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“She asked me to come alone And I need to extract her froain” He slipped his hand around the back of ainstso concerned, but I’ve got this And it’s better if I go alone I can handle it” He leaned in and pressed his lips to ht kiss His s but

The bead-encrusted, long-sleeved dress was exactly the kind of thing I’d hoped Laura would choose for her brideshtedon the hips and thighs—and I couldn’t help but think that Berk would hate it I could see hi for a slit or threatening to make it a backless dress

I ranthe slide across my skin I was fairly exposed, for rab the nearest hoodie and jeans When had I started feeling like a parka wasn’t the only appropriate for for me? Maybe when a certain football player made it loud and clear that he appreciated every bit of skin he got to touch

“Julia” The harsh snap ofthan usual

I shook ?”

She looked at h my reflection in the mirror

“Will we have to let this dress out before the wedding or are you going to hold yourself together until then?”

The barbs didn’t sink as deeply as they used to “I’ve been the exact saht for the past two years, Mom”

“Part of the problem But if you’re around temptation in that bakery every day…”

“Mom, please, can you not” Laura touched Mom’s arm “It looks very nice, Jules”

That was the first time she’d ever called me Jules And stuck up for me in front of Mom

Mo to do isabout it for months to come”

“I know Thank you It will all be just like you planned” A flicker of an eleeful bride crossed Laura’s face “Perfect”

“It will be” Mom looked at Laura like she’d never looked atbut the best for Laura—like she loved her I looked away frohter display and stepped away from the mirrors