Page 37 of Holiday Hook Up

“Because you are now part of this family and know the individual involved better than all of us—except for maybe Adam and your husband.”

“Are you talking about Mary?” Caitlin took immediate interest and bypassed Bethany straight for Abby.

Bethany’s arms shivered at the mention of Mary’s name. “I thought you said no ghosts.”

Abby waved her off. “Mary’s far, far away in a land called ‘crossed over.’ You’re fine.”

“Did you find her dress?” Caitlin asked.

“No.” Abby shook her head. “But with Bethany’s help, I think we will.”

“My help?” What did Abby think she could do? “You saw me take off the dress the night of the Holiday Hook Up before it disappeared. I have no clue what happened to it.”

“I think I do,” Abby said, and motioned for Bethany to go before her into the guest room. “But we need your assistance to prove my hunch.”

Bethany stepped in to see Emma standing in front of the full-length mirror in a gorgeous white wedding dress with a sleeveless sweetheart neckline. She twirled around, the satin material flowing to the floor.

“Oh, my God, Emma!” Bethany admired the breathtaking gown. Was this why Abby had called? To share the news that Emma and Jason were getting married. If so, it seemed strange that she would be included. She wasn’t exactly part of their inner circle. “When did you and Jason get engaged?”

Emma smiled, smoothing her hands down the soft white fabric. “We’re not.”

“But you had an itch to try on wedding dresses.” Caitlin snickered. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

Abby came over and swatted her. “Not every woman in this town gets pregnant before she gets married.”

“Oh, so you’re playing the role of the pot today,” Caitlin snapped back.

“Just remember you filled your kettle way before me.”

“Like that makesyoua saint. At least I didn’t curse the father of my babies after I got pregnant.”

Abby crossed her arms. “I didn’tknowI was pregnant, obviously.”

“Okay, you two.” Emma stepped in to separate them. “And, no. For the record, I’mnotpregnant. I found the dress here.”

“In there.” Abby pointed to the hope chest. “She found itin there.”

Bethany’s legs began to wobble at that big reveal. While Caitlin walked over and peered into the hope chest, she didn’t need to see inside to believe Abby. She took a seat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her knees. “When did you find it?”

Abby sat down beside her. “About an hour ago. I’d asked Emma to stop by so I could show her the hope chest. I wanted to do it earlier in the week, but someone skipped town with her boyfriend.” She gave a sideways glance to Emma. “But swears they didn’t get engaged.”

Emma raised her ringless hand. “It was a quick trip to Niagara Falls. Jason had never been. I promise you the minute it happens, you all will know.”

“We better.” Abby continued, “Anyways, we came up here, and I opened the hope chest and it w—”

“It was in there,” Caitlin cut her off. “That dress?”

“No. It was completely empty.”

“Wait.” Bethany pointed at Emma. “I thought you said you found it in there.”

“She did.” Abby jumped up and walked over to the hope chest, shutting the lid. “After me. I closed the top and then Emma came over and opened it, and voila . . .” She pointed to her cousin. “That gorgeous gown—which just so happens to fit her to perfection—was in there.”

Caitlin’s eyes went wide at that news while Bethany sat still, trying to process what she was hearing. “So why did you ask me to come over?” Her bottom lip quivered at that question.

Abby shut the lid and then came back over to the bed and grabbed Bethany’s hand, pulling her up. “We need you to open it.”

Bethany pulled her hand back. “Why?”

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