Page 6 of Like You Love Me

“Oh, it’s going to be wonderful.” Bianca was so proud of her adorable nephew and niece, Joshua, and Kimora.

“That means I have just a few weeks to drop ten pounds before the photo shoot.”

Debra gave a rude snort. “And where do you plan to lose that, your pinky toe?”

Bianca bellowed with laughter. Danica had a body that put a woman half her age to shame.

The bell rang again, and this time Debra rushed off to answer it. She came back, followed by Sheyna. Even with bruises, the mahogany beauty managed to look gorgeous. She was wearing high heel black boots that made a distinctive clicking sound as she sauntered across the hardwood flooring.

“Hey, beautiful,” Danica greeted her.

Bianca shook her head. “All that snow on the ground, and you still insist on wearing boots that could knock you down on your butt and back in the hospital.”

Sheyna clucked her tongue and replied, “Hey, even though I look beat up, I still try to keep it cute whenever I can.”

“You look gorgeous.” Bianca rushed off the sofa and gingerly wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re safe,” she whispered. They had been friends long before Sheyna had married her brother Jace.

Drawing away, Sheyna looked at her with a calm amber gaze and said softly, “Thank you. I’m glad you’re okay too.”

Bianca knew those words came from the bottom of Sheyna’s heart. Sadness flitted over her beautiful features for several seconds before disappearing. They both had endured but would overcome. When it was time to appear in court and testify, the women would be ready.

“Okay, so let’s get this party planning started,” Sheyna said as she released her.

Bianca nodded, happy to talk about something other than Troy.

They took their seats. Sheyna pulled out a notebook and pen and got the meeting underway. “Alright, so we are down to eleven bachelors. We need to find one more.”

“Who canceled?” Debra asked.

“We had a gynecologist, but he was invited to be the keynote speaker for a medical conference on the same weekend,” Sheyna explained with a shrug.

Danica nodded. “Okay, so we need to find one more.”

Brenna gave a coy grin. “I think I have an idea.”

Sheyna’s eyes narrowed. “Really, who?”

“There is a new bicycle shop that opened near the bookstore, and the owner is gorgeous,” Brenna purred.

“And he’s single?” Debra’s brow peaked with curiosity.

“Yep, I asked him.”

“You think you can convince him to participate?” Bianca asked.

Brenna nodded. “I will convince him it’s a good way to introduce his business to the community.”

Sheyna’s smile stretched wider. “That would be perfect.”

“What about your cousins?” Danica asked. “You get their commitment?”

Bianca frowned. “I got confirmation from Remy, but I still need to reach out to Rush.”

Debra held up her hands in surrender. “Good luck with that.”

Sheyna nodded in agreement.

“I’ll convince him,” Bianca added. Rush was very private and a workaholic, but it was for a good cause; how could he say no?