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“What?” Cory said. She pulled Ella a few steps away from where Gia and Vi were admiring the painting. “First off, neither one of us would qualify for your program. Marina explained it to us when she helped us with the shopping center. We’re not first time buyers.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t keep an eye out for you. Don’t you remember Marina found the house CeCe’s living in even though it didn’t meet our criteria? It worked great for her and Alexis. I could do the same for you.”

“But, Ella—” Cory stammered.

“You know you’re going to be living together eventually. Why wait around?” Ella asked.

Cory knew she must have looked as shocked as she felt, but then, as Ella’s words sunk in, she realized she was right. Just because they hadn't talked about living together yet didn’t mean it wasn’t going to happen. A smile settled on Cory’s face as she thought about waking up every morning with Vi next to her. She remembered Vi talking about doing things on their time. Maybe this was next.

“Hey, you okay?” Vi asked softly, looping her arm through Cory’s.

A smile grew on Cory’s face as she nodded and stared into those warm brown eyes that always made her feel hugged.

“We had fun at CeCe’s surprise engagement party,” Gia said. “Alexis was beaming all night.”

“They both were,” Ella said.

“When is the wedding?” Gia asked.

Gia’s question brought Cory right back to the present. “Well, they aren’t sure.”

“Since you’re here, I have to ask,” Ella said.

“Ask what?” Cory replied.

“I heard talk that night about some kind of big wedding in the works for the Sloan Sisters. If y’all have just started dating…”

Vi looked over at Cory and tilted her head. “The Sloan Sisters?”

“Oh!” Cory exclaimed. “You mean the wedding my mom won for us.”

Vi, Gia, and Ella all looked at Cory, waiting for her to explain.

“Uh, a few years ago, my mom entered us in this contest for an exclusive wedding. I’m still not sure if there was something funny going on, but she won.”

“That’s wonderful!” Vi said.

“But there’s a catch.” Cory winced.

“A catch?” Ella asked.

“Yeah, all three of us have to get married at the same time,” Cory said.

“No way!” Gia exclaimed.

Cory nodded. She was afraid to look at Vi, but when their eyes met, she saw Vi was smiling.

“One big Sloan Sisters wedding?” Vi asked.

“Yep.” Cory raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

“So, CeCe is waiting on you and Cat?” Gia asked.

Cory was beginning to feel uncomfortable. This conversation had gone from a second date to getting a house and now to a wedding.

“No, CeCe is not waiting on us, but then there’s our mom,” Cory said.

Ella laughed. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your mom. She's wonderful.”