Page 25

“Pony!” Lyla Nell gives my hand a firm squeeze. “Mommy, I want ponynow!”

“We’ll get in line in a minute,” I tell her as we make our way to the lawn.

Carlotta is already making a beeline for the champagne fountain when Venus and I bump into her sister-in-law once again.

“The children’s activities are also being held in the east wing,” Vivian tells us with a dismissive wave. “Adults can enjoy themselves at the club in the back at the Enchanted Forest Princess Open Bar. The guest of honor will make her appearance for cake in approximately ninety minutes. Plan your time accordingly.”

I don’t know what to be more baffled by—the club or the lack of attendance by the guest of honor.

“The birthday girl isn’t at her own party yet?” I ask, unable to hide my confusion. “She must be napping,” I say, answering my own question after the fact.

“She isn’tnapping.” Vivian blinks at me as if I’ve asked why water is wet. “She’s having her hair and makeup done, of course. And her final dress fitting isn’t for another thirty minutes. The seamstress had to make last-minute adjustments to the butterfly wings.”

Of course. What was I thinking?

And butterfly wings? Something tells me they really work, too.

Someone calls for Vivian and she takes off.

I take a look around and shake my head. “Butterfly wings? Final fittings? Unicorns and carousels? I don’t have any of that on order for Lyla Nell’s birthday party next week. I was just going to have a cake after dinner. I feel like a failure of a mother.”

Venus laughs so hard that her entire body shakes. “Oh, Lottie. Don’t let this set the bar for anything in your life. If anything, Vivian sets the bar that I try to avoid. Half the time my kids don’t even get a cake. They get pizza with a candle in it. My brother might be wealthy, but let’s just say his dream of marrying a socialite has turned into a bit of a nightmare for him.”

We share a dark chuckle over that one.

“Lottie?” someone calls out and I spot both Keelie and Lainey standing in line for that magical unicorn. Keelie has her son little Bear with her and Lainey has Josie dancing next to her while Mimi sits strapped across my sister’s chest. Little Bear will be three, along with Josie, come this August, so I guess they meet the primary demographic.

We make our way over and I quickly give them both a hug before introducing them to Venus.

Lyla Nell races to Bear and Josie and the three of them hug and scream as if they don’t see one another just about every single day. I’m thrilled they’re so close.

“What are you girls doing here?” I ask, thankful to see them. For some reason, just having Keelie and Lainey here makes it feel as if I’m still on Earth and haven’t been transported to some exotic planet.

Keelie bubbles with a laugh. “Fondu is in Bear and Josie’s class.”

“Fondu?” I squint her way.

“That would be my niece,” Venus says with a grimace. “Let’s just say my brother lets Vivian do whatever Fondu pleases, to whomever.”

“The kids just love her,” Keelie goes on. “Bear calls Fondu his little cheesy girlfriend.”

I shoot Keelie a look that saysHeaven help.

If the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, I foresee very expensive expectations in his future.

Lainey nods. “Bear and Josie just love this party.” She leans my way. “Rumor has it, the goodie bags alone could pay off my mortgage.”

“Ooh,” I muse. “Don’t tell Carlotta.”

“Oh”—Lainey perks up once again—“and did you hear they’ll be doing facials and complete glam makeovers?”

Keelie makes a face. “I’m bummed about it, too.”

“Why would you be upset?” I ask. “You love to get all glammed up. I’ll do it, too. It’ll be fun.”

“Actually—” Venus cringes my way.

“It’s only for the kids,” Lainey finishes for her.