Emergency Engagement (Love Emergency 1)

The world straightened. The ground under his feet solidified. “You think you’ve got the whole night in you, Smith? Because I guarantee I do.”

Her lips curved. “I’m counting on it, Montgomery.”

…

“Damn, you’re gorgeous. Delicate, but powerful. Graceful, yet undeniably sexy. I can’t wait to get inside you.”

Savannah stood in her strapless bra and matching thong, and let her hands roam, exploring every line and contour, luxuriating in every breathtaking detail…until a knock on the other side of the door interrupted the seduction. A polite female voice called, “Do you need any assistance?”

“No, no. I’m good. I’ll be out in a minute.” She cast a nervous glance at the door and then turned back to the object of her lust. “Okay, let’s do this. I promise I’ll be gentle.”

The sleek column of ivory satin seeded with tiny Swarovski crystals seemed to wink at her. She lowered the side zipper and then lifted the dress off the hanger. The $3,000 price tag mandated she be very, very gentle. Frankly, she had no business even trying the thing on. She didn’t need a wedding dress, much less a $3,000 one, but the moms had been so excited about the shopping trip—they’d even dragged poor Sinclair along as the designated driver—and after a few complimentary glasses of champagne at the bridal boutique, she’d gotten kind of swept up in the moment. When the sales associate had smiled and said, “This is a smidge beyond the budget you mentioned, but I think it would be perfect,” Savannah hadn’t had the strength to resist. What harm could come from trying it on?

Stepping into the cool, silk embrace sent a decadent shiver along her spine. She zipped herself in and turned to look at her reflection in the full-length fitting room mirror. The gown might as well have been made for her. Aside from the length—everything she tried on was miles too long—the dress hugged her body like an opulent second skin, and flared out above her knees in a dramatic sweep of skirt. The strapless sweetheart neckline left her shoulders bare and presented an unapologetically feminine silhouette. She could wear her hair up, and maybe Sinclair could design a necklace to… Holy shit, Savannah, reel it in. You’re not getting married.

“How’re we doing in there?”

We’re trying on a dress I’d have to sell a kidney to afford, for a wedding that’s never going to happen. “Good.”

“Your mother, sister, and future mother-in-law are dying to see the gown on you,” the sales associate prompted. “Should I start the drum roll?”

“Sure.” She took a deep breath, pasted a smile on her face, and opened the door. The sales associate’s eyes moved over her in quick assessment.

“Go on out and step up on the riser. I’m going to grab my hem clips. Y’all are going to want to see the way this will actually look on the big day.”

Guilt stabbed Savannah as she walked to the main room of the boutique where her entourage sat chatting. The salesclerk clearly thought she was going to say yes to the dress. The willowy brunette was probably already mentally spending her commission check…hopefully not on shoes for her five fatherless children.

Three sets of eyes turned to her, and conversation stopped. After a beat or two of being silently stared at, she started to feel self-conscious. “This one’s pretty, but maybe a little too…too?”

Mrs. Montgomery let out one warning sniffle, and then dissolved into tears.

All of a sudden Savannah realized Beau’s mom had been through this ritual before. “Oh my God. I’m sorry. Is this stirring up painful memories?”

“No,” the older woman assured her between sobs. “Kelli’s dress was completely different, and perfect for her, but this dress…Savannah, this gown is perfect for you.” She offered up a watery smile. “I can’t wait to see Beau’s reaction.”

Yeah. That will be interesting.

“You look lovely,” her mom agreed as she took a couple of tissues from the box the sales associate offered, and mopped her damp cheeks. “That is definitely the one.”

“You guys need to take it easy on the champagne.”

The saleslady knelt at the base of the riser and began clipping the hem at the front of the dress to the appropriate length. “Don’t think it’s just the champagne talking. The dress really does flatter you. I’ve developed sort of an eye for matching the gown to the girl.”

Guilt prickled again. Time for some honesty. “You absolutely have.” She ran her hand down the rich fabric and sighed. “I love this dress. It’s straight out of my dreams. And way out of my price range.”

“I wouldn’t be much good at matching the gown to the girl if I didn’t factor in the budget.” She stood and winked at Savannah. “Your mother and future mother-in-law have a surprise for you.”

Uh-oh.

“Cheryl and I are going splitzies on the dress,” her mother announced, beaming.

Savannah turned to Sinclair and caught her in the act of wiping her brimming eyes.

“What? It wasn’t my idea.”

No, she had a pretty good idea the moms came up with the gesture themselves, but her sister was sitting there, enabling all the same. “Stop crying. You haven’t had any champagne.”

“Can I help if I’m a sucker for a perfect wedding dress?”