Page 107 of Cop Daddy Next Door

“I have to say, I like your confidence. Wish I’d had an ounce of it before I was married.”

“Well, you should have.” I sucked down most of my cider in one gulp. It was so good. “You pinned down that stud muffin August, and he’s a long, tall bite of sexy.”

Kinleigh blinked a couple times before laughing. “Yeah, I suppose he is.”

“Trust me, he is, and he adores you. So be confident, girl. Be confident anyway, but take comfort that he knows exactly what and who he has in his life.” I released a long breath. “I’m not buying a dress yet. I’m just wishful shopping. Is that a thing? I didn’t even want to be married before. Maybe it’s hormones—” I swallowed hard. “Or PMS!”

She smiled knowingly. “Or maybe it’s happiness. Marriage is far less scary when you know he’s the one.” She led me over to a rack of vintage gowns. “Since you’re just getting ideas, want to veto these right off the bat?”

I drank the last of my cider and pitched the cup in the trash. “Yeah. I’m too short for these. I want to show some leg. And some back.”

If my breasts cooperated, I might even have some cleavage to speak of. Praise be.

“You know, I think I’m going to send you elsewhere.”

I frowned. “Is this myPretty Womanmoment? I can pay.” Could I ever after landing my big deal.

She laughed. “No, of course not. I like you, Van.”

“You do?”

“I do. You inspire me. Just I have a friend who is more in sync with your vibe, I think. She’ll come up with something amazing for you.”

“Quickly? I want to still have some shape left. I mean, I’m not running down the aisle for Thanksgiving, but—” I blew out a breath. “I need to ask him first and see how he feels before I plan the whole shindig and tell him when and where to show up.” I bit my lip. “Huh, maybe I’m becoming a planner?”

“It sure sounds like it, but yeah, you should probably get his input. At least a little.”

“His input can be scary.”

“Well, he is male.”

I nodded sympathetically. “Very much so. But he deserves to get to help plan this deal too. Unless he just wants to elope, which gotta say I wouldn’t mind.” I closed my eyes for a minute, imagining a Just Married sign and tin cans jangling off the back of my bus.

The idea had merit. And his dad loved Elvis. I was pretty sure someone else in town had gotten married in Vegas. I’d do my research and add it to my list of possibilities.

“Eloping solves a number of logistical problems. And pains in the ass.”

Surprised to hear the usually prim and proper Kinleigh swear, I laughed and opened my eyes. “So where are you sending me?”

She moved back to the counter and grabbed a pad, jotting something down before tearing off the paper. “Have you heard of Vintage December? It’s a newer shop in town, just off Main Street. December is a goddess at finding exactly what her customers need. And she has a funky sense of style like you do.”

I glanced down at my denim miniskirt, lime green patterned tights, and chunky Doc Martens. My earrings were dripping bloody cleavers. “I guess funky fits. Thanks,” I added as I took the paper. “I’m going to try to wait to see her until I actually have a fiancé. This was just a whim.”

She grinned. “Probably a wise plan.”

“Thanks again.” Impulsively, I rushed around the counter to give her a big hug, though she towered over me. What else was new?

She hugged me back, pleasure radiating in her smile as she shifted away. “For what it’s worth, he’d be an idiot to say no to you, and Maverick isn’t an idiot.”

“No, he’s definitely not. I’ve been the idiot who kept saying no to him.” I bit my lip. “Not that he proposed. Dragging his feet there, just like his damn brother. No wonder my sister had to take control.”

Kinleigh flushed. “Some men enjoy when a woman takes control.”

“Oh, he definitely enjoys that. Hmm, maybe I’ll get out his handcuffs—just in case.” I grinned as Kinleigh’s flush turned into a four-alarm fire right up to her hairline. “See you!”

I practically pranced out the door. Then came to a stop as my gaze zeroed in on my bus parked damn near perfectly against the curb.

And the obvious piece of paper tucked under the windshield wiper.

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