Take Me (Take Me 1)

From the right side of the room, Tulia Evers cried, “I can’t fucking find the match to this shoe!” She held up one stunning high heel, but at her feet were at least two dozen boxes with their lids off and the tissue paper strewn in all directions.

From the left side of the room, McCarthy Andrews screeched, “Who the hell turned the flat-iron up to eight? For the love of all that’s holy, are you trying to fry my freaking hair?!”

Charlotte declared, “I have five diamond necklaces to choose from, ladies! My crisis overrules yours!”

“This is your crisis,” Tulia shot back. “Two dozen shoes to choose from, Charlotte? Really? On your fucking wedding day you’re still deciding which shoes to wear??!”

Kate bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing—or even cracking a smile.

“Oh, my God!” Charlotte heaved a sharp breath. “This is a disaster. A complete and utter disaster.”

Since Kate knew a thing or two about disasters that could truly rock one’s foundation, she remained calm.

“Girls,” she said, “Let’s divide and conquer here. Tulia—” She pinned the socialite with a steady gaze. “What was the last shoe Charlotte went nuts over?”

/> “Uh…um…” Her gaze swept over the lot. Then she reached for a striking pair with diamond-studded heels. “Cartier all the way.”

“Ahh, Charlotte,” Kate said with enthusiasm, nodding encouragingly, so that all the gals gathered around followed suit. “How in the world could anyone go wrong with Cartier diamonds on their shoes?”

“Oh, my God.” Charlotte now breathed a sigh of relief. “You are so right, Kate. I loved them the second I laid eyes on them.”

“I can’t imagine a more incredible statement piece,” Kate told her. “Except for that necklace your fingers are lingering on. What’s the weight of that center stone? A good fifteen carats?”

“Yes,” Charlotte said, suddenly entranced by the sparkling radiance. “It’s been in my family for centuries.”

Kate splayed a hand over her heart. “For centuries... Charlotte, that is so amazing.”

“I know, right?” she emphatically agreed.

“I can see you now,” Kate said, captivating the entire audience of bridesmaids and one enrapt maid of honor, Miss Mirabeth Presley. “Walking down the aisle with the right amount of classic sparkle—at the neck, the hint of the shoes, and with a very elegant and delicate shade of shimmering rose-gold gloss on your lips. Nothing to overwhelm because those eyelash extensions make your eyes pop and that’s what will mesmerize your groom. Not to mention,” Kate added, weaving a mystical trance, “the softest shade of shell-pink on your nails will set off your wedding ring. You don’t want anything to detract from it. And let’s face it, Charlotte…you will be so breathtakingly beautiful walking down that aisle, nothing should catch the eye other than the complete package that you are.”

“Oh, my God, yes,” Tulia Evers breathed. “She is so right. The complete package, Charlotte. Not one particular thing jumping out at everyone, but the whole picture. You. Stunning. All in one glorious visual.”

Kate crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bride a confident yeah, that look.

Tears sprang to Charlotte’s eyes.

“Denny will be—”

“Knocked right off his feet,” Mirabeth concurred in an equally breathy voice.

“As will everyone else,” McCarthy said.

With a nod, Charlotte confirmed, “Decisions made.” She inhaled deeply. “Wow, what a weight off my shoulders. And, holy cow, Kate… You just… Solved it all that quick.” She snapped her fingers.

Kate grinned. “I understand you want everything to be perfect today, Charlotte. But at the end of this day…what will be sheer perfection is you and Denny. And your life together.”

“Yes.” More tears crested Charlotte’s eyes. “You are so right, Kate.”

There were faint gasps all the way around, and as Kate’s gaze swept the suite, she discovered there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

“How do you know exactly what to say and do, Kate?” Mirabeth asked with astonishment in her tone.

Kate gave a small shrug. “I’m in love, too, remember? And perfection is about what we achieve together, in the exact way we choose to achieve it.”

“So wise,” Tulia murmured.

“I’m Insta-ing that,” Mirabeth said.