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"Do I look okay?" Biting her lip, Claire stared at her reflection in the full-lengtharound in crazy circles,back at her

"Okay? You look more than okay, sweetie You look beautiful" Nora McKinley appeared in thewith unshed tears

A queasy feeling tickled Claire’s belly "Mom…"

"I mean it You’re beautiful, inside and out" Nora sniffled "You’re the hter a mother could ever ask for, and I’m so very proud of you"

Claire’s teeth sank harder into her bottom lip

"Oh, sweetie, don’t cry You’ll ruin yourup in her eyes, but that did explain why her reflection was blurry all of a sudden

She blinked away the tears and turned to face her ant in a peach-colored empire-cut dress that stopped just below her knees Nora’s auburn hair was pulled back in a neat chignon, and with her perfect complexion and naturally red lips, Claire’s fifty-three-year-oldon, Claire? Are you nervous?"

"Yes" She gulped "But that’s nor, don’t they?"

"Of course It’s a perfectly noret jittery right before the ceremony"

"I wish Nat was here," Claire h "I know you’re upset that Natasha couldn’t be here, but you can’t dwell on that Do you want et Michelle? Your et ready"

"No, it’s all right I just…I think I need a moment alone Do you mind?"

A wrinkle appeared on Nora’s forehead, but she didn’t object to the request "Of course not" She stepped closer and gently stroked Claire’s cheek "Michelle and I will coone, Claire slid down to the carpeted floor in a pile of white lace