Page 25 of Sizzling Desire

“Everything’s coming together,” Kate says quietly, her voice full of emotion. “It’s really happening.”

I reach over, squeezing her hand. “It’s going to be perfect, Kate. The wedding, the dress, the husband, all of it.”

Mia nods, smiling brightly. “You hit the lottery, girl.”

Kate turns to me, “The girl who’s marrying a billionaire tells meI’vehit the lottery.” We all laugh.

I take a deep breath and look at both of them, my eyes sparkling. “I’ve hit the lottery with you two. I’m so lucky to have you guys. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

We stand there for a few moments longer, soaking in the moment, and I can feel the weight of what this day means for all of us. It’s not just about dresses or fittings—it’s about love, friendship, and the promises we’ll witness on Kate’s big day.

And then chaos ensues.

The moment the door toMagical Momentsswings open, I hear them before I can see them—loud, lively voices fillingthe boutique like a storm rolling in. I glance at Mia, raising an eyebrow. "You hear that?"

Mia looks up from adjusting Lori’s dress in the mirror. “Uh, yeah. What is that, a parade?”

Before I can respond, the door bursts open completely, and in strut theWalking Ladies—Gladys, Florence, Betty, and Joan—each of them dressed in brightly colored tracksuits, oversized sunglasses perched on their heads like they're movie stars. They all carry the unmistakable air of women who have lived full lives and aren’t afraid to let everyone know it.

“Oh my god,” Mia mutters under her breath, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Are they... in the wedding?"

As if in response, the leader of the group, Gladys, claps her hands together, making the room feel ten times smaller. “We’re heeeerrrrreeeee! Ready for our fitting!” she announces, her voice booming. "Kate told us to be here at 3 p.m. sharp, and sharp we are!"

Mia stifles another laugh, but Kate steps out from behind one of the dressing rooms, beaming. “These three are my flower girls and Gladys is giving me away. Aren’t they perfect?”

“Perfect?” Mia echoes, trying to keep her tone light but clearly struggling. “Kate, I thought you were going to have some little girls as flower girls… You know, like normal. I thought you were kidding when you told us all this at the meeting at Kate’s.”

Kate shakes her head, completely unbothered. “Are you kidding? TheWalking Ladiespractically raised me! I couldn’t think of anyone better. My grandmother’s best friends have been around for everything in my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Florence, the shortest of the bunch but with the most attitude, winks at Mia. “Honey, you’re in for a treat. We’re pros atthis. Been flower girls, bridesmaids, brides, even the occasional maid of honor. Joan here’s been married five times.” She holds her hand up showing five fingers.

Joan, a petite woman with a wild shock of white hair with rainbow streaks running through it, grins and waves her hand. “Oh, it’s true, and let me tell you, the key to a happy marriage is knowing when to leave.”

Lori’s jaw drops, and I bite back a laugh. This is going to be good.

“Now,” Gladys says, marching over to Ari. “Where are our dresses? I need to make sure it hugs these curves just right. You know, to give the groomsmen a little thrill.” She wiggles her hips and lifts her breasts up, and I swear I see Ari’s eyes widen in panic.

Florence nods, totally serious. “Yeah, no muumuus for us. We’re flower girls, not nuns.”

Betty, who has been mostly quiet, pipes up as she eyes the dresses on the rack. “And make sure the material’s light. Hot flashes don’t care if it’s a wedding or not. This shindig is on the beach, no less.”

Kate is grinning from ear to ear as theWalking Ladiesbustle around the boutique, making themselves at home. Mia and I exchange a glance, and I can see she’s doing everything in her power to keep it together.

Ari approaches them cautiously, holding up a soft pink gown designed for a traditional flower girl. “These are the dresses Kate selected for you all?—”

“Oh, good lord,” Joan interrupts, squinting at the dress. “What’s that? A nightgown? We can’t be seen wearing that. We need something with a little pizzazz…a little color.”

“Pizzazz?” Ari stammers, clearly out of her element.

Gladys steps forward, pointing at a bold, sparkly red number on the opposite rack. “Now that’s what I’m talkingabout. Sexy, but not too much. Just enough to keep things interesting.”

Florence pats her shoulder. “Gladys, honey, you know we don’t have time to keep things interesting. Not anymore. We’re working on limited time here.”

Joan nods, adjusting her sunglasses. “Speak for yourself. I still get interesting.”

Kate’s eyes are practically twinkling as she watches them. “This is why I love them,” she whispers to me.

Florence turns to me suddenly, her gaze sharp. “What about you, Grace? Got yourself a man yet? Or are you still playing hard to get with that hottie firefighter, oh what’s his name? Kane?”

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