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Nothing was going to get her spirits down.
    “You better hope so, ‘cause I swear, you keep my ass out in this heat longer than ten minutes for you to say ‘I do’ I’m walking.”
    Keegan grinned. “You’d walk out of your best friend’s wedding?”
    “Does this look like a face that is kidding?” She pointed to her pout. “Never mind. Who can see my face when it’s melting off? Can we just get inside please?”
    “Yes, please,” I seconded.
    As we all walked in the door, Keegan hugged everyone that was there to support her. As she checked in with one of the front desk girls, Donna gave me a bright grin. “Hey there. Annabelle, right?”
    I nodded as she approached me then welcomed me in a warm hug like we were relatives or old friends. “I thought so. I’m usually good with names, but I haven’t seen you in what?” She paused to think about it. “Well, I think it’s been about seven or eight months.”
    Donna was a typical southern woman. She dressed well, with perfectly coifed hair, and flawless make-up. Living in this region of the US, most of the female population treated each other like long lost friends even if they were total strangers when greeting one another. And of course everyone hugged everyone else. Donna’s small arms wrapped around me and her scent wafted through the air, covering me up like a warm blanket. She smelled so similar to what my mom used to smell like. Clean, almost like a fresh towel or sheet out of the dryer mixed with a hint of lavender. The smell hit me straight in the gut. I tried not to frown when she pulled away. All I wanted to do was bring her small frame back into me and breathe deeply.
    “So how are you, honey? Been stayin’ busy?” Her sweet-as-a-peach southern draw was smooth, like a fine wine.
    I paused briefly to shake myself from the tears that wanted to work their way up. Swallowing down the lump that was forming, I reciprocated her smile. “I’m good, thanks for asking. Just working on the L&D floor like Keegan and taking on a couple extra shifts now and then.”
    “That’s right. Keegan said y’all worked together. How’re ya likin’ it?”
    Keegan started making her way toward the showroom floor and we all trailed behind her, the consultant leading the way. “It’s good. I didn’t realize how rewarding the work would be, but I really am happy with it.”
    She rested her hand on my forearm as we stepped into a wide space with wedding dresses and prom gowns galore. “That’s great honey. I know the nurses that were there when I birthed all four of my boys were an invaluable asset to me. I’m so happy for you.”
    The mention of her sons brought my mind back to Turner. I had to admit I was quite taken by his poise, his blue eyes staring at me from across the kitchen. How his deep voice resonated in my chest. Him lifting me like I weighed nothing. He was still the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on. What in the world? My thoughts sounded like I had a crush on him. Crazy sauce! Someone coughed, bringing me back into the present.
    “Earth to Annabelle.” Macie snapped her fingers. “Do you want to try on these two dresses?”
    The little blonde consultant was holding up the options and I looked them over. Both were black, and both seemed exactly the same to me. Honestly, I didn’t care either way. It was Keegan’s wedding, so it’s her opinion that mattered more than mine, right? “Sure.”
    Macie went into one room with one dress, and I went into one with the other dress. What I tried on was a strapless A-line, satin cocktail number. The top was fitted around my chest, and the bottom flared out with black tulle. It was short, very light and flowy and probably wouldn’t make me too hot with the outdoor wedding. I doubled checked my appearance in the mirror before stepping out. Macie was already out, standing on a podium. Keegan was up, picking apart the flaws when I came into view. Stepping up next to her, Macie looked me