nodded. “We’re having a bit of family drama. Originally, we planned for each of us to walk our mothers down the aisle. We wanted everything fair so no one would play the blame game. Lord knows, they’re all experts at that.”
Marcus sighed. “If only my family could play spades as well as they do the ‘who harmed who’ contest.”
Taylor smiled. “I know a few experts in that field.”
“I bet,” Jose said. “Unfortunately, it seems our mothers are battling over their dresses. There was an epic fight—each accused the other of stealing her original idea—and now they have almost identical outfits, and neither is backing down.”
“My mother says there’s no way she’s walking down the aisle on my arm when there’s a copycat wandering around free,” Marcus said with a shake of his head. “And since Dad died, there’s no one in the family who’s managed to calm her down.”
Jose let out a long litany of Spanish, and none of it sounded good. “Try talking my three sisters out of getting our mama all riled up. Taylor, I’m really worried. They don’t want to sit next to each other now, and Marcus’s family refuses to come to our eighties party.” He shook his head, his dark eyes filled with worry and pain.
Her heart ached, but before she could comfort him, Marcus had taken control. “We will not let them ruin our wedding,” he said calmly, squeezing his lover’s hands. “I promise you. And even if it’s us at that eighties party all alone, it will be the best one ever. I’m talking Samantha Fox, Cher, and Prince.”
Jose choked out a laugh. “Thanks, babe.” He gave Marcus a quick kiss, then seemed to calm down. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know what’s happening before it exploded even more, and I just couldn’t discuss it over the phone.”
“I understand,” Taylor said. “I just want you to know that family dramas are part of a wedding. If you had none, I’m sure a friend or colleague would step in to wreak havoc.” She coaxed two smiles from them as she mentally sorted through some ideas that had worked in the past. Dueling mothers was a classic problem, and one she actually didn’t mind solving. “I may be able to help. First up, if you had to pick one, who’s more flexible?”
They laughed, then discussed it briefly. “My mother,” Marcus said. “I still may be able to talk her down if I had more time, but the wedding is only a few weeks away.”
“Okay, do you have a picture of the dress that caused this epic fight?”
Jose whipped out his phone. “I do.” He slid the screen across to her.
Good, the silvery, flowing dress wasn’t even specially customized. She’d seen this one before in a few salons, even at David’s Bridal, so she knew she could get her hands on something similar. “Does your mom have any favorite color preferences? Did she specifically want a silver or sparkly dress, or did she just like the fit?”
Marcus frowned. “I don’t know.”
Jose shot him an amused look. “I do. She prefers more neutral colors, but I think she was attracted to this style. Said it was flattering, just like my mama did. They’re both busty, so this gives them decent coverage but is enough of a showstopper.”
Thank goodness for Jose’s fashion sense and tendency to listen to all chatter and gossip. He was a gold mine. “Perfect. Marcus, can you get your mother to meet me at Vera’s Bridal on Monday morning? I can show her some other dresses I think she’ll love. Then the bigger problem will be solved, and we’d at least have a chance at a truce.”
Marcus looked doubtful. “Is there even enough time? She’ll probably need it fitted and hemmed. I heard you need to get a dress for weddings months in advance.”
“If anyone can do it, Taylor can,” Jose said. “That’s why she’s the most badass planner of the century.”
She winked at him. “I’m going to try my very best. What do you think?”
“Definitely. We’ll try anything,” Marcus said. “Should I send her alone?”
“She’s welcome to bring a friend, or you, or anyone who makes her feel good about herself. But I’ll take good care of her, so she shouldn’t be afraid to come alone. Besides, I’ve been dying to meet her. I bet your mothers fight so much because they’re alike. They raised two amazing men.”
Jose blew her kisses, his eyes wet. “I just adore you, Sunshine. Thank you for