But, on the other hand, there’s the small matter of two hundred people standing across the street, watching me, as though waiting for instructions. Some of them have traveled for miles. I can’t bail out on them.
“So … we’ve got this party,” I say tentatively to Sam. “It’s, like, all my friends and family, all at once, in a really intimidating bunch, plus all the friends and family of the guy I was supposed to marry today. And sugared almonds. You want to come?”
Sam raises his eyebrows. “You think Magnus will shoot me?”
“Dunno.” I squint at Magnus across the road. He’s standing there, along with everyone else, watching us. But as far as I can tell, he doesn’t look too homicidal.110 “I don’t think so. Shall I send him a text and ask him?”
“If you like.” Sam shrugs, taking out his own phone.
Magnus. This guy I’m standing with is Sam. I know this isn’t exactly usual—but can I bring him to our wedding reception? Poppy xxx
PS—why don’t you bring a guest too??
A moment later I get a response.
If you must. Mag
Which isn’t exactly enthusiastic but doesn’t sound like he’s planning to shoot anyone either.111
I’m about to put my phone away when it bleeps again, and I stare in surprise. It’s a text from Sam. He must have just sent it a few seconds ago. Without looking at him, I open it to see:
<3
It’s a heart. He sent me a love heart. Without even saying anything. Like a little secret.
My eyes feel hot, but somehow I manage to stay calm as I type my reply:
Me too.
I want to add more … but, no. More can come later.
I press send then look up with a bright smile, take Sam by the arm, and draw up my train out of the dusty pavement.
“So. Come on, then. Let’s hit my wedding.”
THE END112
104 They’re still there, totally comatose.
105 True.
106 Apparently my mugs are “girly.”
107 Aunt Trudy doesn’t believe shops exist outside Taunton.
108 It was long enough, in the end. Just about.
109 OK. Perhaps not honeymoon night exactly. They should have a special word meaning night spent with lover one has jilted fiance for.
110 In fact, he looks a lot better than he did when he was going to have to marry me.
111 Personally, I would bet a lot of money that Magnus is snogging Annalise by the end of the night.
112 Footnotes by Poppy Wyatt.
FOR REX
Acknowledgments
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my publishers around the world. I am so grateful for all the fantastic editions of my books that you work on so lovingly.
A huge thank-you also to my readers for continuing to turn the pages, with a special wave to all of you who follow me on Facebook.
In particular I am eternally grateful to Araminta Whitley, Kim Witherspoon, David Forrer, Harry Man, Peta Nightingale, and Andrea Best—you know why! At The Dial Press I am lucky enough to be supported by a fabulous team and would like to thank especially Susan Kamil, Theresa Zorro, Sharon Propson, Avideh Bashirrad, and Debbie Aroff. And a special mention to the copy-editing team, who put so much care into the fine-tuning of all my books—a huge thank-you to Loren Noveck and Kathy Lord.
Finally—as ever—thanks and love to my boys and the Board.
ALSO BY SOPHIE KINSELLA
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Can You Keep a Secret?
Shopaholic & Sister
The Undomestic Goddess
Shopaholic & Baby
Remember Me?
Twenties Girl
Mini Shopaholic
About the Author
SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series, as well as Twenties Girl, Remember Me?, The Undomestic Goddess, and Can You Keep a Secret? She lives in England.
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