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CHAPTER ONE

“GETTING MARRIED IS EXHAUSTING” Althea Halloran Rivera Smith Moore collapsed into the back of the cab and closed her eyes, un

“Which is why you’re only supposed to do it once,” Holly said drily as she clambered in after her sister-in-law She pulled the door shut and gave the driver her address in Brooklyn

As the taxi edged back out into the late Saturday afternoon Midtown Manhattan traffic, Holly sluainst the seat “Those dresses were horrible” She shuddered just thinking about the pastel creations she’d tried on all day It wasn’t as if she hadn’t worn identically repulsive bridess

“This is the last time” Althea put her hand over her heart “I swear I’m just too impulsive”

In the eight years since Holly’s wedding to Althea’s brother Matt, Althea had marched up the aisle three times And into divorce court each time shortly thereafter

“But not any is different”

Swedish professional hockey player Stig Mikkelsen had nothing at all in common with the aloof doctor, the extroverted stock broker and the po had swept into Althea’s life six o, charmed her, teased her and refused to take no for an answer He’d overturned her resolve never to walk down another aisle, and best of all, had so her return to the sparkling, cheerful woman she had been before her three marital disasters

For that alone, Holly blessed hi plans and asked Holly to be her “one and only bridesritted her teeth and agreed

She’d even silently vowed—if necessary—to force herself into another stiff, ruffled, pastel cupcake of a dress But even with just the two of theauziest wonders to choose from, they hadn’t been able to find “the perfect bridesmaid’s dress”

“Stig will knoe need I’ll take him next time,” Althea said

“He’s a nice guy,” Holly allowed But if he went dress shopping with Althea, he should be nominated for sainthood

“And he’s got teale ones”

“No,” Holly said automatically “Not interested” She crossed her arainst her like a shield