Shane shakes her head, a crooked smile on her face. “Zero patience, Alice…”

Carmen laughs and stands, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She beckons Shane over. The two lace fingers and step in front of the circle of chairs.

“So…” Carmen begins, glancing at Shane for support.

Alice arches an eyebrow. “Shane got you pregnant already? Couldn’t wait till the honeymoon, huh?”

Everyone laughs. Shane wraps her arm around Carmen’s waist. “I wish…”

“Don’t we all,” Alice sighs dramatically. “If it were possible, these two would’ve had like ten kids the way they went at it when they first started dating…” She nods toward Bette and Tina, who catch each other’s eyes and exchange flirty grins.

Carmen gives Shane a quick kiss on the lips, then turns back to the group. “So, we’ve decided where we’re getting married…”

In unison, they announce, “A destination wedding…in Toronto!”

Applause and cheers fill the yard. Tina raises her glass. “That’s wonderful, you guys.”

Carmen shrugs modestly. “Nothing over‐the‐top—we want it simple. I always pictured my wedding surrounded by snow and my family’s offering to chip in, so we figured, why not?”

Lara beams. “I’m so happy for you both.” She shoots a sidelong glance at Dana.

Dana sips her beer and looks around the yard.

Shane and Carmen separate.

Shane brushes her fingers through her hair, then clears her throat. “We’ve also made a couple more decisions…” She steps toward Bette, voice low. “Bette, will you stand beside me—be my best woman?”

Bette’s spatula clatters against the grill lid as she closes it. She opens her arms, her voice catching. “Are you kidding? It’d be my absolute pleasure.” She envelops Shane in a fierce hug, blinking back tears.

Carmen moves next to Alice, tilting her head earnestly. “Alice, my sisters will flank me, of course, but I’d love you to be my co–maid of honor. You’ve been my rock since Shane and I started dating.”

Bette smirks as she sips her beer, as she waits for Alice’s dramatics. “Here we go…”

Alice lets out a high-pitched shriek, springing to her feet, and sweeps Carmen into a hug of her own. “Of course I will. I’ll be the best damn maid of honor you’ve ever seen.”