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  Thinking they’d been in love, she’d married him right out of high school. Though they’d made it to twelve years of marriage, he’d come home one day asking for a divorce. His reason? He’d fallen in love with his secretary.

  Now Malcolm lived with his new wife in California. No kids that Bianca knew of yet. Though he called on Alyssa’s birthday, their relationship had never been the same. Alyssa didn’t talk about him much to her, as if she didn’t want to bring up memories. Bianca didn’t press her either. At least Malcom made the effort. She couldn’t say that about most men.

  “You never know, Mom, but I’m not looking.”

  “Bianca?”

  “Mom?”

  “I think it’s time. You’ve done well for yourself since Malcolm left. You’ve raised a wonderful daughter. Your graphic design business is doing great. I think it’s time to think about you for a change.”

  “A relationship helps me do that?” Bianca asked.

  “No, it doesn’t have to. If this is a choice, then fine, I’ll respect it. I just don’t want you to give up.”

  Bianca pulled into the parking lot of Edenville High School. “Mom, I’ll call you later. I need to drop off these donuts and I have to get back to work. I have to finish some work for clients.”

  “I’ll let it go for now, but remember what I said. I’ll see you when you pick up Casper.”

  “Okay.” Bianca rolled her eyes.

  “Are you rolling your eyes at me, young lady?”

  Young lady? Didn’t Bianca say that to Alyssa? Oh, no. She was turning into her mother. Though the notion wasn’t too bad since everyone in town loved Deborah Wallace.

  “I’ll stop by later for Casper.” She hung up, only to see Nicole’s name on her screen. “Hey, I was going to call you later.”

  Nicole sighed. “I can’t wait for this wedding to be over.”

  Bianca secured her Bluetooth in her ear, carrying the donuts to the front doors of the high school. “Are you and Chad all right?”

  “We’re great. It’s his mother. She can’t go two minutes without giving her input.”

  Bianca smiled at the high school secretary and placed the boxes on the counter. She waved goodbye and exited the building. Her heels clicked on the concrete. “She does know it’s your wedding, right? And Chad’s.”

  Nicole groaned. “Something told me we should have eloped.” Was that a gasp? “Hey, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you at the bridal shower. Okay?”

  Why the rush? Bianca could tell her friend sounded overwhelmed. “No problem.”

  Nicole hung up.

  Bianca thought of calling her back but gave the bride-to-be some space. She continued the walk to her car. She had more designing projects to complete. Bianca hadn’t thought she would be in another wedding, but when Nicole had asked, she couldn’t resist her friend.

  She was certain she could stand and watch another couple exchange vows. Besides, this was Nicole’s first marriage. In college she didn’t think she would find true love, so now in her thirties, it seemed like a distant dream. That was until Bianca introduced her to Chad Lee two years ago. He hadn’t met the right one either, and when Bianca paired them together, there was no doubt they were meant for each other.

  A wedding. If only her stomach didn’t burn, but she would put on a happy face.

  ***

  Bianca pulled into the long circular driveway of the Davis mansion. Robust ivy trailed along the brick walls. Manicured hedges framed the entrance. A large, healthy lawn with pruned trees, and the red rose garden added the perfect pop of color. Though Bianca had visited before for the engagement party, she couldn’t get over how huge the house was.

  Nicole’s bridal shower. Cutting the engine, she grabbed her gift for her friend and stepped onto the driveway. Despite her friend marrying into money, she breathed easy knowing Nicole would appreciate her practical gift. A custom photo album with her and Chad’s names on the cover, designed by Bianca. They could fill it with their honeymoon pictures in Rome, Italy, along with the many memories they would make as husband and wife. Bianca spotted the balloons tied to the columns on the front porch. Grinning, she walked past the parked cars lining the driveway.

  The maid greeted her at the door, no older than her. What was her name again? Mandie if she recalled. Smooth tanned skin, curvy body with her jet black hair brushing against her shoulders. Her pearly white smile grew as she welcome her inside.

  Mandie pointed to her gift. “Want me to take that for you?”

