Caroling in the Snow (New Hope Sweet Christmas Romance 2)

They all broke into laughter as Lance pressed a kiss to Gemma’s forehead. The thought of Gemma as a bridezilla made them all smile. If anything, she was the opposite of the domineering and demanding bride.

When the church they’d wanted to get married in closed down for an emergency roof renovation, Gemma had simply looked for other options and found the city park. It made complete sense to marry there. This was where they’d first come together as a couple. Despite the cold of the late December month, they all had no doubt it would be a beautiful wedding.

“How’s the job, man?” Lance asked Jordan as they shook hands. They stood back to let the women gather and discuss the status of the decorations.

“Awesome.” A warm smile l

it up Jordan face with boyish energy. “It’s everything I hoped for. Chloe’s old professor is the best boss anyone could want. They’ve even let me start doing two days in the office and three at home so I can be back in New Hope for most of the week.”

“That’s great!” Lance chewed on the inside of his cheek and frowned. “I wish I worked for a football team. Free tickets to every game? I’m so there.”

“Yeah, well, you own your company, so I’m not going to feel sorry for you,” Jordan replied with a laugh.

He grinned, flashing his perfectly straight teeth. “Touche.”

“Alright, boys, time for you to do your thing,” Chloe said, shooing them away with a wave. She winked at Jordan and then waved them away again. “We’ve got a bachelorette party to get started. No boys allowed.”

Lance and Jordan groaned with grins plastered on their faces. They retreated to their cars as the ladies congregated and discussed the first moves of the night.

“First, we get dolled up,” Chloe announced. “Then, our first stop is at the diner. Can’t have a bachelorette party on an empty stomach.”

“And then a surprise at my place,” Laurie added with a wink.

“Guys!” Gemma held up her hands. “You don’t have to do this. I’m fine with just having a movie night or something.”

“You’re the first one of us to get married.” Chloe pressed her lips into a hard line. “You don’t get to chicken out. I need this. You need this. It’s happening.”

“OK, fine. But when its your turn, I’m returning the favor.” She gave her a wicked grin. “So anything that happens tonight, will be ten times worse for you.”

Chloe held up her left hand. “There’s no ring on this finger.”

“Yet!” Laurie shouted.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if your Christmas present this year is a tiny little box,” Gemma added with another wicked grin. “I’ve heard him and Lance whispering. Those boys are up to something.”

“Whatever.” Chloe waved her arm, but a pleased smile stretched across her lips.

“I guess that means no more single ladies nights down at the bowling alley,” Laurie said with a pout. She shrugged her shoulders and gave a helpless sigh. “I guess I need to find myself a new set of friends.”

Gemma and Chloe began comforting her all at once, throwing their arms around her and pulling her into a hug.

“We’ll still go with you!” Gemma exclaimed. She rubbed a hand down Laurie’s arm. “I don’t care if I have a ring on my finger, I’m not giving up on my bowling streak.”

“Wasn’t that a streak of gutterballs?” Chloe asked, her eyebrows raising.

Gemma shrugged. “It’s still a streak. I’ve got a reputation to protect.”

They all broke down into laughter, wiping at the corners of their eyes with their gloves to keep their tears from freezing in their eyelashes.

“Thanks, guys,” Laurie said with a final dab at her eye. They began to walk toward Chloe’s car parked along the curb. “Glad to know I can still count on you.”

“Oh, you can count on us.” Chloe opened her door and slid inside. She waited for the others to do the same. “I happen to know that you can count on us to find you a hottie at Gemma’s wedding. Apparently, she’s got someone lined up for you.”

“What?” Laurie perched on the middle of the back seat. “What do you mean?”

“Lance has a cousin who’s going to be one of the groomsmen,” Gemma explained. She watched for Laurie’s reaction in the rear view mirror. “I’ve never met him, but I guess he’s a really solid guy. Has a consulting business or something. He’s been single for a year now and Lance thinks you guys could really get along.”

Laurie sucked in her cheeks and stared out the window. “I don’t want any setups, guys. That makes me feel even more pathetic.”