"Now, we're supposed to meet up at the courthouse later this afternoon. Penelope wasn't too clear on the time, but I'd assume around six." Erin looked up into Dave's face, breathing in deeply as he caressed her side. "Uhm, honey, we have no time for that this morning. There's not time to shower, and much though I love you, I do not want to smell like sex all day."

"Keep a man waiting on his wedding day."

"That will make tonight all the more sweet, mo chroi." She slid out of bed and made her way over to the armoire. "I think we'll use the gold dust this evening, my love?"

"I think that is a wonderful plan." He got up as well and joined her, pulling out clothes for the day. Dropping a kiss on her shoulder, he made his way over to the bathroom and she quickly pulled on an easy outfit. After all, she wasn't certain how many times she would be in and out of them that day.

Erin heard a horn beep downstairs and knew that her friend had arrived. "I'll see you later, Davie!" she called out as she went downstairs, patting Mudgie's head as she picked up her purse and headed out the door. "Good morning, Penny."

"Morning, sunshine. Ready for an awesome day?"

"As I'll ever be." Penelope giggled and she got in the car, buckling her seatbelt as she took off out the drive. "So, where are we heading to first?"

"Breakfast at Arnie's. It's quick, so we can get down to the true business of the day." She nodded and as the other woman drove, Erin thought about what type of dress she wanted. Penelope pulled into a parking spot close to the door, and arm in arm they went inside. "Table I for two, please," Penelope said to the hostess and she showed them to a booth in the middle of the restaurant.

"I gave up sex for you this morning, so you had better make me look amazing."

"Oh ye of little faith. David Rossi is not going to be able to keep his hands off you this evening." They looked over the menu and Erin quickly decided on the ham and cheese omelette. The waitress came back with a carafe of orange juice and they both nodded, holding out their cups. After placing their order, Erin sat back, looking at Penelope. "What is it, Erin?"

"I'm happy again today. I wish it had been this easy yesterday, but, perhaps it's better this way. Do you think it's a fool's wish to hope that my children will suddenly relent and talk to me again?"

"No, you love them so much. They're the fools in this scenario. So, you want to find a dress to match the shade of your eyes. What about lingerie?"

Erin shook her head, knowing Penelope was trying to keep her mind off her children. "I was thinking black or red. We should probably pick out the dress first, so that I'll know if I need a strapless bra or not."

"Then may I suggest we start at Joyce? I always love what they have to offer."

"Sounds like a plan." They lingered over breakfast, talking about inane little things until her phone rang. She recognized the ringtone for her children and met Penelope's gaze, suddenly nervous beyond reason. "It's Martha."

"Well, answer it. See what she has to say."

Nodding dumbly, she pressed the talk button and held the phone to her ear. "Hi, Martha."

"Mom! Dad told us you're getting married again, already. Seriously? Without us?"

"Well, you haven't exactly contacted me to know what's going on in my life. I've been trying to talk to you for months, but all of you delete my emails and refuse to take my calls."

"Yeah, about that. Ken was just so upset with everything, and you know how sensitive he is, that Maddy and I kind of just followed his lead. I'm sorry?"

Erin took a deep breath, looking across the table at Penelope. "Because you're my child, I forgive you. But my heart is still smarting, sweetie. It might take a little time to repair this. Understand?"

"Yeah, I do, Mom. But, I love you."

"I love you, too, sweetie. I hope to hear from you soon."

"Of course you will. Later."

Erin hung up the phone and blinked rapidly. Penelope reached across the table and squeezed her hand tightly. "Well?"

"I think Dave's call opened the lines of communication once more, at least with Martha. Being the baby, she's a bit more forgiving. It's Madeleine and Ken that will take longer to open up to me once more."

Penelope smiled and she smiled back, feeling her lips quiver a little. "Hey, none of that now. This is going to be a happy day for you and Dave. Now, let's get you a dress." Erin nodded and followed Penelope out of the restaurant, her mind still on her daughter.

