Page 128 of Just One Silver Fox

She squealed, just a little.

Then she threw herself into his arms, her enthusiastic kiss leaving absolutely no doubt of her reply.

Epilogue

Saturday, September 26

The sun was shining when Sonia arrived at the church near Bev Buchanan’s house. Katia was with her and they were riding in Tobias’ car. His driver opened the door for them and they got out together. Katia circled around, fussing with Sonia’s dress and her train. Sonia’s dress was sleeveless and looked like it was made of fabric flowers. They were white at the top, then became faintly pink towards the swirling hem. She carried pink roses with lilies and felt like a fairy queen. Katia’s dress was similar but hemmed just below the knee. It was pale pink at the shoulders and shaded to a deep fuchsia at the hem. They both wore fuchsia satin pumps.

“Don’t be nervous,” Katia said, even though she seemed to be the worried one. “You look terrific.”

“That’s not what weddings are about.”

“It’s part of what they’re about, otherwise you wouldn’t have spent so much on the dress.”

“It’s about making a commitment to the love of your life.”

Katia smiled. “Who knew Bucky had it in him?”

“I did,” Sonia said softly, feeling her sister’s sidelong glance.

“And there they are.” Kyle called from the doorway of the church and came to greet them. “Looking fabulous, superstar,” he said with an approving survey.

“You’re no slouch yourself,” Sonia said, straightening his bow tie. She met his sparkling blue gaze. “Thank you for doing this, Kyle.”

“Hey, I’m honored.” He held a hand over his chest. “I am, of course, far too young to have a daughter of your age, but it’s a worthy exception.” He winked and she kissed his cheek.

“I feel like you could be my big brother, like everyone at F5F is my family.”

Kyle grimaced. “True, we kind of grow on people that way.”

“There are molds that do that,” Katia teased.

“Bada boom.” Kyle pointed at Katia and gave Sonia a look. “Do you know her? Or is she just trying to crash the party?”

“She’s my maid of honor and you know it,” Sonia said. “Is everyone here?”

“We’re just waiting for the star of the show,” Kyle said. He then changed to a radio announcer voice. “That internationally famous yoga therapist superstar, Sonia, who urges you to become the person you were born to be!”

Katia cheered and they laughed at each other.

“Chica!” Maria exploded out of the church, wearing a gold suit that showed off her curves and fabulous heels. Pierce had located her, using the few details Sonia and Katia remembered, and they’d all been thrilled to discover that she was living in Baltimore. She kissed Sonia’s cheeks, then cooed over the dress, flicking at the skirts and checking Sonia’s lipstick. “You look so beautiful,” she said with a happy sigh.

“Thank you for being here today, Maria,” Sonia gave her a hug and had to blink back tears. “I’m so glad we found each other again.”

“You were in my heart all along,” Maria said, then glanced at Katia. “Both of you.” Then she frowned. “Where is Olivia?”

“She had to cancel,” Sonia said.

“I never thought she’d accept the invitation anyway,” Katia said. “The star of a wedding is always the bride.”

“But you had to invite her,chica,” Maria chided, a twinkle in her eye.

“She got a part in another holiday movie for the streaming service,” Katia said. “A lonely divorcée with a gift for matchmaking finds a love of her own at Christmas.” She rolled her eyes.

“Maybe the second time will be the charm,” Sonia said.

“Sounds like trouble out here,” Meesha said, peering out of the church with a smile. “Are you all going to stand out there all day and have your own party, or is there going to be a wedding?”