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Charlotte knew Lizzie was guessing but as often happened, her guess was spot on.

“Her name is Ali.”

A gasp sounded on the other end of the line and Sasha could be heard in the background inquiring what was wrong.

“Charlotte is bringing a date Saturday!”

The level of exuberance in Lizzie’s voice further proved the threat of Charlotte going stag caused her twin some anxiety.

“Oh, really? Anyone we know?” Sasha asked, causing Charlotte to smirk as she imagined her future sister-in-law reworking every guest list in her head.

“Does Ali have a last name?”

“McCarthy,” Charlotte supplied, taking another sip just before the light turned green.

“No, we don’t know this one. This one is new.”

A giddy sigh echoed down the line.

“I can’t believe you asked someone.”

“Well, I did.”

Technically.

“Wow! You know, six months ago on… January eighteenth—I think it was—you called me in a tizzy going on about some barista with a smile like sunlight, irresistible dimples, and hair kissed by fire. And if I recall, an ass worthy of devotion,” Lizzie drawled. “That was the moment I knew you really needed to get laid,” she added before a maniacal cackle echoed through the speakers. “Babe, I won our bet!”

Charlotte gaped. Had the state of her love life or lack thereof become so abysmal her family placed bets?

“Excuse me?”

“Sasha’s money was on the head chef at Havre. Now, she owes me five bucks.”

Sasha’s voice came through much closer to the speaker than before.

“Will you accept five kisses instead?”

“Mmmm, I’ll think about it.”

Charlotte’s heart felt rather full every time there was evidence Lizzie found someone who appreciated her for more than just her surgical skill and social standing. Sasha loved Lizzie for her heart more than anything. Often encouraging her playful spirit.

“Though, I do hope if someone else offered to pay you wouldn’t value a kiss from those lush lips for less than a grand.”

“Try ten.”

Charlotte listened to them say their goodbyes before Sasha grabbed the phone. Her smooth voice coming through clear as she got right to business.

“Will this ‘Ali’ be attending the rest of the events?”

“That’s the plan.”

Charlotte hoped they would make a convincing couple.

“We’ll need her contact information. I need to add her to the guest list and make certain she receives invitations for everything. Does she have any allergies?”

“Nothing extreme that she has told me, but I’ll double check.”

“Please do,” Sasha ordered, the wedding stress seeping into her voice before she softened. “I’m looking forward to meeting her. If you like her, I’m sure she is wonderful.”