Page 59 of More Than a Blind Date

Daphne laughs. “Good thing Dallas is always warm.”

I’mthankful Cara didn’t ask me to be the maid of honor because I wouldn’t want to be the first to walk down the aisle. After watching two others make the trek, I copy their pace. As I take intentional steps toward the front, I feel Dallas’s gaze on me.

When I sneak a glance at him, he winks, which nearly makes me trip on my own feet.

Focusing on the front, I manage to make it there without toppling headfirst into the ground. As soon as I’m in place, the music changes.

My brother’s smile is wide and bright, and his gaze is fixed on the end of the aisle. I can tell from his expression when Cara comes into view. Tears brim in his eyes, and I pinch my lips, trying not to ruin my makeup at the beginning of the ceremony.

Cara is smiling at my brother, and my heart is about to burst. I’m so happy for them. In spite of the crazy that threads through our families, they found love with each other. I wish them decades of love and togetherness. And very shiny spines. They’re going to need it.

As the minister speaks, I concentrate on his words, only occasionally glancing at Dallas. I want to be this happy forever.

We’re halfwaythrough the reception, and Tanya is telling some of my other cousins about the night Dallas proposed. I’m trying to focus, but then panic washes over me. Mom has been on her best behavior. And that worries me. I know better than to think she just relented to my desires. And Dad hasn’t said a wordabout the shop. It doesn’t make sense for it to sit, unopened. Why pay for a place that isn’t generating money?

But it won’t do me any good to worry about it tonight. Easier said than done.

Dallas catches my attention, and I excuse myself from the conversation. “My fiancé is calling.”

As I walk away, I hear a collective sigh.

Dallas leads me onto the dance floor. “Another blue dress. I now have a favorite color.”

“Are you saying you didn’t have a favorite color before?”

He gives a shrug. “It never mattered.”

“That’s crazy. Of course it matters.”

“I like that it matters to you, Zuzu.”

I rest my head on his shoulder, then pull back. “I don’t want to get makeup on your jacket.”

“It isn’t a rental. I’ll just have it cleaned.”

“Youboughta tuxedo?”

“Is that a problem?” His thumb brushes my back.

I lean my head down again. “Not at all. It just surprises me.”

As we step off the floor after dancing to several songs, Cara runs up. “Rose, come with me. I want to do some pictures in the photo booth with my bridesmaids. Dallas, you don’t mind if I steal her away for a few minutes, do you?”

“Have fun.” He blows me a kiss as I step away, and I’m even more excited about what tomorrow brings.

CHAPTER 26

DALLAS

Imake my way to the bar to get a drink while Rose and the other bridesmaids take pictures. I’ve pretty much told her how I feel without using words, which has me on edge.

Whiskey in his hand, Richard eases up beside me. “I wanted to apologize in person for what’s about to happen.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Rose. It’s a well-known fact that Rose wants to run the new location that’s about to open. And her parents decided to let her do that on one condition.”

I inhale, steeling my expression so that I don’t react when I hear the condition. Because the yuck in my gut says I’m not going to like it. “She’ll do a great job running the store.”

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