"Don''tugh, I''m serious," Joy protested, puffing out her cheeks.


    Eleanor covered her mouth to stifle a smile. "Alright, alright, I''m notughing. Just rx, and everything will go smoothly."


    "You can invite Joslyn along too—she can help keep an eye on Evelyn," Joy suggested.


    "That''s a great idea! I''ll ask Joslyn toe with us," Eleanor agreed.


    ***


    The next day at noon,n arrived at the Vesper Joy Hotel for a client meeting. As he stepped into the lobby, his eyesnded on two staff members carrying in arge wedding sign. When he caught sight of the bride''s photo, he squinted, then leaned forward to check the names.


    Sure enough, it was Joy-Eleanor''s closest friend-smiling out from the wedding portrait in her gown.


    "The day after tomorrow, sir."


    He nodded and strode toward the elevator.


    ***


    The day before the wedding, Eleanor took Evelyn to try on a little party dress. "Mommy, do I look pretty?" Evelyn spun in circles, the pink skirt ring around her. "You look beautiful," Eleanor replied with a warm smile.


    Eleanor had picked out a dress for herself as well. Joy had asked her to be a bridesmaid, but since Eleanor was divorced, she''d politely declined. Still, she wanted to look her best at her best friend''s wedding.


    ***


    The wedding day arrived right on schedule. The grand ballroom on the third floor


    of the Vesper Joy Hotel was transformed into a floral dreamscape, bathed in elegant shades of violet.


    The night before, Eleanor had checked into her own private suite with her daughter and Joslyn.


    At eight in the morning, Eleanor made her way to the bridal suite, where Joy was already surrounded by her hair and makeup team.


    "Could you do her makeup too?" Joy called over to a free stylist.


    Eleanor didn''t protest. She took a seat and let the artist work their magic. When


    they were done, her makeup was wless-worthy of a movie star—and her blue dress made her look especially graceful and striking.


    Just then, Joslyn''s phone rang. Eleanor quickly answered, "Hello, Joslyn?"


    "Ma''am, Mr. Goodwin is in the suite," Joslyn reported.


    Eleanor jumped to her feet. "What?"


    Joy looked over, concerned. "What''s wrong?"


    Eleanor ended the call and said, n''s here-he''s in my suite."


    Joy was surprised, but before she could say more, Frazier, dressed sharply as the groom, walked in. Spotting Eleanor, he approached. "Eleanor, I just ran into Mr. Goodwin. I invited him to join us for a ss of champagne. He said he happened to be free."


    Since Frazier had already extended the invitation, Eleanor couldn''t really object. After all, it was her friend''s wedding-this wasn''t the time for arguments.


    Joy got the sensen hade on purpose, but with his status, it would''ve been awkward not to invite him-especially since he was one of the hotel''s shareholders. Frazier had no choice but to ask him.


    "Eleanor, let''s wee Mr. Goodwin with a toast," Joy said.


    What could Eleanor say? After all, she was the only one with any issues with him.


    "Alright. I''ll go upstairs for a bit," Eleanor said.


    Back in the suite, as she pushed open the door, she heard Evelyn''s giggles.


    a tablet. The two lookedpletely at ease with each other.


    "Mommy! Daddy''s teaching me a word game!" Evelyn eximed excitedly.


    "Mommy, Daddy said he''s here to celebrate Miss Thatcher''s wedding too!" Evelyn said, bouncing with excitement.


    Butn hadn''t reallye for the wedding. He just wanted an excuse to spend time with his daughter.


    "I happened to run into Attorney Jeffries downstairs—he insisted I join in the celebration." Ian looked at Eleanor, perfectlyposed. "You don''t mind, do you?"