Clara took a step back. “I want you to stay. I want you to be part of our party. Don’t let Chris ruin this.”

“I’m a mess.”

Clara laughed. “No, that would be Aunt Regan. Did you see how she blubbered out there?”

That finally gave way to a chuckle from Victoria. “I miss having you around.” She cleared her throat. “Especially since my sister is gone.”

Clara pulled her to her again. “I’ll always be here, even if my buffoon of a brother is out of the picture.” She gave her a squeeze and stepped back. “Okay, you get yourself together. Darcy is getting changed and we found a dress we think you should wear.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, so hurry out.”

Clara left the bathroom and Victoria stood there trying to compose herself. She’d so wanted to be one of the Keller women. They were strong and united together. Perhaps she was one after all.

She looked in the mirror at the woman she hardly recognized anymore. As she moved closer to the mirror she tried not to limp when she saw herself do so in the reflection, but it was near impossible. Her eye lids drooped and there were dark circles shadowing the blue eyes Chris had said he’d fallen in love with. Her blonde hair hung over her shoulders.

She set her purse on the counter and fetched out the small brush she kept there. After a few swipes through her hair she dug around for some lip tint. Finally, she found something that had a hint of pink. After a few more moments of primping she thought she looked healthier. Now it was time to test her nerves. Could she keep it together long enough to spend the day with the Keller women?

All of the Keller women were sitting on the couches in the fitting room as Darcy finished changing out of her dress. Victoria would have like to have just slipped in, but they were obviously waiting for her.

“C’mon, we found a dress we think you’ll love,” Regan stood and reached out a hand to Victoria.

She took her hand and let Regan lead her to an open dressing room.

“What do you think?”

It was simple. It was exactly what she’d been looking for. It was another trigger to start the tears.

“I think it’s wonderful.”

Regan smiled as if she knew what she was going through. “Try it on and come show us. Darcy thought the size was right.”

Victoria nodded with a smile as Regan turned and left her alone in the room.

Her hands trembled as she reached for the dress. Already she knew it was out of her price range, but what was a little dress up among friends?

She took off her yoga pants, which she realized she’d become accustom to. Maybe she should think about a new pair of jeans. Toeing off her ratty sandals, she realized she needed a pedicure. Was that the beginning of a hole in her old Victoria Secret panties? Wow, she thought. She’d really let herself go.

Victoria stripped off her shirt and pulled the dress off the hanger.

Darcy had been right on the size. The floral print was warm and full of spring time. The capped sleeves gave a graceful accent to her arms, which she’d always thought was her best feature. And the V-neck gave way to her delicate B-cups.

Victoria slowly opened the door to the dressing room to the room full of women whose conversation stalled as she walked out.

“Oh, Tori! It’s perfect!” Darcy clasped her hands together. “That’s it! That’s the dress.”

Victoria walked toward the large mirrors where all the women had stood in their dresses. The dress was flattering and sophisticated—and fun.

Simone walked up behind her and gave a few tugs on the fabric. “It fits so well, I don’t think it even needs altering,” she said in her beautiful French accent, which Victoria adored.

“It’s very nice. I don’t think I can afford it though.”

The women again went silent.

Darcy walked toward her and took her hands. “We are all pitching in and buying you the dress. It’s a gift.”

“Oh, no. I can’t…”

“It’s already done. And look at this.” Darcy turned around and pointed to Madeline who held a smaller version of the dress. “There’s one for Ali.”

That was the final straw. The tears gave no notice before they fell freely down her cheeks.

“Really, you all don’t have to…”

“We all want to.” Darcy brushed a tear from her own cheek. She leaned in to Victoria. “You’re supposed to be my sister-in-law. Just because he’s a freaking moron doesn’t mean I have to lose that,” she whispered.

Victoria pressed her fingers to her lips to keep them still.

She was a Keller woman. She would just have to do without the Keller man.

Chapter Four

Christian adjusted the tie that currently suffocated him. He hated the monkey suit. His brother was getting married—not him. Why did he have to be formal for dinner? Really…it was going to be his family and Darcy’s dad and he needed a suit?

“Stop fidgeting.” Clara walked up and adjusted the tie he’d just loosened. “Are you sick or something? You’re sweating.”

He rubbed the scar on his forehead when it began to itch, as it did when he’d get hot. “I don’t want to be here.”

“I worry about you. You always were a quiet kid, but since the accident you’ve been shut off from the world. We all still exist you know.”

Christian grit his teeth. “I’m just nervous. It’s been a long time since I stood in front of a lot of people and had to talk. Giving speeches is not my forte.”

“You’re going to be fine.” She patted him on the shoulder. “And to think two years ago you were a cocky ball player.”

She walked away, but the sting of her words had done their job. She was right. He’d been a quiet, almost shy, kid. Then he’d become the epitome of the jock. Full of himself and easy with the ladies. And then came Tori.

Okay, he had to admit it—the real issue at hand was knowing he had to face Tori tomorrow. Seeing her had been one thing. Knowing she was bringing a date had twisted him up. And then to top it off, all Clara and Avery could talk about all week was about the day they had with her. They’d bought her a dress and took her to lunch. After that, Simone had surprised Darcy with a limo and a spa day—in which they’d included Tori.

He knew she was going to knock his socks off tomorrow. She was going to take that wedding by storm. And she was going to do it all with another man at her side.