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Daughters Of The Bride(140)

By:Susan Mallery


Quinn drew back and winked at her. “Later,” he whispered. “I’m hearing really good things about the linen closet.”

She laughed, and her whole world righted itself.

Quinn walked back to the front and took the bible from Neil. “Where were we?”

Sienna nudged Courtney and smiled at Quinn. “You were marrying them.”

“That I was.”



Several hours later, after the wedding and the dinner, Courtney found herself in Quinn’s arms as they danced to a Tadeo song about love lasting forever.

“He’ll be happy to know he’s made the wedding mix,” Quinn said.

“I don’t know. They haven’t played any Prince, and you know that’s who he wants to be.”

“It’s a phase. He’s better being himself.”

She smiled at him. “I’m happy being with you.”

“I’m glad. I meant what I said. I love you, Courtney.”

“I love you, too. I’m sorry I freaked. I’ve been thinking about it. There were other guys, but no real relationship. You’re actually my first boyfriend.” She winced. “Can I call you that? Is it too much?”

“You still don’t get it. You’re the one, Courtney. There’s no one else. I want to marry you.” He shook his head. “That wasn’t a proposal. I figure you need a little time before I go down on one knee. Let’s just call it a statement of intent. So you can get used to the idea.”

Marriage. Her? She thought for a second, then nodded. “I can see that. Will Wayne and the band live with us?”

“I hope not.”

“But they’ll probably drop by.”

“Yes, so we need a big house.”

“Plus, there will be babies and pets.” She narrowed her gaze. “You’d better want children.”

“I do. And I want you. So about that linen closet...”

She laughed. “How about we go back to your place?”

“Sounds like a plan.”



Sienna sipped her champagne. Despite being dateless, she felt pretty good. Her mother was blissfully married to a wonderful man. Judging by how Rachel and Greg were making out on the dance floor, their reconciliation was going well. Josh was thrilled his parents were back together and already asking if his dad could move back tonight.

As for Courtney and Quinn, well, they had just disappeared. Sienna had the feeling they wouldn’t be back anytime soon.

There was the problem of getting home, she thought, not actually worried about that. If push came to shove, she could crash in her sister’s room. It wasn’t likely that Courtney would be back before morning.

“Is this seat taken?”

She looked up and saw Jimmy standing by the chair next to her. She smiled. “Not at all.”

He sat down. “You look especially lovely tonight.”

“Thank you. So do you.”

“This old thing?”

She laughed. “So no actual date?”

“I am tragically single,” he told her. “I keep trying to find the right one, but so far it hasn’t happened. What about you? Where’s the fiancé?”

She showed him her bare left hand. “We broke up.”

Jimmy raised an eyebrow. “How do we feel about that?”

“Relieved. He was a mistake. I should have recognized that fact sooner.”

“Better late than never.” He rose and held out his hand. “Dance with me.”

“I’d love to.”

She stepped into his arms and found that his embrace felt surprisingly right. They didn’t speak for a long time, and when the next song came on, they stayed on the dance floor.

A server came by with yet more glasses of champagne. They each took one. She held out hers and said, “To old friends. They’re the best kind.”

His dark gaze lingered on her face. “To us.”

The toast was a surprise, but it was nice. They’d known each other forever. Been lovers, been friends, been...

She blinked as she realized just how much Jimmy had always been in her life. It was as if, well, as if they belonged together. She touched her glass to his. “To us, Jimmy.”

“Took you long enough,” he said. And then he kissed her.