Page 24 of Put a Rink on It

“Yep.”

“Can we see it?” Juliet asks, lighting up as bright as Tate.

“Yeah, sure.”

“No,” Walsh shouts. “I can’t see it. It’s bad luck or something.”

“So don’t look,” Juliet proclaims.

Tate’s the perfect match for Walsh. She doesn’t put up with anything she shouldn’t, and she grounds him in a way he needs. As much as he’s a man, he’s a good one. And he’s totally smitten with her. There’s always a fresh bouquet from the florist or farmer’s market on their table, sometimes more than one for all three of his girls. Each of them is fortunate to have the other, but their kids make out the best.

As for Juliet, Hunter’s also her soulmate. Their quirks match, if that’s a thing to say about your sister and her partner, and their personalities complement each other. He’s so much better of a guy than her last boyfriend, and he curbs her tardiness. When he can help it.

Walsh swipes another slice of pepper on his way out of the kitchen, off to join Dad and Hunter or find the kids. Who knows what Lennon’s up to, although Aubrey reins her in.

Tate’s phone gets passed around, and her dress is gorgeous. Slimming in all the right ways, she looks like a princess.

“I still have to find Aubrey and Lennon dresses and pick out bridesmaids’ dresses, but the most daunting task is done.”

“It’s beautiful. I love how we both found dresses tailored to our individual styles.” Juliet hands the phone to Ma. “Are you opposed to us helping you shop for bridesmaids’ dresses? I found Albany and Springfield had better options than Havenwood and the surrounding towns. I’ll make a list and we can pick a date. Make a day of it.”

Tate raises her hand. “I’m in. I’ll leave the girls with Walsh.”

“Me too,” Ma concurs. She digs her phone out of her pocket, pulling up the Calendar app.

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” I giggle. “I could use the practice.”

Ah shit. Didn’t mean to say that.

It’s Juliet—because she misses nothing—who wonders, “Practice for what?”

My brain works on a valid excuse, coming up nearly blank. A whirlwind of activity kicks up in my abdomen, and if someone took my heart rate right now, it would be sky-high.

I finally land on a possible and somewhat believable idea, amending, “Not practice, but expertise. Do you know how many times I’ve been a bridesmaid?”

“You’re hired,” Tate says.

Juliet nods, but she eyes me shrewdly. Like she knows there’s more I’m not telling her.

Thankfully, Dad enters the kitchen, followed by the rest of the gang.

“Dinner almost ready? Some of us are starving.” Lennon voices the words, but the rest of them nod their consent.

“Girls, you help Poppa set the table. Walsh and Hunter, you’re in charge of the drinks.” Ma issues her orders, and no one bats an eye or complains.

Man, she’s good. I hope I’m half as good when it’s my turn.

“Tate, these cookies are amazing. You always find the best recipes.” I smack my lips at the almondy, nut flavor of the cookie. Kinda like a shortbread but better.

“This one was all Aubrey.”

Her daughter beams at the praise. “Thank you. I’m glad you like them. Mimi helped. She was my taste-tester.”

Ma wraps an arm around Aubrey, as if she were her own granddaughter. “I mean, someone has to sacrifice and taste the dough.”

A round of laughter erupts.

Lennon scrunches her nose as she looks at the plate of cookies. “Nothing with chocolate? I’m out.”