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‘What happened?’

‘A fall.’ He shrugged. ‘She knocked herself a bit silly.’

‘But she’s going to be OK, right?’

‘I think so.’ He nodded. ‘She was already picking up when I left, and the nurse will check on her again when she does the final rounds of the night.’

‘Good.’ Angela breathed a sigh of relief. ‘She’s a sweet little thing — when she’s not trying to bite. She deserves a chance at happiness.’

‘She’s not the only one.’ Evelyn joined them in the hallway. ‘Sorry, I wasn’t eavesdropping — not exactly. Just wondered if you’re actually coming in. Liv and Callum are in the kitchen too.’

‘Yeah, I figured from the greeting.’ Angela laughed and hugged her friend. ‘And it’s not really eavesdropping when it’s your own home, and a friend.’

‘Glad you feel that way.’ Evelyn hugged her back tightly. ‘Because I mean it. If there’s anyone more deserving of a chance at happiness, I’ve not met them.’

‘Well, there’s you and Summer . . .’

‘Doesn’t count. We’ve already got ours in Jake. Which reminds me, I need to ask you something. A bit of a favour, really.’

‘I’ll go start mashing the spuds.’ Jake headed back through.

‘So what’s this favour?’

‘Well, given that we’ve been friends for years . . .’

‘Probably since the sandpit in pre-school.’ Angela grinned.

‘Yeah. I definitely remember you getting me in trouble with Mum for daring me to decorate my dress with poster paints!’

‘Oh gosh, I’d forgotten about that.’

She laughed. ‘Anyway, it is sort of dress related. Will you be one of my bridesmaids?’

‘I thought Summer and Sarah were?’

‘They are, but there’s quite a difference between adult bridesmaids and child ones. I’ve asked Liv too, as we’re basically going to be family, but . . . it wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there by my side.’

‘I’d love to.’ She linked her arm through Evelyn’s as they headed into the kitchen together. ‘But maybe one condition?’

‘Let me guess. No pink taffeta?’

‘Exactly. I love you, but please don’t ask me to wear pink taffeta!’

‘Come and have dinner. Jake’s probably done with the mash by now. And you can consult with the dress designers. They’ve been favouring ruffles and stars in the recent designs.’

‘Wonderful.’ Angela tried not to roll her eyes, already knowing that she’d wear anything Evelyn asked her to.

‘It’s not so bad. There’s been quite a few rainbows featured too.’

‘Now that sounds more like my style.’

‘Yeah, I thought you’d like those.’ Evelyn rolled her eyes now. ‘Guess I’ll have to rely on Liv.’

‘Hey, Angela.’ Liv looked up from where she was colouring with Summer and Sarah. ‘What am I being relied on for?’

‘Beautiful and elegant bridesmaid dresses.’

‘Oh, I don’t know, the rainbow thing might be growing on me,’ she teased.