Page 106 of Tempt
Just then, the door to the shop opened and Lori poked her head in. Behind her stood Mason. “I know you’re not open for business, but would it be okay to take a peek?”
“Sure,” Frannie said. “Come on in.”
They entered the shop, bringing a gust of cold air with them. “We were just downtown doing some shopping, and I saw the sign was up and the lights were on, and dresses were in the window!” she said excitedly. “I told Mason we had to stop in.”
I smiled at them both, squelching the guilty feeling in my belly. “I’m glad you did.”
“It looks great, Millie,” said Mason, looking around. “You must be so proud.”
“Thank you. I am.”
“It’s like adream.” Lori’s eyes shone as she took it all in. “If I wasn’t already married, I’d come here to shop for a gown first thing. It’s so elegant and feminine and pretty.”
“Tell all your friends that,” encouraged Frannie.
“Oh, I will.” Lori clasped her hands together under her chin. “When will you start taking appointments?”
“I’m hoping by the first of the year.”
“That’s perfect!” she squealed. “Right after the holidays!”
“Mmhm.” I thought of Dex and Winnie, who’d be engaged by then.
“Speaking of holidays, you’re both coming to the Cloverleigh Farms Christmas Eve party, right?” Frannie asked them.
“Definitely,” said Lori, tucking her arm through Mason’s and giving him a sentimental smile. “That’s where we met last year, so it’s special to us.”
“That’s right.” Frannie laughed. “Hard to believe just one year later, you’re Mr. and Mrs. now.”
“Thanks to Millie.” Lori beamed at me. “We owe her a lot—not only for introducing us at that party, but for managing to get us a Saturday wedding date at Cloverleigh Farms on four months’ notice.”
I held up my hands. “There was a cancellation. It wasn’t me, it was just meant to be.”
“Still,” she said. “We’ll always be grateful.”
“My father, Zach, will be in town that night,” said Mason. “Would it be okay to bring him too?”
“Of course!” Frannie tossed a hand in the air. “The more, the merrier!”
Panic seized me, resulting in a coughing fit. I turned away from the group and walked toward the front desk, where I had a bottle of water. “Sorry,” I managed.
“Millie is just getting over a cold,” Frannie explained, as I guzzled water.
“Sorry to hear that,” Mason said.
“It’s okay.” I tried to breathe normally. “I’m on the mend.”
“Well, we’ll let you get back to work,” said Lori. “Just wanted to see the place—congrats again, Millie!”
“Thank you,” I called weakly, returning Mason’s wave and watching him hold the door for his wife and then follow her out.
When they were gone, Frannie looked at me. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I just needed some water.”
“Okay. You just look really pale all of a sudden.” Her expression was concerned. “Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, okay?”
“I will.”
