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“You’ve got the food part right. Maybe I should move to Seattle or Alaska where the sun barely shines. I could accept my paleness and live with my people.”

“Your people?”

“Yeah . . . albinos with see through skin.”

She giggled. “You’re not albino, you weirdo. You do know that Alaskan people aren’t as pale as you’re making them sound, right? And you better not move. What would I do without you?”

“First of all, yes, there are pale Alaskans. They live way up north . . . with the polar bears. And you’d be fine without me. You’d spend more time with that gorgeous, moody man of yours.”

“I think you’ve been reading too many paranormal books. It’s the vampires that are that white. Also, time away could be a good thing. Believe me. He’s insatiable.”

I turned to face her. “Are you actually complaining about the amount of sex you’re getting to have?”

“No, I suppose not, but sometimes my little friend down there needs a break.”

Now I was the one giggling. “We work around vaginas all day and you call it ‘your little friend’?

She shrugged. “Yep. But all of this brings me back around to a question I’ve wanted to ask you for a while. How come I’ve never seen you go out on a date? In fact I don’t think I’ve ever even heard you talking about a guy.”

Inevitably, I’m always asked this question. I don’t a

Her voice became softer. “Don’t any of those long term goals include someone tall, dark, and handsome?”

“I just don’t think that’s in the cards for me.”

“It could be if you opened yourself up to the possibility.”

I turned to look out the window. We were heading into downtown Athens, and the historic buildings were passing us by. “You make it sound like a fairytale. I like being alone.”

I saw her reflection in the glass. Keegan glanced over at me with sad, wistful eyes. A hand came over and grasped my own. “I’m here. I’m always going to be here, even if you just want to sit and not talk.” With a light squeeze she put her hand back on the wheel and focused on the road. I turned back toward her and gave her a small smile. We rode the rest of the way to the bridal shop in silence.

When we arrived, I saw that Rowan, Keegan’s mom, Sarah, her little sister, and Do

As Macie stepped out of the car, she lifted her long brown hair off of her neck and fa

“Yes, but there will be plenty of icy drinks to keep the heat away.” Keegan stated positively. Nothing was going to get her spirits down.

“You better hope so, ‘cause I swear, you keep my ass out in this heat longer than ten minutes for you to say ‘I do’ I’m walking.”

Keegan gri

“Does this look like a face that is kidding?” She pointed to her pout. “Never mind. Who can see my face when it’s melting off? Can we just get inside please?”

“Yes, please,” I seconded.

As we all walked in the door, Keegan hugged everyone that was there to support her. As she checked in with one of the front desk girls, Do

I nodded as she approached me then welcomed me in a warm hug like we were relatives or old friends. “I thought so. I’m usually good with names, but I haven’t seen you in what?” She paused to think about it. “Well, I think it’s been about seven or eight months.”

Do

“So how are you, honey? Been stayin’ busy?” Her sweet-as-a-peach southern draw was smooth, like a fine wine.

I paused briefly to shake myself from the tears that wanted to work their way up. Swallowing down the lump that was forming, I reciprocated her smile. “I’m good, thanks for asking. Just working on the L&D floor like Keegan and taking on a couple extra shifts now and then.”

“That’s right. Keegan said y’all worked together. How’re ya likin’ it?”

Keegan started making her way toward the showroom floor and we all trailed behind her, the consultant leading the way. “It’s good. I didn’t realize how rewarding the work would be, but I really am happy with it.”

She rested her hand on my forearm as we stepped into a wide space with wedding dresses and prom gowns galore. “That’s great honey. I know the nurses that were there when I birthed all four of my boys were an invaluable asset to me. I’m so happy for you.”

The mention of her sons brought my mind back to Turner. I had to admit I was quite taken by his poise, his blue eyes staring at me from across the kitchen. How his deep voice resonated in my chest. Him lifting me like I weighed nothing. He was still the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on. What in the world? My thoughts sounded like I had a crush on him. Crazy sauce! Someone coughed, bringing me back into the present.

“Earth to A

The little blonde consultant was holding up the options and I looked them over. Both were black, and both seemed exactly the same to me. Honestly, I didn’t care either way. It was Keegan’s wedding, so it’s her opinion that mattered more than mine, right? “Sure.”

Macie went into one room with one dress, and I went into one with the other dress. What I tried on was a strapless A-line, satin cocktail number. The top was fitted around my chest, and the bottom flared out with black tulle. It was short, very light and flowy and probably wouldn’t make me too hot with the outdoor wedding. I doubled checked my appearance in the mirror before stepping out. Macie was already out, standing on a podium. Keegan was up, picking apart the flaws when I came into view. Stepping up next to her, Macie looked me over.

“Should’ve tried that one on,” she declared. “This dress is way too itchy and I don’t like how the back poofs out. Makes my butt look bigger than it already is.” She turned, giving us a view.

Her dress was also black cocktail dress, but it had spaghetti straps, with a sweetheart neckline. It had pleating from the waist down to the knees.

“What do you think, A

“Me? It’s your wedding. I’ll wear whatever you put me in.”

“Oh shut up. No you won’t.” Macie glared at me. Not in an angry way, but more of a “shut your mouth or I’m going to kill you” sort of way.