Tempting by Susan Mallery Page B

to get all this in the press? Who blabbed?”
    Dani explained the situation. The three women were outraged that some jerk had taken advantage of Bailey.
    â€œTell Walker,” Elissa said fiercely. “He’ll make the guy pay.”
    Dani was intrigued by the seemingly gentle Elissa being so willing to attack. Although it made sense. Walker was a warrior at heart—he would need a woman who was emotionally strong and secure within herself.
    â€œApparently Alex already did that,” Dani said. “The senator’s eldest son, a card-carrying member of the Washington State bar, punched a reporter.”
    Lori winced. “That can’t be good.”
    â€œHe said he didn’t know what was going to happen. It depends on whether or not the reporter presses charges.” Dani had a bad feeling he would. All the more attention on the event. Although the downside for the reporter was that he would come off as a jerk. Would he care about that?
    Penny eyed Dani. “So the cool, conservative lawyer has a passionate side.”
    Dani had thought the same thing, but she wasn’t going to get into that with her sister-in-law. Not right now. “Enough about me,” she said firmly. “We’re here to plan a wedding.” She turned to Elissa. “Where do we stand?”
    Elissa drew in a breath. “It’s going to be a big, splashy affair. I can’t help it—that’s what I’ve always wanted. A fairy-tale wedding with lots of flowers and twinkle lights. I want a dress with a big skirt and my hair up.”
    Dani felt a twinge of envy. Elissa was happy, in love and getting married. Not that Dani felt any burning need to be married this second, but she would like to fall in love with a great guy.
    Not going to happen anytime soon, she reminded herself. In the past year she’d been left by her husband, who claimed she hadn’t grown enough in their marriage—a total sham to cover up his cheating. She’d fallen for and been seduced by a seemingly perfect man who turned out to be married. Last but certainly not least, she’d met a kind, quiet guy who had only recently left the priesthood. It was a challenge she hadn’t been willing to take on.
    Her love life had become a cautionary tale.
    â€œYou should absolutely have the wedding you want,” Lori said firmly. “Fluffy dress and all.”
    â€œI agree,” Penny said with a sniff. “Even if you’re not concerned about the food.”
    Dani groaned. “Don’t go there,” she told Penny. “It’s Elissa’s choice.”
    Elissa shifted to the edge of the sofa and touched Penny’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I should have talked to you about this before. I don’t want you catering the wedding.”
    Penny’s eyes darkened. “Yes, I know. That’s been made very clear.”
    Elissa continued as if Penny hadn’t said anything. “It was a tough decision for me. I know you’re the best chef I could ever hope to find, but you’re going to be my sister-in-law. What kind of sister would I be if I made you work on my wedding? I want you to enjoy yourself. I refuse to be selfish. Our guests will simply have to understand.”
    Penny shrugged. “It’s your call.”
    â€œI would love for you to cater the rehearsal dinner, if that isn’t too much trouble. I know it’s still work for you, but we’re talking maybe fifteen or twenty people. That’s nothing for you.”
    â€œTrue,” Penny said slowly. “I guess that would work. I could give you some names for the wedding. I know a few people who won’t screw things up.”
    Elissa smiled. “I would really appreciate that.”
    Dani leaned toward Lori. “Impressive. Penny could have held a grudge for years.”
    Lori lowered her voice. “Penny and Reid already had this out a while ago.