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was doing, or that he was still awake.” She was staring at the piece of jewelry with wonder.
    I’d have to let my brother know he hit it out of the park with this one. I have to admit, it was pretty clever. Who knew I might be asking for notes from my little brother’s play book? I was considering this my cue to leave, but before I could the door flew open.
    “Okay, I was able to track down double sided tape, but you may be SOL with the vinegar.” The girls all stopped their little chatter and every eye was on a very frazzled looking Annabelle. She blew her bangs out of her face and then asked, “What? What I miss?”
    It was in that moment that she locked eyes with mine, and even if someone was answering her question, neither one of us was listening. Oh this girl, there was something so very intriguing about her. I had to admit, I wasn’t one to keep after someone that would turn me down, but Annabelle made the game of chase a little more interesting. The day of the graduation when she’d said no, I could see it written all over her. She was curious but wouldn’t budge. That next week when I’d gone into work, I’d casually asked around about her to see if someone knew if she was dating anyone, but people either didn’t know who she was, or they said she kept to herself. Since then, I’d run across her in the hospital, but I got the impression she was avoiding me. I let her. ‘Til the other night of course.
    “Annabelle,” I greeted her.
    “Hi,” she said breathily.
    “Vinegar?” I asked.
    Her mouth moved but nothing came out. She watched me like a scared cat that just ran into a vicious dog. Did I frighten her? “Huh?”
    I smiled at her to try and ease her discomfort. “You said you’re SOL with the vinegar.”
    She shook her head. “Oh, right. Yeah, Donna wanted vinegar to see if she could rub out a stain on Keegan’s mom’s dress.”
    These women and their little tricks. “Does someone need me to run to the store and get some?”
    Tilting her head to the side, I don’t think she was anticipating that answer. “No, I’m sure they will find something else that will work. But thank you.”
    We stood there unmoving for a few more beats until one of the girls stepped in between us and took some items out of Annabelle’s hand. “Alrighty, well, I’ll be seeing you girls in a bit.” I looked at Keegan. “And you, look absolutely stunning. My brother is a lucky man.”
    She beamed at me. “Thank you. And tell your brother I’m going to kick his ass for making me cry . . . but I love him.”
    I saluted. “Will do.”
    I would have said something to Annabelle before leaving, but she had effectively turned away from me and struck up conversation with someone else. Oh yes, this girl definitely fascinated me.

    Holy hell in a handbasket, I was not expecting to run into Turner at that very moment. I knew I’d be seeing him at some point today, but not then, and not when I’d been running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Pretty sure I was sweaty too.
    Ewww.
    “Okay, ladies, it’s time to line up. Everyone is seated,” Donna said from the door.
    Keegan shook her hands out, and took her bouquet of white peonies and pink lilies, and marched toward the door like a girl on a mission.
    When we were all in our places, Keegan made sure to say something to us all. “Words can’t express what you girls mean to me. That you all have chosen to take part in a day that I know I’ll never forget. I’m beyond grateful, and I love each and every one of you.”
    “Stop it, or I’m going to cry,” Macie said. “I love you, but I’m going to be pissed if you turn me into a sap before the vows are even said.”
    The two best friends embraced and they said something quietly to each other that only they could hear. Macie was Keegan’s rock for several years before I’d met them, and their bond was special. I loved that about them.
    Pachelbel’s Canon started playing loud enough for us to