Page 91 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

The truce she and Liam had called was definitely the only way she’d gotten through the week unscathed. But that didn’t mean that each evening he came over didn’t leave her wanting more. Even Lucy kept reaching for him, getting used to him.

Thankfully, though, Lucy had fallen in love with Phil, too, so at least there was a man in her life who wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.

Macy had let Phil run the store during the morning, then they posted a sign they’d be closing early due to family. And the Monroes were so much like family to Macy. She loved each of them, felt a connection just the same as if they were blood related.

As she turned from side to side, studying her image in the full-length mirror in one of the guest rooms at Bella Vous, Macy decided she actually loved her dress. Loved it even more because the vintage lace looked adorable with her boots. The outdoorsy wedding would be perfect for her bridesmaid look.

The cream lace she’d chosen made her skin look a bit darker, as if she’d actually gotten a tan. As if she ever had time for such things. She’d opted to leave her hair down, curling the ends. A simple amount of shadow and gloss was all she committed to in the makeup department. She looked feminine, but still comfortable. Granted, her favorite lingerie beneath the dress always managed to make her feel sexy.

And she was going to be standing up with two brides, so it wasn’t like anyone would notice her anyway.

Smoothing her hands down her dress, she went across the hall where Sophie and Cora were getting ready. Sophie had just zipped up the side of Cora’s dress and stepped back.

“Wow.” Macy froze in the doorway. “You two are absolutely gorgeous.”

Both brides turned.

Sophie lifted her satin A-line skirt and shifted back from Cora. “I’m so nervous,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t know why. I’ve waited for this day for years.”

“Well, Zach and Braxton are not going to be able to concentrate on vows with the sight of you two.”

Cora slid her hands down the sides of her dress. “I love how this feels. I wanted something vintage and classy.”

“Lace is the way to go,” Sophie agreed.

While Cora’s dress was straight with a short train and completely covered in elegant lace, Sophie’s was smooth silk with just a touch of lace across the bust and scalloped edging over her shoulders.

A pang of jealousy hit Macy. She couldn’t be happier for her friends, but at the same time, she wondered if she’d ever have this moment for herself.

“And speaking of gorgeous, wait until Liam sees you.” Sophie stepped in front of the vanity and picked up a set of pearl earrings. “He’s not going to be able to keep his hands off of you.”

Macy laughed. “I wouldn’t bet on that.”

Cora felt along the edge of the king-sized bed until she reached the end and faced Macy. “Is this because he’s leaving? Savannah isn’t that far away.”

“It might as well be Alaska.” Macy stepped into the room, heading to the dresser where their flowers were all laid out. She fingered the delicate petals. “We want different things.”

“But you want each other. That’s pretty difficult to ignore,” Cora countered.

More like impossible.

“Well, I can’t make him stay and I won’t ask him to.” Why did her chest ache when she said those words? Why did every aspect of her life lately circle back to Liam, to the mess they’d gotten themselves in? “Besides, we both knew this wasn’t going to last.”

“I’m sure you agreed to that before you fell in love,” Cora murmured. “Am I correct?”

Macy bit her lip, pushing beyond the hurt. “Yes.”

Pulling in a deep breath, Macy realized this was not the time or the place to get into her issues. She would not ruin this day for the people she loved, the people who deserved all the happiness in the world.

“Let’s not focus on any of that.” Macy picked up her bouquet of fresh hydrangeas. “Today the sun is shining, the guests are arriving, and you two are the most gorgeous brides I’ve ever seen.”

“Where’s Lucy?” Sophie asked as she adjusted her pearl necklace, her gaze meeting Macy’s in the mirror.

“Dad took her for a walk. I didn’t want her to get too restless, and if she’s in her stroller, she’ll probably fall asleep.”

“You seem to be adjusting with her in your life.” Cora grabbed Heidi’s collar, which had been wrapped in cream satin ribbons. “Has the social worker said if there’s a potential life family for her?”

“Her grandmother in Texas has been notified, but I’m not sure if she wants to take Lucy.” Macy gripped the ribboned stems in her hands. “I, um . . . I sort of requested that I could be a contender for adoption.”

---