“Well, thank you in advance, Uncle.” Alessia epted graciously, not bothering with false modesty.

“Good, good. And you know, I’ll be waiting for your wedding with Cole, too–I expect an invitation.” Xavier pped Alessia ion /ithe shoulder, his eyes warm with approval.

Alessia nodded. “Of course.i” /iShe didn’t say more.

Just then, Queenie came down the stairs, calling out, “Lessie! Uncle

Xavier.”

“Hey! How’s Ste doing up there?” Xavier asked.

i“/iShe’s whining about being hungry, so I came down to grab her something to eat.” Queenie’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

“She’s getting married tomorrow and still acting like a kid,” Xavier teased, though he was already reaching for a te of pastries on the table.

“Let her snack on these for now. I’ll go check what else we’ve got in the

kitchen.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll leave iyou /iyoung people to talk. I need to double–check the menu for tomorrow anyway.” With that, Xavier headed off.

The two women linked arms and started up the stairs together.

“When did you get here?” Alessia asked.

“About an hour before you.”

“Did you give her your wedding gift?”

“She’s already wearing it. Dragged me into about a hundred photo ops. She’s on cloud nine, but the rest of us are running ourselves ragged trying ito /ikeep up,” Queenie grumbled, though theughter never left her face.

10:29

Alessia’s own smile widened. There was something infectious about a good friend’s happiness; it made all the effort worthwhile.

If your best friend finds real love and happiness, what’s a little exhaustion in the grand scheme of things?

“You’re really going through with it? I heard that ce is in the middle of nowhere–public transport sucks, and there’s nothing to do. Why are you putting yourself through all that?”

“Just happened to get the slot–and honestly, I’m curious. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find some real talent out there.”

Queenie poked Alessia’s cheek, shaking her head. “You’reworking yourself into insanity.”

Alessia just smiled back, looking as innocent as ever.

They reached Ste’s room and pushed open the door.

“Lessie! You’re here!” Ste’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw them. She made a beeline for the pastries in Queenie’s hand, tearing one open and popping it into her mouth before anything else.

“Whew, I was about to starve!” Ste copsed back into her chair. Behind her, the makeup artist tried–and failed–to suppress a smile.

“Seriously? Tomorrow you’ll be hungrier–you’ll barely get a bite all day.” Alessia teased, giving her shoulder a gentle pat.

“Do you know what I’ve been through today? Hair and makeup since two, dress fittings, and in a few hours I’ll have to get up for more makeup. After the ceremony, it’s a gauntlet of toasts, then off to the hotel to greet guests…” Ste’s voice trailed off as she melted dramatically into the chair, her soul apparently drained.

“Weddings aren’t for the faint of heart. It’s all Justin’s fault–he insisted on the big production. He just wants to torture me!”

Alessia and Queenie exchanged a nce and shook their heads, silently lighting a candle for Justin.

10:29

Ste had been doted on by both the Laine and Keane families since childhood. She wasn’t exactly spoiled, but she’d never had to struggle either–carefree, a little childish, always speaking her mind and doing as she pleased.

She’d always hated anything troublesome, and weddings were nothing but trouble. After a day of fasting and chaos, a little grumbling was only natural.

Still, Ste knew how important this was. She’d never say she didn’t want to get married–it was just some harmless venting.

Her friends understood that, so they just yed along and kept her spirits olliup. /li/ol