Page 117 of Stone Vows

“Actually, it doesn’t hurt as much as it did the first time I got it.” I close my eyes at the horrible memory. “Probably because I actuallywantthis one.”

“Oh, my God. Did he force you to get it?” Piper asks.

I shake my head and look at the floor. “He didn’t force me to do anything,” I say, shamefully. “It was more like he intimidated me into it.”

“Is there really a difference?” Skylar asks in disgust.

Two of the three Mitchell sisters have come with me for moral support. Skylar was able to pull some strings with Spike and get me in this week. He’s in high demand and is normally booked weeks in advance. But sometimes, when inspiration strikes, you just have to do it before you chicken out.

I reach out and grab Piper’s hand, squeezing it when I feel twinges of pain. “Are you ready to become Mrs. Lawrence?” I ask.

The smile that overtakes her face is all the answer I need. “I can’t believe it’s only ten days away,” she says. “You guys will die when you see Hailey in her little flower girl dress. She’s adorable. I’m so excited to finally become her official step-mom.”

“She’s called you ‘Mommy’ for years,” Skylar says. “Will things really be all that different?”

“Of course they will.” Piper gives her sister an exasperated look. “Every time I take Hailey someplace new, I have to introduce her asmy fiancée’sdaughter. After next Saturday, I’ll be able to introduce her asmydaughter. Huge difference.”

I let my head fall back against the headrest and I close my eyes.

“Oh, shit, Lex—uh, Elizabeth,” Piper says, cringing at her slip-up. “I didn’t mean things weren’t great the way they were. I mean, families come in all different shapes and sizes. There are no rules.”

“I know, Piper. But I also know that Kyle feels the way you do. About Ellie. About me. He doesn’t want to think of us as somebody else’s. And I’m just not sure he will ever get past that.”

“Give him time,” Skylar says. “And maybe give him a little nudge in the right direction.”

“Nudge?” I ask, remembering her saying that once before.

“Yeah, there’s nothing like a little jealousy to get a guy to admit he loves you. Believe me. I know from firsthand experience.”

I raise my eyebrows at her. “You had to make Griffin jealous?”

“I didn’t set out to,” she tells me. “I thought Griffin was out of the picture when I started dating John. But then Griffin came back, and, oh boy. All I can say is that if John weren’t in the picture, I’m not sure Griffin would have been so quick to lay his claim on me.”

“Lay his claim, huh?” I ask.

“Oh, he laid his claim alright,” Piper says. “I wasn’t there, but I have video evidence to prove it. And it was epic.”

“Video?” I ask. “I think I might need to see this epic display of claim-laying.”

Skylar laughs. “Next time you come over, I’ll get it out. It’s been a while since I’ve watched it. Could be fun.”

“I feel a girls’ night in the near future,” Piper says.

“Speaking of which, did you get my email about the bachelorette party?” I ask.

She bounces up and down in her seat. “I did. And I love your idea. How did you come up with it?”

“Are you kidding? Your oldest sister has me researching all kinds of stuff for her books. If you ever want to know how long it takes to crash land a twin-engine plane after it runs out of gas—I’m your girl.”

Piper laughs. “Baylor sounds like a slave driver.”

“Best boss I’ve ever had,” I say.

“Isn’t she theonlyboss you’ve ever had?” Skylar asks.

I shrug. “If you don’t count the yappy four-legged furry types I used to work for.”

“She’s really happy with you, too,” Piper says. “You should have seen her with her last assistant. I thought she might actually pull her hair out in frustration. But these days, Baylor is so relaxed and stress-free. That’syourdoing, you know.”

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