What Lola Wants (Leave Your Shoes On 1)

“Marry me, Alex.”

There really was nothing more to deliberate over.

“Hell, yes,” he said emphatically. Wholeheartedly.

Then he reached for her again and held on tight.

Epilogue

“Look at the size of that thing!” Maxi yanked Lola’s hand toward her. “That’s like two-and-a-half carats!”

“An even two,” she beamed. “Alex got a promotion for all the new business he’s brought in, so he splurged.”

“Did it up right, too. It’s gorgeous.” She admired the emerald-cut diamond set in a platinum band. Then slid her sapphire gaze to Alex. “And P.S., girlfriend, so’s your man.”

Lola sighed. “You’re not telling me anything new.”

“Hey, let’s get this party started,” Jen said as she came through the front door of Alex and Lola’s condo. Alex had insisted she cancel her rental agreement and move into his bedroom. He didn’t have to ask twice.

“So this is a lot to celebrate,” Sarah said, as she loaded up the oversized beverage chiller with bottles of champagne. The kitchen island was covered with the gourmet hors d’oeuvres Lola had sprung for and the to-die-for desserts Staci had picked up on her way from the airport.

“Alex has a new promotion,” Lola repeated. “Our Staci Kay ad campaign went viral two weeks ago to great success—sales are through the roof, and there’s already a buzz about a CLIO nomination. Sarah was promoted to Marketing Manager, and Jen and Juan are expecting their first child. So, too, are Mark and his wife. All in all, some pretty nice accomplishments.”

“And let’s not forget yours and Alex’s engagement,” Maxi said, as she draped an arm around Lola’s shoulders. “Super-hunk Prince Charming to the extreme.”

Lola nodded. “And then some.”

Staci poured the bubbly, and Mark handed out the glasses.

Tiff nibbled her bottom lip a moment, then said, “I hate to jinx anything, but Todd spoke to me about filling Sarah’s position. I’m interviewing on Monday. Cross your fingers?”

“No need for that,” Sarah said. “He adores you and you’re fantastic in the department. Not to mention, you totally came through for Lola with the ad agency. You’ll slay it.”

“She came through for all of us,” Lola pointed out. “For the entire company.”

Tiff smiled. Got a little emotional. “Thanks, you guys. Means a lot.”

They all lifted their glasses and clinked rims, patting one another on the back. Lola was thrilled that Staci had made the trip to celebrate, but she was even more excited to see Maxi.

Turning to

her, she said, “You will be my maid of honor, right?”

“Are you kidding?” She hugged Lola. “I’d even wear hideous taffeta for you, girlfriend!”

“That won’t be necessary, I promise.” To Sarah, Jen, and Tiff, she said, “I need bridesmaids.”

“Look no further,” Sarah said, waving her hand enthusiastically in the air.

“I’m in,” Tiff added excitedly.

Jen hedged, appearing a bit disheartened. “You guys are getting married at the end of my term. I’ll be the size of a house… and on dilation alert. But I’ll help plan the bridal shower.”

Staci cleared her throat. All eyes landed on her. She said, “I know we’ve just been getting to know each other, Lola, but I’d be honored to step in for Jen. If you wouldn’t mind.”

“I’d love it.”

“Wow,” Mark said. “That’ll be one hellaciously good-looking bridal party—in stilettos.”