  “I got it. Thank you.” Bianca brushed past her and entered the large entryway, with high ceilings.

  Bianca’s ears filled with the music, particularly 90s hits that she remembered listening to when she was in college. Even though she was in college in the mid-2000s, the 90s hit never went out of style for her. Laughter, and the murmured voices of the women in town whom Nicole had invited to share in her joy caught Bianca’s attention. She smiled at a few faces and hugged the necks of her friends.

  “Bianca!” Nicole shrieked.

  Bianca embraced her friend. “You look amazing!”

  Nicole planted her hands on her slim hips. Her sundress flowed to her knees and flattered her waist. Long blonde hair, five seven, and flawless ivory skin. Her blue eyes shined. The woman could have been a model if she wanted to, but found her passion as a beauty blogger. “Thank you. Come on in.”

  Looping her arm with hers, Bianca walked with Nicole to the kitchen after setting her gift on the designated table. When they entered the kitchen, Bianca spotted Judy.

  “Bianca! Welcome.” Her red hair shined as always.

  “Let me help you, Judy. I can’t just stand around and let you do all of this for me.” Nicole stood in front of a plate of ham and grabbed the butcher knife from Priscilla’s, Chad’s mother, kitchen set.

  “Nicole.” Judy sighed. “You’re the bride. You should be mingling with your guests.”

  “There will be plenty of time for that.” Nicole nudged her shoulder and sliced the meat onto a serving tray.

  Bianca made herself comfortable on a bar stool. “Having fun so far? You seem more relaxed now.” That was a good sign.

  Nicole beamed. “I am. I can’t believe the wedding is next weekend.” She exhaled. “I’m so nervous.”

  “Not about marrying Chad, I hope,” Judy said as she tossed the salad.

  “Can I help?” Bianca stood.

  Judy pointed for her to sit down. “No, I won’t have the both of you helping. Nicole’s the bride so she can get away with it.”

  Bianca returned to her seat and folded her hands in her lap. She figured Judy was in her zone so she wouldn’t offer again to help her in the kitchen. “Everything looks amazing.”

  Judy touched a hand to Nicole’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you what it means to me that you asked us to cater your wedding. Thank you.”

  Nicole smiled. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have anyone else cooking for me.”

  Bianca’s heart warmed at the friendly exchange. With Nicole marrying into the high society Davis family, she could have chosen top-notch caterers to serve her reception meal. Yet, she’d chosen Edenville’s best. There was no one better than Judy, who could cook and bake along with her husband, Richard.

  “I do have a question for you my friend.” Nicole directed her attention to Bianca.

  “What?” Bianca asked.

  “I think you could get along with at least one of Chad’s—”

  Bianca held up a hand to stop her. “Before you start setting me up with all of the groomsmen, I’ll pass.”

  “Oh, Bianca. Really?” Nicole huffed.

  “I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” Bianca winked at her.

  Nicole paused in her slicing of the ham when her phone rang in her dress pocket. She stared at the screen but didn’t answer.

  “Give me a minute, ladies.” Judy picked up the salad bowls and left to place them on the dining table.

  Nicole’s face fell. Whoever had
called had changed her mood.

  “What’s wrong?” Bianca asked, standing to move beside Nicole and offering a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  “Jordan.” She stuffed the phone in her pocket.

  Bianca sighed. “How is he?”

  “He’s fine.” Nicole bit her bottom lip.

  “Nicole?” Bianca raised an eyebrow.

  “I just… didn’t think it would be this hard. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have any second thoughts about marrying Chad, but Jordan’s taking it harder than I thought.”

  “He’s loved you for as long as I can remember.” Bianca met Jordan through Nicole, who had been her best friend since they were children. They were considered a trio in college, but Bianca couldn’t help but notice how Jordan paid more attention to Nicole. The longing in his eyes couldn’t be denied, but by the time they graduated, he left. According to Nicole, it was his way of giving her space since she didn’t feel the same about him. Now he was an accomplished writer. Thrillers were his specialty. He appeared to accept Nicole’s new relationship, but there was no negating the heartbreak he’d suffered.

