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Grace is different from other kids in town—for one thing, she has an eidetic memory, and remembers everything she ever hears or sees. And I meanever. Something I said two years ago is just as fresh and clear to her as if I said it yesterday. And she’s also very particular about being touched. She doesn’t like hugs. So we came up with something we call the Davenport Shoulder Squeeze. The DSS is a quick, two-beat pressure on the left shoulder. It’s our sister signal that we love each other.
Grace grins and walks over to give me a DSS.
“Thanks,” I say. Then I spread my arms out and do a little twirl. “What do you think?”
Her eyes go wide. “It’s very pretty.”
“Isn’t it?” I squeal. “I think it’s the one.”
I gaze at my reflection in the mirror then catch sight of Grace’s expression. She looks pensive, with a slight frown.
“What’s up?” I ask her.
“Are you happy to get married?” she asks.
“Yes!” I cry. “Oh, Grace, I’m really, really happy.”
She scratches her nose. “Am I going to have to wear a cake dress to the wedding?”
I laugh. “No, don’t worry about that. Me and you and Aunt Char can pick out your dress together to make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with. And it doesn’t have to be a dress either. You could wear a jumpsuit if you want.”
Grace’s eyes widen. “Cool,” she says.
“How’s everything going in here?” a trilling female voice says from the other side of the door. It’s Miranda, the associate assigned to help me. Luke’s mom was the one who set up this appointment—Lucille has been deeply involved in the wedding planning. She’s booked some fancy hotel with a rooftop in midtown for the ceremony and reception. I wish Luke and I could just get married at the Thorn. But that was out of the question.
“Great,” I call, then turn back to my reflection one more time. “I think I’ve found the one.”
Two hours later, the dress has been pinned and primed for a final fitting before the wedding and it’s time to head back to Magnolia Bay.
The limo Luke booked for us is comfortable, though I’d be happy just taking the train. I know I’m going to have to get used to the finer things in life. And don’t get me wrong, the finer things are fun—ever since we started dating eight months ago, Luke has taken me on trips to the Bahamas and Vail and Tuscany, places I would never have been able to visit myself. As we make the drive back to Magnolia Bay, Grace keeps fiddling with the various buttons on the limo’s console until Mom tells her to stop.
“That dress is perfect,” Mom says, massaging the knuckles on her left hand. I wonder if she’s having a flare.
“Isn’t it?” I say, practically vibrating on the sleek leather seat. It feels like everything is coming together in a way that I wouldn’t have thought possible a few years ago. I nudge my best friend. “So, who are you going to bring for your plus one?”
Charlotte pulls an exaggerated face. She’s dated over the years, but she’s never met a single man who was able to “keep up with her,” as she puts it. “Right, that. Hm. Hey, Grace?”
My sister turns to her.
“Wanna be my date to Isla’s wedding?”
Grace’s eyes light up. Even though there are seventeen years between us, Grace and I look very much alike. Same thick chestnut hair, same high cheekbones, same upturned nose. The only difference is her eyes are brown where mine are green.
Mom calls Grace her “December surprise.” They were certain they wouldn’t have any more kids after me, and then…surprise.
“Yes,” Grace says enthusiastically. “I didn’t know I was supposed to have a date.”
“You don’t,” I reassure her.
“But you’ll be doing me a solid,” Charlotte says with a wink. “Maria is so excited. Thanks for inviting so many people from town.”
Maria is Charlotte’s younger sister.
“Obviously,” I say. “I needed to have some people at my wedding that I actually know.”
Charlotte laughs at that.
My phone rings and it’s Luke. I put him on speaker.