“Well, that means we only have about six weeks. Actually, more like five.”
“Five weeks. Wow, you’re right. That is soon.” Allie knew better than to assume there was a secret reason, though others surely would speculate. Marcus would hate those rumors about his sister. He’d always been so protective of the women in his life.
“Really soon. So there’s no time to lose.” Hannah took a deep breath and twisted her ring on her finger.
“Whatever it is, I’m in.” I owe you. The words faded from her tongue but still burned an aftertaste. She did owe her friend. Whatever Hannah needed, it was Allie’s turn to support her. After all, Hannah had reluctantly honored Allie’s desperate request to give her time and space after the wedding-that-wasn’t, time and space from all things Marcus-related. Hannah had met her several hours after Allie sped away from the church that day to pick up Marcus’s car, and their brief conversation had been tear-filled and beyond awkward. But Allie needed the chance to process her decision, and in allowing her that time, Hannah had given her a gift that beat all the premium toasters and coffee makers in the world. Allie’d had to return those to the store, so it was the least she could do to return this favor for Hannah and keep their friendship alive.
Besides, what could be so bad? If Hannah’s obvious willingness to bury the hatchet was anything to go by, this opportunity—whatever it may be—could be the catalyst to proving her ability to remain loyal to at least one member of the Hall family. And having Hannah around again would ease that unbearable loneliness that had taken over these past few months. There was no reason they couldn’t rekindle their friendship apart from her brother. No reason for her to have to be around him at all, really.
“I want you to be my maid of honor.”
Except maybe that reason.
The story continues in A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant.
THE ROYAL WEDDING SERIES
Once Upon a Prince
Princess Ever After
How to Catch a Prince (Available Winter 2014)
The Wedding Dress
Dining with Joy
Love Starts with Elle
Sweet Caroline
Diva Nashvegas
Lost in Nashvegas
WITH SARA EVANS
The Sweet By and By
Softly and Tenderly
Love Lifted Me
RITA Finalist and Carol Award winner Rachel Hauck was recently chosen by Family Fiction readers as one of the top five romance authors in CBA. She has written more than 15 novels. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and writes from her ivory tower (her 14th-floor office painted ivory!) Visit her website at http://rachelhauck.com/.
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