Love on Beach Avenue (The Sunshine Sisters #1) - Jennifer Probst Page 0,18
There’s only one person who can take the best care of my sister.” A grim smile rested on his lips. “Me.”
She growled low in her throat, fisted her hands, and almost blasted a tirade at his arrogant declaration, but Ally came back through the door.
“Jason says hello to both of you,” she sang merrily, flopping back in the chair next to her brother. “What’d I miss?”
Carter smiled and draped his arm across the back of her chair. “Not much. Avery was just telling me how happy she was to work with both of us on the wedding. She understands how important me being the man of honor is for you and felt I should be involved in every step of the planning. That’s okay with you, right?”
“Yes! I love that we’re doing this together,” Ally said.
Carter threw Avery a triumphant look, and she smothered a groan. Damn, he was good.
Avery had no choice but to smile back, pretending she was on board. Being older, he had more experience than she did in the business world, honing his slick moves to get a client to do what he wanted. But this wasn’t her first rodeo. She reminded herself she’d handled far worse clients. He might be a challenge, but she’d win eventually. For now, she’d let him believe he’d bested her.
“This is going to be so much fun,” she said, smiling even brighter. “Our three most time-sensitive tasks are booking the venue, getting your dress, and picking out invitations. I contacted Vera’s Bridal, and she can fit you in Wednesday at two.”
“What if Vera doesn’t have what she wants?” Carter asked.
“I doubt Ally will have a problem finding the perfect dress there.” She smiled at her friend. “Vera has an amazing assortment of dresses in various styles you can get right off the rack, and she does all the alterations. As you probably know, extensive changes or delivery issues can be detrimental in wedding planning. We wouldn’t want you to end up without your perfect dress because we ignored the time crunch. You didn’t have your heart set on some glamorous Alexander McQueen from Paris, did you?”
Ally laughed. “God, no. There are a few styles I’d like to try out, but I’m open.”
“Great. We can meet tomorrow at the shop. Here’s the address.” She whipped out a business card and handed it to Ally. “Like I said before, I went through all of the pictures you forwarded and made a list of specific vendors that matched your style and budget. I’ll book an array of appointments throughout the next few weeks.” She lifted a fat binder and placed it in front of them. “Here’s some invitation designs that are in stock and can be sent out quickly. Look them over tonight, if possible, and tell me if you like any tomorrow. The rest will unfold as we move forward.”
Emotion filled her friend’s eyes. “Thanks so much, Avery. You’ve already made this whole thing feel special.”
“That’s what wedding planners are for.” She reached across and held Ally’s hand. “And best friends, of course.”
They stood up and hugged. She caught Carter’s judging look—the same one he used to give her when she came to pick up Ally to go out—and she couldn’t help it. She stuck out her tongue.
He thought she was still a juvenile hell-raiser? Fine. She’d let him believe it, and then dazzle him while he watched her do the job she was born to do. A job she was great at.
When he smothered a laugh, the gleam of humor in those pewter eyes made her pause, but it disappeared so quickly she figured she’d imagined the whole thing.
Carter Ross was hardly human enough to get the joke.
Chapter Five
Avery arrived at Vera’s Bridal early. The boutique displayed a stunning pearl-and-lace vintage gown in the window, and already the place was packed, with a small line forming to get in. Thank God Vera always gave her first dibs on last-minute appointments, managing to squeeze her in amid the chaos of endless summer brides clamoring for their dream gowns.
She wove through the line and made her way inside. The racks were jammed with plastic-encased gowns, and the sounds of chattering, excited women filled the air. Three main dressing rooms were set apart with full-size mirrors, a fitting platform, and white fabric-covered chairs clustered around. She checked in at the front desk and waited for Vera.
“Darling!” She was greeted with enthusiasm. Avery rose and gave the older woman a hug, wrapped in her signature