  Nicole shook her head. “He’s an amazing friend, but… that’s all I feel for him.”

  Bianca gave her a side hug. “You told him the truth. That’s all you can do. It may be hard, but Jordan will understand. I’m sure of it.”

  “I know. He respects my wishes. Sometimes… I still see his face when I told him about my engagement.” Nicole admired her solitaire diamond ring. “I’m happy, Bianca. I want him to be happy too.”

  Bianca assured her. “He will be. Just give him time to heal from this. A broken heart needs time.”

  “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

  Both women turned to see Priscilla’s husband, Martin Davis. Fit for a man in his mid-fifties. He towered others being over six feet, and his salt and pepper hair stayed in a buzzed cut. His mustache stayed trimmed and his long face was either serious or expressionless. Though Bianca had seen him chuckle occasionally.

  “Martin, nice to see you again.” Bianca forced a smile despite her prickly skin. She took a few steps away from Nicole.

  “And you.” He winked at Bianca. “Priscilla can’t wait to see the photos.”

  As an extension of her graphic design business, Bianca offered her own photo copyrights, so her customers had unique designs and she didn’t have to rely on stock photos. Even recently she’d expanded her skills with video editing. She didn’t do it often, but only when requested for her unique photo service or a special video. Priscilla had requested Bianca’s services for her twentieth wedding anniversary to Martin. Bianca didn’t tell her she had a special surprise for the couple. A video based off the pictures she’d taken of Priscilla and Martin.

  Bianca responded. “I’m glad. I’ll keep you posted.”

  Martin then directed his attention to Nicole. “The beautiful bride to be.”

  Nicole’s body stiffened.

  Bianca’s eyes shifted between them, and to avoid the awkward silence, she continued. “I didn’t think I would see you here. The house is full of women for a bridal shower.”

  Martin chuckled and the laugh lines in his face increased. “I’m just checking in with you all. I’m leaving for a golf game in a few minutes.” He focused his eyes on Nicole. “Everything to your liking?”

  She cleared her throat. “It is. Thank you for sharing your home.”

  “You’re practically family, my dear.” Did his voice drop?

  Bianca’s eyes widened slightly. “Nicole, do you need me to take anything into the living area?”

  Nicole picked up the plate with the sliced ham. “If you can help me with this, I think we’ll be fine.”

  “Anything I can do?” Martin asked. His eyes never left Nicole.

  “I thought I might find you here.” Priscilla entered the room with her short blonde bob haircut, white dress slacks, and sleeveless turtleneck. Her heart-shaped face was wrinkle free. Botox maybe?

  Bianca never asked since it wasn’t her business, but she admired the woman for keeping her slim figure despite being past fifty. Priscilla’s chic style never failed. Even on a casual day, the woman always dressed to impress. Then again, a former actress, Priscilla’s style was part of her trademark on Broadway. Her five-five presence commanded the room when she entered.

  Priscilla’s eyes focused on her husband. “What are you doing?”

  He walked over to her. “Looking for you.” Martin circled an arm around his wife’s waist and kissed her cheek.

  “We were just taking these to the guests.” Nicole slipped out of the kitchen with the serving plate.

  Bianca followed her friend, but the faint voices of Martin and Priscilla stopped her. She stepped to stand behind the wall, separating the kitchen from the hallway.

  “I thought you were leaving,” Priscilla said.

  “I’m on my way out. Don’t worry,”

  “I don’t have to worry about you, do I?” Priscilla asked.

  Bianca’s eyebrows furrowed. Worry? Why would Priscilla worry about Martin?

  “I see no reason why you should,” Martin said.

  Priscilla added. “Let’s keep it that way.”

  Bianca wouldn’t listen anymore. Her heels clicked as she proceeded into the main living room.

  Chapter 3

  The weekend passed quickly. The final countdown to the wedding started with only four more days until the nuptials. At least the bridal shower was a success and Nicole loved Bianca’s gift.

