“I still can’t believe we’re doing this,” ir said, stepping out of the car in front of Be’s Bridal Boutique. “The wedding is this weekend. Shouldn’t we have done this months ago?”


    “Most people, yes,” Sutton agreed, carefully maneuvering her very pregnant form out of the car. “But most people don’t get engaged, catch an embezzler, confront a jealous ex–wife, expose a murderous uncle, and take over a family business all within the span of a few weeks.”


    Keira jumped out from the back seat, grinning. “Yeah, ir. Stop being such an overachiever. Some of us can barely manage to show up to work on time.”


    “Speaking of which,” ir said, eyeing her younger sister, “how did you get time off from His Royal Highness<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Keira’s smile turned smug. “I may have implied there was a family emergency. Technically, not having a wedding dress a few days before your wedding qualifies.” She had arrived home this morning and ir could see she was jegged.


    “You’re terrible,” irughed.


    “I’m pragmatic,” Keira corrected. “Also, turns out the prince isn’tpletely heartless. He actually told me to ‘take as much time as you need.‘ I almost fainted from shock.”


    “Maybe he’s finally recognizing your value,” Sutton suggested as they approached the boutique’s elegant ss doors.


    “Or maybe he’s realized I’m the only person who knows how to work the fancy coffee machine,” Keira replied. “Either way, I’m free for as long as he can put up with someone else making it.”


    ir felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. With everything happening so quickly, there had been precious little time for just the three of them together. This dress shopping expedition, howeverst–minute, was exactly what she needed.


    The boutique’s interior was all soft cream and blush tones, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the intimate space. A slender woman in her fifties approached them, her smile practiced but genuine.


    “Wee to Be’s. I’m Sophia. You must be ir.” She extended her hand. “Roman called ahead. He said something special on short notice.”


    you


    needed


    ir shook her hand. “That’s right. Our wedding is Saturday.”


    Sophia didn’t bat an eye at the tight timeline. “We specialize in miracles. Now, tell me what you’re envisioning.”


    Keira snorted, saying under her breath… “Miracles my <b>ass </b>more like a big cheque from Roman.”


    Before ir could answer, the boutique’s door chimed. All four women turned to see who had entered.


    Luca.


    He stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking <b>as </b>surprised to see them as they were to see him.


    “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t realize… I was just dropping something off.” He held up a small package.


    ir nced at Sutton, whose face had gone slightly pink. The tension between them was almost touchable, though ir knew they’d been cautiously building some kind of rtionship. For the baby’s sake, if nothing else.


    “It’s fine,” Sutton said, her voice carefully neutral. “We’re just helping ir find a wedding dress.<b>” </b>


    Luca’s expression softened. “Of course. I’ll be quick.” He approached Sutton. “I wanted to see if you were ok?” His eyes dropped briefly to her stomach.


    16:23 Wed, 18


    ?


    91%1


    +28)


    Sutton had told them that no one at Cyber10 knew yet that Sutton was pregnant with Luca’s baby. She wasn’t ready to go public. So ir wasn’t surprised Luca had followed her sister here.


    “Fine,” Sutton replied. “Just tired. The usual.”


    An awkward silence followed, which Keira broke by clearing her throat loudly. “So! Wedding dresses! Let’s see some options!”


    Sophia nodded, smoothly guiding them deeper into the boutique while Luca lingered near the door.


    “I should go,” he said, though he made no move to leave.


    ir caught the indecision on Sutton’s face. Despite everything, it was clear her sister still had feelings for Luca<b>, </bplicated as they might be.


    “Actually,” ir said, surprising herself, “why don’t you stay, Luca? Give us a man’s perspective?”


    Keira shot her a wide–eyed look that clearly said, “What are you doing?” but ir ignored her.


    looked equally surprised. “Are you sure? This seems like a… sister thing.”


    an would be here if he could,” ir replied, which was true. Not that she would let him, but Luca didn’t need to know


    Roman had wanted toe, but had an unavoidable meeting, so she hadn’t had to tell him he wasn’t allowed. “And since you’re his best friend, your opinion might be helpful.”


    Luca nced at Sutton, clearly seeking her approval.


    After a moment’s hesitation, Sutton nodded. “It’s fine. Stay if you want.”


    The relief on Luca’s face was evident. “Thank you.”


    Sophia, ever the professional, simply adjusted her ns. “Wonderful. Now, ir, let’s talk silhouettes. What style are you drawn to?”


    The next hour passed in a whirlwind of fabric, pins, and measurements. ir tried on dress after dress, each beautiful but not quite right. Sophia was patient, bringing new options based on ir’s feedback.


    Throughout <i>it </i>all, Luca sat quietly beside Sutton, offering politements when asked, but mostly watching her with an intensity that was impossible <i>to </i>miss. Sutton, for her part, seemed both ufortable. ir didn’t know if she had done. the right thing, but they needed to work on some sort of rtionship


    “How are things <b>at </b>work?” ir overheard Luca ask Sutton during a moment when she was changing into yet another dress.


