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“Bartenders are a good choice,” Trina said

Shannon leaned forward “I aluy I , but that didn’t see on me”

“What happened?” Trina asked

“I chickened out” There was no other way to explain it “But I considered it I took it as a sign and extendedsteps in the right direction to move forith my plan”

“I think son country is ideal,” Lori said “Every bartender I’ve known plays around a lot Most don’t want ht or two You can talk to them without commitment, make sure they’re not batshit crazy Keep your real name out of it”

“Of course I can’t have anyone looking for me later” Not that she worried that they would

“And if you don’t find someone in Mexico to fit the profile?” Trina asked

“I’ll plan monthly trips to other places”

“Girls’ trips,” Avery announced

Shannon narrowed her eyes “I don’t need a backup team” Especially if that teaamelike Avery

“You toldI’ you up on this”

“Aren’t you newlymy next date?”

Avery shook her head “Nope”

Lori laughed

“I think Avery’s right One of us should coood and the bad in the guy you plan on sleeping with”

“That’s ridiculous”

“Not really,” Lori chi a perht Just like we all did at one tiot married This isn’t any different”

Shannon sipped her wine and considered what they were saying “I can’t ask you guys to drop your life to come with me”

Avery raised her hand “I volunteered for Tulum If no one fits the daddy bill there, we plan the next month and make sure one of us can come”

“Or all of us,” Trina said

Lori lifted her glass “Or all of us”

Avery picked up a shot of tequila “Let o on record and say I really don’t like this idea, but I feel better knoe’re with you”

“I’ to be fine”

Shannon Wentworth wore a plastic s

Corrie Harkin sat with her back rod-straight, hands folded in her lap, while herMrs Harkin, Shannon had met with before Corrie, the bride to be, was in Shannon’s studio for the first time

“He’s late,” Corrie said, watching the front door

“He’s a busy man, honey I’m sure he’s on his way”

Shannon liked toin order to ensure that she captured the i day Mrs Harkin had hired Shannon based solely on her naovernor of California was a status the mother of the bride couldn’t pass up Fro up And Mommy couldn’t be happier for it The bank accounts of Shannon’s clients, or the budgets for their weddings, weren’t so she bothered to find out Her fees were steep, which already put her outside the range of many couples’ resources Mrs Harkin didn’t blink an eye It helped that the groo the bill; at least, that’s what the deposit check suggested

“We can get started without him,” Shannon said

Corrie glanced at her mother and forced a smile

“We probably should”

Shannon pulled up the i for the ceremony The pristine white sands and turquoise waters of the Yucatán Peninsula were picture-perfect by the with the coordinator at the hotel This is about where the sun will be during the ceremony There is always a chance of a few clouds, but that will simply make the pictures better”

“It better not rain,” Corrie said, her tone flat