Have Husband, Need Honeymoon

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The bell on the door tinkled, interrupting them, and Vivica walked in, followed by Brady’s mother. Brady breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the change in subject.

“Hey, Brady, Ali, I’m sorry we’re running late, but we got tied up looking for shoes at the mall.”

Brady stood. “That’s okay. Where’s Joe?”

“He had to go back to Atlanta. He’s trying to finish designs on a big shopping complex so he can take time off for the honeymoon,” Vivica explained. “He gave me free rein, told me to do whatever I wanted for the wedding.”

“We do need to do a fitting for your dress,” Alison said. “The alterations may take time.”

“Okay.” Vivica plopped down onto the sofa. “But give me a few minutes. I’m worn-out.”

Alison explained the checklist she used to make certain all the arrangements would be completed on time—the photographer, caterer, florist, reservations for the chapel, the wedding cake, invitations, bridesmaids’ dresses, music.

“You’re a dream,” Vivica said, giving her a hug. “I don’t know how I’d get through this without you.”

“It seems like you have everything under control,” Brady commented. “You’ve turned into quite the businesswoman.”

Alison smiled, obviously picking up on the admiration in his voice. “Thanks. Dad’ll be glad to know college was worth something.”

“Have you started plans of your own with Thomas?” Vivica asked.

Brady tensed, waiting for Alison’s reply. Was she planning a big splashy wedding to Emerson?

Alison blushed. “Did Joe tell you about Thomas?”

“Of course.” Vivica turned to Brady. “Joe and Thomas were college buddies. Thomas actually introduced me to Joe.”

She turned back to Alison, and Brady ground his teeth. So the four of them were chummy, huh? How nice.

“He shouldn’t have said anything,” Alison stated in a low voice.

Vivica grinned, oblivious to their discomfort. “Even if he hadn’t, Ali, this is Sugar Hill. Proposals and pregnancies are the stuff that keeps the gossip vine alive.”

“You’re pregnant?” Brady asked in a shocked voice.

“No!” Alison screeched. “And I haven’t given Thomas an answer yet, Vivi.”

Mrs. Broussard cleared her throat. “Vivica, honey, if you don’t need me, I’m going to grab Brady and take him to the print shop.”

Brady’s chest tightened. Had he made a mistake by agreeing to help his mother temporarily? She was already dropping hints and pressuring him to stay permanently.

“Vivi, go on into the fitting room and start changing,” Alison suggested. “I’ll help you in a minute.”

Brady’s mother grabbed his arm.

“Mrs. Broussard, I need to discuss some things with Brady before you go. Maybe you can look over the invitation list and see if there are any names we need to add. We should get those printed and in the mail right away.”

“Oh, certainly, dear.”

Brady stiffened, not wanting to resume their earlier conversation about the accident. In fact, he didn’t want to meet with Alison to plan his sister’s wedding at all. Seeing her and not being with her was almost as painful as his throbbing leg. “We could get someone else to take care of the wedding arrangements if this is too uncomfortable.”

“Don’t be silly, Brady.” Alison frowned. “Vivi’s my best friend. I want to help plan her wedding.”