    “Good,” Sutton replied. “I’m… actually enjoying the new programming role. Thank you for that.”


    After discovering Sutton’s background inputer science, Luca had immediately moved her from reception to the programming department at Cyber10. ir knew her sister had been hesitant to ept, wary of looking like she was receiving special treatment, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.


    “You earned it,” Luca said simply. “The team says you’re brilliant.”


    Sutton blushed. “They’re being kind.”


    “No, they’re being honest.” Luca’s voice was soft, but insistent. “You have a real talent, Sutton. I’m d you’re finally getting to use it.”


    Their conversation was interrupted when ir emerged in what felt like the hundredth dress of the day. ir was a little


    16-23 Wed, 18


    over it by now.


    But this one was different, though–a sleek, elegant design with delicatece ovey and a subde vintage feel


    “Oh,” Keira breathed. “That’s it.”


    Sutton nodded, her eyes suddenly misty. “ir, you look beautiful”


    ir turned to the mirror and felt her breath catch. The dress was perfect… sophisticated without being ostentacions. romantic without being overly fussy. It hugged her curves in all the right ces before falling in a gentle A–line to the floor.


    “What do you think?” Sophia asked<i>, </i>adjusting the train.


    “I think…” ir swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “I think this is the one.


    “Roman’s going to lose his mind,” Keira dered. “In the best way possible.”


    Luca cleared his throat<b>. </b>“It’s perfect, ir. Truly


    ir smiled at him through the mirror.


    “Thank you, all of you,” ir said, smoothing the fabric. “I can’t believe we actually found it.”


    I told you we specialize in miracles,” Sophia said with a wink. “Now, we’ll need to work quickly for alterations, but I can have


    ady for you on Friday evening.”


    her change back into her regr clothes, ir could hear Keira chatting animatedly with Luca about the<ol><li>g. To her surprise, Sutton had joined the conversation too, her initial awkwardness giving way to More rxed.</li></ol>


    By the time they were ready to leave, the tension between Sutton and Luca had noticeably eased. They weren’t exactlyfortable with each other yet, but there was progress a willingness to try that hadn’t been there before. Luca must feel a little apprehensive to around them due to the fact <i>that </i>both she and Keira knew their history.


    “I should get back to work,” Luca said as they exited the boutique. “But it was nice seeing all of you.”


    “You too,” ir replied sincerely.


    Luca hesitated, then turned to Sutton. “Would you… would you like to get dinner sometime next week? To discuss the baby? We still have a lot to figure out.”


    Sutton bit her lip, considering. “Okay. Monday night? There’s a ce near our apartment–nothing fancy, but the food is good.”


    The smile that broke across Luca’s face was <i>so </i>genuine it made ir’s heart ache a little. “Sounds perfect. I’ll pick you up at seven?”


    Sutton nodded. “Seven works<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    As Luca walked to his car, Keira nudged ir. “What was that about? I thought you hated him for what he did to Sutton.”


    “I did,” ir admitted. “But Roman trusts him, and he seems genuinely remorseful. Plus, that’s going to be my niece or nephew. I’d rather they have two parents who can at least be civil to each other.”


    Sutton was watching Luca’s car pull away. “He’s trying,” she said quietly. “And so am I. For the baby’s sake.”


    “Just be careful,” Keira warned. “I haven’t forgiven him yet.”


    Sutton smiled faintly. “Neither have I. Notpletely. But…” She rubbed her belly thoughtfully. “But maybe forgiveness


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    isn’t an all–or–nothing thing. Maybe it’s a process.”


    ir squeezed her sister’s hand. “Whatever happens, Keira and I are here for you. Always.”


    “I know,” Sutton said. “That’s never been in doubt.”


    ir drove back to work, walking into Roman’s office because the door <b>was </b>open.


    “How was dress shopping?” he asked. Standing up, and walked to her, loosening his tie.


    “Sessful,” ir replied with a smile. “I found the perfect one.” pulling his head down for a kiss.


    “And Sutton? How <b>was </b>she with Luca there?”


    ir raised an eyebrow. “You knew he’d be there?”


    Roman had the grace to look slightly sheepish. “He mentioned he might drop by the boutique. I might have suggested he do it when you were all there.”


    u matchmaker, I’m d they are trying to be civil to each other for the baby. But I don’t want Sutton to feel pressured. e doesn’t need to be with Luca for security.” ir said, adding. “Next thing I know, you’ll be ying Cupid for Keira and her royal boss. No, don’t do that. I think she’ll kill you.”


    Romanughed. “God, no. That man wouldn’t know what to do with someone like Keira. Besides, I’m saving my


    matchmaking skills for our own love story.” He pulled her closer. “Speaking of which, are you ready for this? Marriage, twopanies, possibly children someday?”


    ir wrapped her arms around his neck. “With you? I’m ready for anything.”


    And as Roman kissed her deeply, ir knew it was true. She could face anything with him by her side.


    This Saturday, she would be Mrs. Kingston.


    “ir.”


    “Yes<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    “Lock the door.”