By the time they got to Joyce, Erin found herself happier than she had been in days. She willingly clasped Penelope's hand as they entered the store, wanting the physical contact with her friend. A worker came up to them, a smile on her face. "Good morning, ladies. What can I help you with today?"

"We need two dresses, one for me and one for my friend. Complimentary shades of blue, if possible," Erin answered quickly, and the woman nodded. She led them over to a rack of dresses and pulled out a few choices. Erin's eyes immediately locked on a gorgeous royal blue Lotusgrace gown. Their helper pulled it out along with a navy Bagdley Mischka gown.

"If you like the royal blue for yourself, Ma'am, the navy would complement it well. What do you think?"

Erin held the dress up to her body and smiled. "That's the one, isn't it?" Penelope rested her chin on Erin's shoulder as they looked at it in the mirror. She nodded and looked back at the clerk.

"Does the navy dress come in my friend's size?" The woman nodded and pulled out the correct size, handing it to Penelope. Then they were shown to separate fitting rooms and another clerk helped Penelope into her dress while Amy, their original helper, worked with Erin. "This is so lovely," she whispered as the woman zipped her up.

"Let's go check on your friend," Amy replied, leading her out into the room. Penelope was standing in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection.

"You look amazing, darling," Erin drawled and Penelope whirled around to face her.

"So do you, darling. So, I take it these are the dresses for us. Now, we have to get shoes."

"Louboutins?"

"Who's paying for this shopping trip?" she asked, fingering the dress.

"I am. There's still a bit of money left over from the divorce settlement. Might as well put it to good use." Erin smiled at her and Penelope nodded, grinning. "What do you say to a pair of Louboutins?"

"I say yes."

Amy spoke up. "We have those over here. Let's get you changed out of the dresses and then we can focus on the shoes."

They went back in the dressing room and she was out of the dress in moments. Dave will like that, she thought as she changed back into her clothes and followed Amy out. She sent the dresses up to the front with the other clerk and led them over to the shoe section of the boutique.

"Oh my god, Erin, now these are shoes. Are you sure I can get a pair of Louboutins?"

"Or whatever shoes you like. I just want to be Dave's height this evening, and know that his heels will give me that." She looked over the selection and fell in love with a crystal-studded pair of closed-toe heels. Amy noticed her look and picked them up.

"What size do you need?"

"An eight." Amy nodded and disappeared into the back to find the correct size. "Do you see anything that you like?"

"These pink python skin ones are totally amazing. I hope that they have them in a size ten."

One of the other clerks milling around heard her and went back to get what she desired. Within five minutes, both women had the shoes on and Erin carefully walked around in them, getting used to the feel of them. "These are only two inches taller than I normally wear. Why is it throwing me off balance so?"

"Who knows, but Dave will love how your ass looks in them, that much is for sure."

Erin smiled and slipped them off. "As long as I don't break my fool neck first." Amy boxed the shoes up and led them up front.

"Is there anything else that you need this afternoon, ladies?"

"We need lingerie. Tasteful for me, and racy for her," Penelope quickly said before Erin could protest. Amy nodded and they followed her back to a more secluded alcove and Amy had them sit down while she picked out different pieces for them.

"A corset?" Erin hissed at Penelope as she saw what Amy was bringing back. "I want to be able to breathe!"

"You will be, those are very comfortable. Trust me, I speak from experience." Penelope winked at her and they looked over the offerings. They quickly settled on something for each of them and Amy led them up to the cash register.

Penelope gasped when she heard the total the woman gave them, and Erin quickly pinched her arm. "I told you that I would be fine taking care of this, Penny." Taking the bags from Amy's hands, they exited the shop and went back to the car.

"Do you want to go out for lunch?" Penelope asked as she started the car.

"No, I'll make it for us back at the house. That way, we can get ready afterwards. There are two showers, so we can take ours at the same time." Penelope nodded and they fell into an easy chatter as they drove back home.