucy nodded, her eyes wide and mouth too full to remark.

The others agreed as they indulged, and for a few minutes, no one spoke. All that could be heard was chewing and sounds of delight.

Mrs. Miranelli plopped down on the arm of the sofa. “How are the wedding preparations going?”

“Despite the hiccups,” Holly began, “they are coming along. We just finalized the menu with Viola, and we got confirmation that all eight of Cupid’s siblings will be attending.”

“What?” Kim scoffed, nearly spitting pancit everywhere. “That’s quite a number of dogs for a wedding.”

Holly waved a hand. “Yes, I know. But Cupid is our ring bearer, and Nick thought it would be cute if all Cupid’s brothers and sisters were there to watch his proud moment.”

“That’s adorable,” Emily said. “Especially the part about Cupid carrying the rings to the altar.”

Rachel shook her head. “Leave it to my brother to have ideas that are both adorable and corny at the same time.”

“I have to say,” Lucy chimed in, her mouth finally free of food, “we are going to be one heck of a gorgeous bridal party. Iloveour dresses.”

“Heck yeah,” Kim agreed. “Very flattering and chic.”

Holly smiled to herself, glad that the attire aspect of the ordeal had worked out. The muted cornflower blue, chiffon gowns were in a Greek-goddess cut, the skirts elegantly flowing to the floor. She had been joyfully astonished when she’d seen her friends standing together in the shop, looking fabulous in the dresses she’d picked out.

When Holly looked over at her mother, she couldn’t quite read her expression.

“What, Mom?” Holly asked.

Vivian tilted her head. “Maybe later.”

“Maybe later what?” Holly laughed. “Come on. You’re making me nervous. You don’t like the dresses?”

“Oh, no, it’s not that.”

“What, then?”

“So, I know you already have a wedding gown, which is so gorgeous,” Vivian began, “but I did bring you something you might want to, um, consider.”

“Consider? What is it?”

Vivian got to her feet and raised her index finger. “Be right back.”

Holly looked around, particularly at Emily and Mrs. Miranelli, who had spent most of the day with her mom. Perhaps she had shared the details of this surprise with one of them, though their expressions said otherwise.

Moments later, Vivian reappeared with a garment bag.

“Mom, what is that?” Holly stood and took two steps toward her mother.

Instead of answering, Vivian giggled. “Kim, can you help me?”

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