Page 45 of Hands off his Dudette

"Barbie would find this too princessy."

The assistants rushed to contradict them, but they returned to their changing rooms, quite determined, and came out in their regular clothes.

"Let's get out of here. I need a drink."

When she got home an hour later, after a pit stop at a bar, she was greeted by a "meow."

Anna looked down at the evil cat and grimaced. "What have you peed on now?" she demanded to know.

The creature looked way too smug, which meant that he'd either defiled something incredibly valuable, or eaten something he shouldn't have.

The beast rubbed against her leg, and she was compelled to bend down and scratch its shiny fur. She didn't trust, or even like him, but Mr. Paws was irresistible nonetheless.

"Annabelle, is that you?" Finn's mother called from upstairs.

Anna winced. She'd had a hard time meeting her eyes the last few days, remembering the many things she'd done with her son every night, and morning.

"Yes, Arabella. I just got back from the fitting."

Her impatient steps thundered down the stairs.

"Well?" she asked. "How were the dresses?"

Anna winced. "Well..."

She saw the woman's eyes brighten. "Disappointing?"

"Quite. Cassie and Lucy are going to shop this weekend, to try to find something else."

"Hm. Excuse me while I make a few calls."

The woman retreated, smiling from ear to ear, and Anna knew that after she was done with her calls, the brides would have appointments with dressmakers who'd be instructed to only bring the best of the best. She was starting to understand the woman a little better.She’d been so very frustrated that her help hadn't been needed when she'd offered it to Lucy earlier this week. Now, she had a purpose.

By the time Arabella disappeared upstairs, the door opened again, in front of Finn this time. He kicked it closed and rushed to her side, engulfing her in a bear hug.

Anna grinned. "You have them?"

Finn pulled a set of keys out of his pocket. "I have them."

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