Page 11 of SEAL the Deal

“Yes, with a string quartet and a reception under the vines. Big weddings are so passé.”

“I knew you’d understand.” She paused. “That’s why you have to be my Maid of Honor.”

Leonie smirked. “Please, who else could do the job?” She clapped her hands. “This is going to be so much fun. I am going to throw you the best bachelorette party this city has ever seen.”

Ali scrunched up her face.

“What?”

“Mike and I kind of agreed we would keep things low key.”

The happiness slid from Leonie’s face. “You’re kidding, right? No bachelorette party?”

Ali shook her head.

Her sister’s jaw dropped. “Why would you do that? You know the bachelorette party isn’t actually for you. It’s for people like me. Ladies who haven’t been drunk in months. Ladies who haven’t felt the hot hard abs of an athlete since… Well, since ever.”

“You’re being a little dramatic.”

“No, I’m not. You’re entirely selfish.” She folded her arms.

“OK, OK, maybe we can have a small gathering. Just a few girls, but it’s not a party.”

Leonie winked. “Got it. Let’s call it pre-wedding drinks and…” She raised her hands and used her fingers as inverted commas. “Activities.”

Ali frowned. “Minimal activities.”

Her sister downed the last of her coffee. “Yeah, yeah whatever. OK babe, I’ve got to run.” She leaned over and kissed Ali on the forehead. “I’m so happy for you. Give my best to Mike and Axe. I’ll see you at the planning brunch on the weekend.”

Ali drank the last of her latte as her sister left the café. She couldn’t help but feel she was going to regret agreeing to a ‘small’ gathering. Still, Leonie was an amazing sister and a terrific mom to her nieces. If she needed to let down her hair a little who was Ali to say no?

* * *

The wedding planning team occupied a long table at Mike and Ali’s favorite café, the Spanner Shop. The converted mechanic’s garage was a short distance from her veterinary clinic and served the best coffee, sandwiches and muffins in a ten-mile radius.

Mike and Ali sat on one side of the table with TJ, Leonie and Mike’s younger brother Dean, opposite.

The junior Saunders bore a close resemblance to his older brother. He had the same gray eyes, chiseled jaw and blonde hair. However, unlike his SEAL brother Dean had not followed their father into the services. He was a software engineer who spent most of his time perched behind a computer. As a result his hair reached his collar and he carried a little extra weight.

It was Mike who started the meeting. “Guys, firstly Ali and I would like to thank you for taking time out on a Saturday to help us wade through all this wedding stuff.”

“You’re the best,” added Ali.

“It’s also a chance for TJ, who’s agreed to be the master of ceremonies, and Leonie, Ali’s sister and maid of honor, to meet my brother and best man, Dean.”

Leonie leaned across and whispered to Ali. “He’s just as handsome and he’s younger.”

Ali shook her head and laughed as Mike continued. “I’m going to reemphasize that this is going to be a very low key event. About thirty guests and the bridal party.”

“And a string quartet,” added Leonie.

“Of course.”

“Have you chosen a venue yet?” asked TJ.

Ali answered, “We’ve narrowed it down to three. Mike and I are heading out to Swartz Canyon after this to check them out.” She glanced at her watch. “In fact, we’re going to have to leave soon.”

Leonie clapped her hands. “OK, venue aside we need to get to the most important part, the fashion. Ali, have you picked out a dress?”

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