Page 29 of Marrying a Spy

Kirk raised his eyebrows but didn’t protest. He left the room, and a few minutes later, he was back with a dress draped over his arm.

Once he zipped it up, she held her breath.

This was the dress. The dress she’d dreamed about since she was a girl. It was flattering yet modest. It hinted at her figure without exposing any of it. The soft, satin material fitted her at the chest, but then flowed down to the floor. The neckline was higher and covered her shoulders with small, capped sleeves. She turned a few times in the mirror to get a look at every angle.

Kirk said it looked like it was meant for her, and Sophia had to agree.

When she stepped out of the room, Kari’s smile widened as it spread across her face. “Soph,” she said, standing to walk around her.

Sophia laughed. “What are you doing?”

Kari stopped in front of her. It looked like she had tears in her eyes.

“Are you crying?” Sophia asked.

Kari just stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Sophia. “I’m just so happy for you. It’s time you started opening yourself up to people. Noah seems like a good guy.” She pulled back. “Even if it’s kind of a fake wedding, I think there’s something there.”

Sophia hated the hope that rose up in her chest at Kari’s words. In an effort to push it down, she raised her eyebrows and let out a nervous chuckle. “You got that all from his one appointment at Gentle Dentists?”

Kari’s cheeks reddened as she glanced down to the ground.

Sophia studied Kari. “Kare. What’s going on?”

Kari met her gaze with an unsure expression. “I may have encouraged Noah to go after you.”

“What?”

Kari sighed as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt. “I may have given your number to Noah after the appointment. Told him to call you.” She held up her hands. “I didn’t know at the time that you two had a history.” She wrinkled her nose. “Can you forgive me?”

Sophia loved her crazy, meddling friend. Besides, she knew that Noah would have met with her again regardless, so she smiled and wrapped Kari into a hug. Out of all the people in her life, Kari had always stuck with her. She’d never abandoned her.

And she needed that strength as much as she needed air to breathe. She needed her friend. “It’s okay,” she whispered as she pulled back.

Kari studied her and then reached up and wiped a tear off her cheek. “Whew. That was emotional,” she said, smiling at Sophia.

She stepped back and ran her gaze over the dress. “I think this is the one. Even if it’s fake, you have to get married in this dress. It’s like it was made for you.”

Sophia turned to study her reflection in the mirror. She couldn’t deny the excitement that rose in her chest. Sure, she wasn’t marrying Noah because she loved him, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t look good, or have a blast, while doing it.

She forced out her fear and smiled over at Kari. “I’ll buy it.”

After the dress was purchased and inside Kari’s car, Kari pulled into the parking lot of Tasty Cakes. After she turned off the engine, she glanced over at Sophia.

“Ready to eat some cake?” Sophia asked.

Kari nodded and they both got out.

There were only a few vehicles in the parking lot. Sophia glanced at them, wondering who else was here.

When they got to the door, Kari opened it and waved Sophia inside.

Rebecca was standing at the register, and her face was flushed as she was speaking to…Noah?

They must have not noticed Sophia and Kari, because they continued their conversation without halting.

Sophia took a moment to watch them. Noah looked remorseful, and Rebecca kept nodding as she reached out and patted his hand on the counter.

It looked so easy—forgiving Noah. From the expression on Rebecca’s face, she held no ill will toward him. If anything, she looked relieved and grateful.

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