Page 111 of Night Watch
“Sure you will.” Kelsey squeezed Sierra’s arm. “I didn’t do anything special, and it came off.”
“But you don’t love chocolate like I do.” Sierra shook her head and put her hands on Kennedy’s shoulders. “Enough about me. We’re here to dress this beautiful woman. I suspect if the dress is right tonight, we’ll soon be attending her wedding.”
Sierra winked at Kennedy and laughed. Together, they went to Kelsey’s room. Kennedy had never had many friends, and she could see these women becoming friends in the future. If Erik wanted her, that was.
“My closet awaits,” Kelsey said. “But before I show it to you, I need you to promise not to judge me.”
“And trust us,” Maya said. “When you see the size of it and the contents, you’ll want to.”
Kelsey rolled her eyes.
“Scouts honor.” Kennedy held up three fingers. “No judging, but maybe a little jealousy.”
The four of them easily fit in the walk-in closet, which was the size of a small bedroom.
Kelsey held her hands out to encompass the space. “Since I had Sophia, I’ve cut back, but clothes have always been my therapy for the tough job I do.”
“Kelsey’s our forensic anthropologist,” Maya said.
“Ah,” Kennedy said. The woman dealt with bodies that were often nothing more than bones when recovered.
“Snuggling Sophia is better therapy.” A dreamy smile crossed her face.
“I know what you mean,” Sierra said. “But I didn’t have a clothes addiction. Only a work one.”
“It wasn’t a—never mind.” Kelsey shook her head. “You’re right, and the evidence is right in front of us. My evening wear is on the back wall.” Kelsey stepped out of the way.
Kennedy stared at the full rack of brightly colored dresses. “I’m helpless with formal attire. Can you just choose something for me?”
A fire lit in Kelsey’s eyes. “You know it. I have a few green dresses that would look amazing with your coloring.”
She pulled down three dresses covered in protective plastic and returned to the bedroom. By the time Kennedy joined her, Kelsey had one of them uncovered and held it out. “Use my bathroom to try it on.”
“I don’t know. It’s beautiful, but it looks too glamorous for me.”
“No such thing.” Kelsey put the dress in Kennedy’s hands and gave her a push toward an open door.
“We didn’t mention she’s kind of pushy when it comes to fashion.” Sierra laughed, and the others joined her.
Kennedy went to the bathroom with their joy ringing through the room and slipped into the halter dress with chiffon ruffles that draped perfectly along her shape. The dress left her shoulders and most of her back bare. She wasn’t used to showing so much skin, but she had to admit it accented all her features, and the green was fabulous with her hair color.
But could she wear it? She didn’t know. She wasn’t even sure she could step out and show the other women.
A knock sounded on the door.
“How’s it coming in there?” Kelsey asked.
“I have it on, but…”
“I’m coming in.” Kelsey pushed the door open. “Let me zip it up for you.”
Kennedy turned her back to Kelsey, and once the zipper was at the top, Kennedy looked in the mirror.
“Girl, it’s perfect. Once we put your hair up, Erik won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.” Kelsey took Kennedy’s hand and led her out to the bedroom.
“Oh, wow,” Sierra said. “That’s the dress. My brother isn’t going to know what hit him.”
Erik tied the confounding bowtie in his bathroom mirror, swiped a path free from his shower steam, and stood back to look at himself. He forced a smile, which he would need to keep plastered there for Clay’s wedding and the reception. He was happy for his brother. He really was. But with Kennedy walking out on him again, he knew his heart would ache all day. Maybe for the rest of his life.
