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Julie’s lips turned up in a smile "I have no doubt Royce will catch you And this day isn’t about your father It’s about you and Royce"

Lauren nodded "I know I know And when I see hiet the rest" She scrutinized her appearance in the mirror, "Are you sure my make-up isn’t too dark?"

Julie walked up to Lauren, carefully avoiding her long skirt, and put her arm over her shoulder Lauren was a princess in a full, sleek figure-hugging skirt that flared mer"

Lauren made a weak effort at a s the auburn ringlets around Lauren’s face "Your hair is so beautiful like this The diamond-studded headband and sheer veil will be as perfect as the dress" Julie softened her voice "He loves you like a man needs to love a woman to ether"

Lauren gave a sad smile "I wish my mother was alive for today"

Julie took Lauren’s hand in hers, thinking of how close Lauren had been to aby cancer "She’s here," Julie said "She’s here and she approves"

Lauren turned to Julie and tried to hug her and Julie backed up, waving a finger "Your hair and yourafter pictures" A knock sounded on the door

"Five "

Ten minutes later, Julie stepped into the foyer outside the wedding venue, slid her arm inside Luke’s in preparation to walk down the aisle When their eyes connected, she felt it clear to her toes She feltso unidentifiable

"You look beautiful," he murmured softly

Her lips curved "You clean up pretty nicely yourself there, cowboy," she whispered, giving a teasing reference to the redhead’s rehts before

He chuckled low in his throat "And tonight is a cold winter’s night"