Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

I wish he knew how happy it made me that he worried. That he cared. That he would walk through a hurricane if it meant protecting me and the baby.

“Got it. I have to go. I can’t wait to see you without that brace later.”

“We’ll celebrate my freedom when you get home.”

I laughed. “Deal.”

“I still can’t believe you are getting married, Sasha. You’re going to be a married cougar.” Tara laughed at her friend.

“I’m not that much older than him.” Sasha giggled, already drunk. She was happy and relaxed tonight. It was good to see her having fun.

As far as bachelorette parties go, this one was tame. Mindy had brought a veil for Sasha to wear, and Tara made us wear tags shaped like penises that said bridesmaid. Overall, I thought they did a good job of keeping the embarrassing bride harassment down.

We were at our third bar when I got a text from Cole. I read the text out loud.

Going out with Lance and Cal. Guys night for the groom. Grayson is at Lisa’s. Call you later.

“Oh good,” Sasha gushed. I was worried Cal wasn’t going to have any way to celebrate. Lance didn’t really step up on this one.”

“Those boys are so sweet.” Tara might have had a few glasses of champagne. I couldn’t keep track of those two. My eyes were on Sasha for the night. I didn’t want her getting sick before her rehearsal dinner.

I texted a quick response.

Hope you’re still up when I get home.

Sasha laughed. “What’s that look all about? Your cheeks turned red, Kaitlyn. Are you sexting?”

I almost spit out my gingerale. I used the designated driver excuse for the night.

“You cannot ask me that.” Although, I think I just answered her question.

Mindy, who was always the quietest one in the group, piped in. “I’m so glad you and Cole ended up together. He was no good with Amber.”

“Thanks.” I didn’t know how to respond to that. And I didn’t feel like getting into my history with Cole. I knew him long before Amber.

“Yeah, Amber was so involved in her own stuff. She never had time for Cole. It was never going to work between them.” Tara threw in her two cents.

“Ok, good to know.” I was desperately trying to think how we could turn the conversation to the wedding and away from Grayson’s mother.

We’d had a few video calls with her, and one package for Grayson, but not much. She was focused on her poetry writing.

“So, there’s a guest I have to tell you about,” Sasha announced.

Mindy and Tara looked confused.

“Ok…who?” I asked.

Sasha sucked in a big breath, and took a sip of champagne before spilling the secret. “My mom invited Aiden and he’s bringing a date.”

“You’re kidding.” I stared at a spot on her veil. It kept my eyes from bulging out of my head.

“No, I’m not. He’s doing some kind of deal with my dad, and she said she had to invite him. They are some kind of business partners now. I’m sorry. Again.”

The vision of dancing in Cole’s arms under a moonlit Texas night at the reception fizzled. All the romance would be washed away the instant he set eyes on Aiden. So much for that.

“Sasha, don’t worry about it. All I care about is you and Cal. Let’s have a toast.” I raised my glass. This was supposed to be a bachelorette party. Not my pity-party.

Tara and Mindy picked up their glasses from the bar. “To the bride.”