Page 88 of A Little Luck

Placing my hand on my forehead, I take a deep breath and pull out my phone. I can’t believe what I’m about to do, but I hastily tap out a quick text to Gwen.

Need you to cast a protective spell over Stone Cold. Lots of random accidents. Alex says could be ghosts.

I hit send, and it only takes a few minutes for her to text back.

Gwen

Alex said that?

I had to double-check too.

Gwen

Strangely active year. I’ll take care of it, then I’ll handle our unwelcome guest.

Strangely active year? Unwelcome guest?Uneasiness stretches across my chest, and I wonder if she means the ghost or someone else.

I don’t have time to spend wondering. Alex and I return to the storage closet to retrieve more boxes, and I’ve got to make the most with what we have. The décor will be moreMidsummer Night’s Dreamthan English Country Garden, but it’ll still be magical if I have anything to do with it.

I’m up to my elbows in dusty boxes and coasters when my phone buzzes.

Adam

You good? I’m getting Ryan ready and will be there early if you need anything.

Sitting on my butt on the dusty closet floor, I push my hair off my face and gaze at Adam’s text. My good luck charm.

All good here. Just finishing up. See you soon—thank you!

Adam

I told you not to thank me for taking care of you.

I huff a breath, and a lone tear traces down my dirty cheek. Pushing it away, I shake off the momentary discouragement and drag myself off the floor. I’ve got this, and after all the shit I’ve overcome, mischievous ghosts had better get out of my way.

* * *

“Drink this.”Jemima puts a glass of champagne in my hand while she stands beside Britt, who’s arranging my hair. “We’re the only ones who can drink, and I think you’ve earned it after this ridiculous day.”

Today, Britt was in charge of Cass, and I took care of all the rest. Adam took care of Ryan and Owen, and Alex’s mom had Pinky. Now we’re all in the small dressing room putting the final touches on our glam before it’s time to walk out for the ceremony.

“Why was today ridiculous?” Cass frowns, holding up her skirt as she hops over to where I’m in the chair. “I could have a glass of champagne. Nothing’s happened for us yet.”

“Get that girl a drink!” I hold up my glass. “Everything is fine—we just had a few little hiccups getting started.”

She’s in her beautiful, dancer-inspired dress, and Britt and I are in matching, sage-green silk and tulle dresses. Britt’s is empire waist and strapless, while mine has a V-neck and butterfly sleeves with a deep slit up the front.

“Alex failed to tell us the distillery is haunted.” Jemima is in a one-shoulder, floor-length sage green dress that reminds me of a toga or something Julius Caesar’s wife would’ve worn.

Her hair is arranged in a braided updo, and she has long, thin earrings hanging from her ears.

“Haunted!” Cass’s eyes widen, and Britt, who’s doing her makeup, exhales loudly.

“Be still! You’re going to have mascara all over your face.”

“Alex didn’t say a word about ghosts to me.”

“Don’t worry.” I pat Cass on the shoulder. “We had a meeting of the minds, and no ghost is allowed to break another thing or trip anyone or cause any more mischief.”

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