“Where is Margaret by the way? Still at the dentist?”

“Yes.”

“Good. And I’m finished here, so maybe she won’t even notice. She rarely comes upstairs anymore.”

“I’m glad you’re finished here because you need to come down. Something’s arrived for you. It’s in the staff room.”

“Books?”

“No.”

“Magazines?”

“No.”

“Information on the ALA conference this summer?”

“No.”

“What then?”

“Just come see,” Louise said firmly, but still beaming and clearly quite excited about something.

Taylor dusted her hands off, closed and locked the glass cabinet door before following Louise downstairs, behind the circulation desk, through the small office to the tiny staff room behind.

Inside the staff room, hanging on the antique coat rack, was an enormous silver garment bag with ornate black calligraphy, Married in Marietta.

“Lisa Renee dropped it off herself,” Louise said. “Just moments ago.”

Taylor arched a brow. “It must be a mistake. I’m not getting married, nor do I know anyone getting married.”

Louise rolled her eyes. “You know everyone’s gone there for their formal gowns for the ball. As a matter of fact, you were there with McKenna last night. Miss Renee was not. Apparently one of her sales associates was.”

“Yes, and the sales associate rang up my dress and the dress I bought is hanging in my closet at home right now.”

“Maybe there was a mistake—”

“There was no mistake. I bought my dress. It’s in my closet. This isn’t for me.”

“But it is. She brought this for you, and there’s a card with your name on it,” Louise said. “So open it. Read it. The suspense is killing me.”

But Taylor didn’t want to open the card. She suddenly knew who’d sent the dress and it wasn’t McKenna, or Lisa Renee, the elegant stylish manager who did all the ordering for the bridal boutique.

It was Troy. It had to be Troy. McKenna must have said something to him.

Taylor’s jaw tightened as she reached for the little envelope tied to the hanger with a silver ribbon. She slid open the envelope’s flap and pulled out the creamy white card.

Book girls do it better in red spangles.

Troy

Taylor’s heart jumped. Her pulse raced. She knew even without unzipping the garment bag which dress she’d find.

The couture gown.

Taylor peeked into the bag. Glossy red spangles caught the light, glowing and shimmering within.

Her heart fell. She exhaled in a soft, disappointed whoosh.

“Look at that,” Louise murmured.

“Mmm,” Taylor agreed, blinking back tears. It was such a gorgeous gesture on Troy’s part, so exciting, and she loved the thought… she did, but she couldn’t keep it. Couldn’t wear it. Couldn’t ever accept such an expensive gift.