Page 74 of Be Mine, Sweetheart (Something Borrowed 3)

“Chris’s parents?”

“Yes! Marcy is one of my dearest friends, and of course, Christian was invited. Such a lovely young man.”

“He’s thirty-two, Mother.”

“And when you are sixty-four, that is young.”

Kelly attempted to sound casual as she asked, “Did he say he’d come?”

“I believe so, at least, that’s what Marcy told me. I really wish you’d wake up and just marry him already. A man like that, driven, successful, handsome…well, he won’t wait forever.”

Kelly didn’t want to tell her mother what had transpired between her and Chris or she might trigger overprotective mama mode. There were some serious drawbacks to being the only child of a woman who would do anything within her power to make her child happy. Her mother was a fixer, and although it was wonderful in some instances, personal relationships were not the place for it.

“Chris and I are just fine where we are, but Mom, you really need to realize that I’m an adult. I don’t need you to buy my plane ticket or hotel room.”

“I know, baby, but I wanted to be sure that you wouldn’t get sucked into some kind of work emergency.”

Did her parents actually think she would put work before them? “Never. You guys are celebrating a huge milestone and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. But for your fiftieth, please don’t spring a skydiving trip over the jungle on me, okay?”

“You got it, baby! I’ll email you all your travel itinerary, and don’t worry. I know you’re a genius when it comes to weddings, but the hotel has assured me that both the photographer and planner come highly recommended.”

“Is this going to be a full-on ceremony or…”

“Oh, I need to run, honey, but yes, you’re going to be my maid of honor. Veronica promised to pick up your dress next week so if there are any last-minute alterations, we can get those done.”

“Well, I love you.”

“I love you too, honey! Talk soon.”

Kelly hung up the phone and pressed the intercom. “Send Veronica in to see me when she gets back.”

“Yes, Ms. Barrow.”

Kelly clicked off and groaned, resting her head on her desk. When had her life become an awful romantic comedy? Sure, her love life was in shambles, but at least her parents got to renew their vows and have another romantic trip, while she had yet to have one.

God, she shouldn’t be like that. Her parents still loved each other after all this time. They deserved to celebrate forty years.

Someone knocked at her door, destroying her mild pity party.

“What?”

Rylie poked her head in. “Bad time?”

“Yes, but if you’ve brought something sinful with you, I will forget all about it.”

Rylie pushed the door open and held up a plastic container. “Your wish is my command.”

Rylie set it on her desk and popped the lid off, revealing an assortment of mini cupcakes. They all had brightly colored frosting swirled on top, and Kelly’s mouth watered.

“What are these for?”

“I thought I’d do this for tastings from now on. This way, we waste less cake and it isn’t so messy for some of the more…high-maintenance brides.”

“I like it. Speaking of high maintenance, my mother called me a few minutes ago.”

“Yeah? What’s happening?”

Kelly pulled the wrapping off her cupcake, a chocolate concoction with red frosting. “My parents are celebrating their fortieth anniversary in Hawaii by renewing their vows.”