Christmas on 4th Street (Fool's Gold #12.5)

“They were trying on dresses and looked so beautiful, we lost it,” Noelle said.

Patience grinned. “No, Felicia looked so beautiful they started crying. I didn’t inspire any great emotion.”

“You were stunning,” Felicia told her. “Lovely and delicate. L-like those flowers.” Tears filled her eyes.

Dellina shook her head. “Was there wine involved?”

“No,” Isabel said cheerfully. “We did all this completely sober.”

“A frightening thought,” Dellina murmured. “Are we back together now? I can move on to flowers without anyone getting hysterical?”

The three brides nodded. “I was never hysterical,” Noelle pointed out.

“Good. Then we have work to do, ladies. These are some flower samples. I was thinking we’d pick a color scheme for the flowers and then each of you would have a variation of that color. That way you can have your favorites without clashing.”

Noelle listened as Dellina explained which flowers would work best in a bouquet, then showed them different groupings.

Less than two years ago she’d been planning her own wedding, she thought wistfully. She and Jeremy had wanted a summer wedding on the beach. Their biggest disagreement had been about the wedding gown. She’d wanted to wear her grandmother’s. She’d had the overlay of lace removed, leaving the fitted heart-shaped bodice in place. The seamstress she’d worked with had carefully reapplied the lace flowers and had added some draping. But when Noelle had tried it on for Jeremy, he’d said it was too old-fashioned.

In the end, it hadn’t mattered because then she’d gotten sick and eventually he’d left her. He’d told her she wasn’t enough of a sure thing for him.

She shook off the memories and returned her attention to the flower discussion.

“While you’re mulling,” Dellina said, pulling a tablet out of her large tote and touching the screen, “I’ll mention some other details. Evie Jefferson and I talked. After the Dance of the Winter King, the girls will start a new dance she taught them. The music will change and then Mayor Marsha will take the stage to explain what’s happening.”

She went through the events of the evening. How the three grooms would take their places, and Noelle would be the first down the aisle.

“I have a list of prewedding march music,” Dellina said, digging for a sheet of paper. “I’m also open to suggestions. Then the traditional wedding march, then you three appear. Ceremony, ring, kiss and we invite everyone to a late supper before we all head to church for midnight services.”

“You’re doing the supper?” Noelle asked.

“I’m organizing it.” Dellina grinned. “Trust me, I didn’t get the cooking gene. Ana Raquel and Greg are handling the food. It’s going to be delicious.”

Felicia pulled her own tablet out of her bag. “I have a list of what’s been ordered,” she said. “Including the champagne.”

Noelle glanced at the clock on the wall. “If you guys don’t need me, I’m going to head back to my store. We’re swamped and I left Gabriel in charge.”

“Thanks for everything,” Isabel told her. “You’ve been great.”

“I’m happy to help. Let me know the details.”

She waved at her friends, then left the store. As she hurried toward The Christmas Attic, she told herself to revel in their happiness and not think about the fact that the day after Christmas, everything would be different. Her friends would leave on their honeymoons, Gabriel would go back to Germany and her store would get quiet again. While her friends would return, they would be married and she had a feeling that could change things.

As for Gabriel, well, she doubted she would ever see him again. Not unless he started visiting his brother more regularly. And what were the odds of that? So not getting involved really made sense. Only she wasn’t sure she was in a place where she wanted to be sensible.

She was about to turn the corner when Patience caught up with her. “I have to get back, too,” she said. “And I completely trust Dellina with the menu.” She pointed to the window for da bump Maternity. “Oh, look. She’s added an animated Santa.”

Noelle glanced at the window and saw a dancing Santa. There were elves, too. Cute elves she didn’t remember from a couple of days ago.

“She’s getting to her decorating late,” she said. “It’s a tough time of year.”

“She’s not late,” Patience said. “It’s the competition. I thought about trying, but with the wedding and all, there’s no way. Maybe next year. Although Josh usually wins. I think he brings in people from outside to decorate. He’s a professional competitor. The rest of us don’t take it that seriously.”

Noelle stopped to face her. “What are you talking about?”

“The competition for best holiday window display,” Patience told her. “It’s silly, really. The prize is some little statue. It’s just for fun.”