  Tapping her fingers on the tabletop, Bianca listened to the classical music playing through the speakers. If only she hadn’t agreed to come to her mother’s latest matchmaking event. This time? Speed dating. She didn’t expect this many people to show on a Tuesday evening, but men and women crowded the ballroom.

  Blowing through her cheeks, she raised her tapping fingers to cup her face. Her other hand toyed at the hem of her silky plum-colored dress. One hour. That was the agreement she’d made with her mother. Thank goodness Alyssa was old enough to stay at home by herself.

  Then again, Bianca missed the excuse of having a small child and not having time to date. Her mother wouldn’t hear of it now. She had a perfect record of matchmaking ever since Bianca’s father had passed away. Bianca thought it was a hobby, but her mother couldn’t resist a possible love story.

  Next thing Bianca knew, her mother had opened her matchmaking business. Good for her. Bianca was proud, but did she have to be a guinea pig? She stared at the custom moldings along with the painted abstract artwork on the walls. Perfume and cologne filled the air and Bianca touched a hand to her chest.

  “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for coming,” her mother said into the microphone. At five-seven, her mother’s brown skin glowed. Her pixie haircut fit her round face, while her little black dress complimented her curvy body. Bianca eyed her mother’s peep-toed wedged heels. Sixty years of age didn’t matter. Her mother wore them whenever she wanted to.

  The audience applauded.

  “We’re ready to get started. You all have your assigned numbers.” Her mother rang her trusty bell. “Everyone will be seated but is welcomed to move around and mingle. Then afterward, each attendee will write down the numbers of the person they’d like to pursue. That way everyone gets a fair chance to meet everyone!”

  Bianca forced a smile at her mother’s energy. Swallowing despite her dry mouth, she counted down the minutes. Next time, she would find something better to do than attend one of her mother’s events.

  “I guess I can make the most of it,” she said to herself. It wasn’t a marriage proposal. It wasn’t a committed relationship. If she met a nice guy, at least she made a new friend. What was the harm in making new friends?

  Straightening in her chair, Bianca recalled her main reason for showing her face at a speed dating event. It wasn’t so much to support her mother’s business, but to prove to herself that she had something to offer. Her life wasn’t over because her m
arriage had ended. She wasn’t damaged goods.

  Would she remarry? Bianca toyed with her earring. Alyssa was getting older day by day. Would Bianca want someone in her life once her daughter had moved out? What kept her from pursuing something now?

  “Good evening,” a tenor voice said.

  Bianca raised her head and acknowledged the man taking a seat across from her. “Good evening.” She folded her fingers on the clothed table.

  The man extended his tanned hand. His bright smile made him charming. “I’m Simon.”

  “Bianca.” She shook his hand, ignoring his sweaty palm.

  His face softened as his tone contained wonder. “Tell me something you love about yourself.”

  His question surprised her. “Well… I think I love my creativity. I’m a graphic designer.”

  His smile grew bigger. “How long have you been doing that?”

  “I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but I opened my business a few years back.”

  “Same here.” Simon ran his fingers through his short, brown hair. He grabbed at the small bowl of nuts on her table, popping a few in his mouth without even taking his baby blue eyes off of her. “I got into photography in high school, but now I travel for the magazine I work for.”

  Bianca didn’t mind this conversation so far. “That’s amazing. I know for me, graphic design wasn’t my first choice. I thought about the law, but when I had my daughter…” Her eyes bulged as Simon’s mouth fell open. “Are you all right?”

  His spoke as if in disbelief. “You have a child?”

  “Yes. She’s a teenager.”

  “So you’re…?” He blinked rapidly as if trying to process what she was saying.

  “Divorced. Almost three years now.” She tilted her head to the side, trying to read his expression. “Are you alright?”

  He ran a hand down the back of his head. “Yes, I just wasn’t planning on dating a woman with children. I never wanted kids of my own.”

  Bianca froze momentarily. Not everyone wanted children. She could understand that, but this was the first time she’d heard it out loud and to her face. It never crossed her mind until now that if she got into another relationship, would the man accept her daughter? If he didn’t, it was his loss. Her daughter came in the package deal.