Diva 02 _ Diva Takes the Cake, The by Krista Davis Page A

tune with modern weddings.”

    As though the devil had been summoned by mere mention of her name, Natasha strode toward us, every last hair in place, carrying the heart topiary I’d forgotten about. “Hannah, come on, we have so much to do. These things never should have been left for the last minute.”

    That barb hit home and I could feel my ears flushing. Nothing had been left undone, and I resented the implication.

    “Phoebe’s coming with us,” said Hannah. “Wonder what the guys will do to keep busy? Uh, Soph, could you change the flowers on your house to tans and chocolates? Before tonight’s party, if possible.”

    My sister had officially lost her mind. As if I had the time or inclination. Tans and chocolates? Did flowers even come in those colors?

    Natasha handed me the topiary. “Try not to lose it this time. If we return early, I’ll come over and help you wash your windows.”

    My windows glistened. “I had them done last week.”

    Natasha squinted at my house. “I wouldn’t use that service again.”

    I hadn’t noticed all the brown and black cloths hanging over her arm. She peeled them off one by one with detailed instructions about which ones went over the other ones and where ribbons and bows ought to be placed. She loaded them over my forearms and finally said, “You’ll never get this right, but I don’t have time now that I have to pick up the pieces of the wedding and make it happen. Well, try your best. Maybe your mother can help. She has good taste.”

    What nerve. I never should have left Hannah with Natasha, even for a few minutes. I knew exactly who had fueled the bridemania in my sister.

    As Natasha and Hannah strode away, Nina couldn’t contain herself and shrieked with laughter. “Change the plants on your house? Maybe she’d like you to dig up your backyard, too.”

    Although my immediate instinct was to pack up my toys and walk away, instead I closed my eyes and counted to ten. Slowly. I opened them again and took several deep breaths. I couldn’t let everyone down, even if Hannah had turned to the dark side. We would have the party tonight and it would be fabulous. And pink. Very, very pink.

    “Well,” said Nina, “the good news is that it appears the wedding is Natasha’s problem now. Except for that pesky detail of the groom being a killer.”

    “Maybe Wolf will arrest Craig before the wedding. That would prevent the marriage, or at least delay it.” But as I spoke the words, I knew the truth. We would have to stop Hannah from making the biggest mistake of her life. And considering the mistakes she’d made with her first two husbands, that was asking a lot.

    I might have vowed to butt out, but this was entirely different. Eventually Hannah would change from a Bridezilla to my good-natured sister again. She couldn’t be reasoned with now, though. I needed proof to make her see Craig for what he really was.

    Nina returned to her house, and I carried the topiary home feeling like I’d been demoted. I had been. But that was okay. If I didn’t have to worry about the wedding, I would have more time to bring Hannah to her senses. But how?

    I spied Phoebe’s boyfriend, Joel, hanging out in front of my house studying the historical plaque. Maybe I could get Craig out of the house long enough to do a little snooping. I strolled toward Joel. “I hear you’ve been abandoned.” When he smiled, I could see why Phoebe was attracted to him.

    His gentle eyes regarded me politely. “Let me help you with that.” He took the topiary in his arms. “Oof. Heavier than I thought.” I held the door for him and pointed him toward the dining room.

    “This is a great house,” he said. “I’m a bit of a history buff and I’m really looking forward to the tour of Old Town tomorrow. That was a terrific idea.”

    A history buff? This would be easier than I’d expected. “Why don’t you and Craig walk down to the Bayou Room for a beer? You can get a feel for