Page 2 (1/2)

"You illing to pay someone to date your mother?"

Carrie didn’t realize what she’d said until it was too late "It was a long ti to leave it at that She should’ve known better Mackenzie’s eyes grew huge

"You actually paid soain

"Yes, but don’t get any ideas He refused" Carrie could see the wheels turning in the girl’s head "It was a bad idea, and like I said, my mother was really mad at me"

"Did she ever remarry?"

Carrie nodded

"Anyone you knew?"

Again she nodded, unwilling to tell her it was the very aze met hers and Carrie looked away "It was hi to do with that"

Mackenzie laughed "You offered him money to date your reat! How long before they got married?"

"Mackenzie, what happened with ?" she repeated stubbornly

"A few ly "They’re happy, aren’t they" It was more of a comment than a question

"Yes"

Carrie only hoped she’d find ahad e and two children, her mother and stepfather behaved like needs Carrie th of their love It inspired her and yet in some ways hampered her She wanted that kind of relationship for herself and wasn’t willing to settle for anything less Her friends clai when it caht

"My point exactly," Mackenzie declared triumphantly "You knew your mom better than anyone Who else was more qualified to choose a husband for her? It’s the saot to be done, and Madame Frederick hit the nail on the head He needs a love interest"

Carrie’s smile was forced "Madame Frederick is one of my favorite people, but I think it’s best to take what she says with a grain of salt"