Page 36 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“Somehow, he managed to press the remote I left in the car and release the back door.”

“What?” said Denise. “You’re kidding?”

“Nope.”

“Such an awesome smart boy,” Lizzy gushed. “I wasn’t as lucky to bring my dog Billy home, but he got another handler and is doing his duty.” She looked a bit melancholy as she stroked Cisco.

Uncomfortable, Katie said, “Lizzy, I have to warn you—this case I’m working…All the victims have been ex-K9 handlers. You will take care, won’t you?”

Shocked, Lizzy paled, but then laughed. “Don’t worry about me—I’m stuck in the office most of the time. And I’m going back soon anyway.”

Happier, Katie finished a round of bright pink cosmos. “Here we are, ladies, just as I promised.”

“Wow, haven’t had one of these in a while,” said Denise.

“Yeah, well, I’m only good for one tonight,” laughed Lizzy.

“Okay,” Katie began. “Here’s to friends, love, and living every day to the fullest.”

“Cheers!” they all said in unison.

“This is fantastic,” said Lizzy.

“Oh, I agree.”

The ladies chatted and laughed as they ate and drank.

* * *

Katie opened her closet and pulled out a garment bag hanging at the end. She could hear Denise and Lizzy laughing about something in the kitchen. She glanced at the photograph of her parents on the chest of drawers and wished that they could be at her wedding. If only she’d had more time with them before that fateful car accident took their lives. It was bittersweet that she had Uncle Wayne to walk her down the aisle.

Katie carefully laid the pink bag on the bed. Unzipping it she revealed a beautiful wedding dress with a lace bodice. She took a breath. It had belonged to her mother, but it was still just as stunning today as it was on the day her parents were married.

She choked back the tears and focused on her own wedding day. As she had promised her friends, she slipped on the dress. It was almost a perfect fit, with a few alterations it would be flawless on her day. Nerves hit her. Anxious energy pummeled her stomach. She felt jittery. She hadn’t told her friends that Chad would be leaving for six months. There was no sense putting a dampener on the evening—she would tell them soon.

Walking down the hallway, she made a grand entrance. “Well, I promised I would show you.”

Denise gasped. “Oh, sweetie.”

“You are gorgeous in that dress,” said Lizzy.

“Stunning.”

“Beautiful.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Katie said. “You’re embarrassing me now.”

Both women approached Katie, admiring.

Lizzy said, “Your parents would have loved you in this dress. It would have meant the world to your mom.”

“They would be so proud of you.”

“Do you think it’s…well, up-to-date enough?”

“It’s perfect,” said Denise.

Lizzy nodded. “Absolutely.”